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JOURNALS 


PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


M  A  S  S  A  C  H  I  S  1 :  I  T  S 


IX  i7?i  AXD  177 j, 


l  Mi    01     riu: 


COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY, 

■ 

HI  III 

AN   APPENDIX, 


■  N    I    \  I  ".  I   N  .  . 


THE  PROCEEDINGS  OF  THE  COUNTY  CONVENTIONS— NARRATIVES  OF 
THE  EVENTS  OF  THE  NINETEENTH  OF  APRIL;  [775— PAPERS 
RELATING  TO  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT, 

OTHER  DOCUM  ENTS, 

ILLUSTRATIVE    OF    111!      EARL1     BIS1    >B1     OF     lilt:    ISItllUAN    RXTOLUTIOIf. 


PI    BUSHED  AUiiEKAl!  I.  V  T<>    \    KKSiil.Vi:    I'ASSKl)  MAKC1I  ID,  1837, 


UNDER    THE    811'EhVIM      N     01 


WILLIAM    LINCOLN 


Boston: 

DUTTON  AND  WENTWORTH,  PRINTERS  TO  TDK  STATE. 


L838. 


LOG  r .N 


'LFS  PC  TY 


■  -      • 


. 


I  N  T  11  O  D  U  C  T  ION. 


I',\  a  resolve  of  the  legislature  of  the  Commonwealth, 
approved  March  1<(.  1837,  the  governor  was  authorized 
to  |  rocure  the  |  ublication  of  the  Journals  of  each  Pro- 
vincial Congress  of  Massachusetts,  id  of  such  papers 
connected  with  those  records,  as  would  illustrate  the 
patriotic  exertions  of  the  people  of  the  state  in  the  rev- 
olutionary contest.  The  subscriber  had  the  honor  of 
being  appointed  to  carry  this  resolve  into  effect,  by  His 
Excellency  Edward  Everett,  at  whose  suggestion 
measures  were  first  adopted  for  j  uating  and  multiply- 

ing copies  of  these  memorialsof  the  history  of  that  period 
when  the  authority  of  the  crown  had  been  overthrown, 
and  the  powers  of  government  were  exercised  by  the 
people  in  their  priman   assemblies. 

The  journal  of  the  first  Provincial  Congress,  formed 
at  Salem,  on  the  seventh  of  October,  177  1.  and  dissolved 
on  the  tenth  day  of  December  following,  was  recorded  by 
Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq.,  the  clerk,  afterwards  distin- 
guished by  civic  and  military  honors.  The  brave  and 
wise  men  uniting  in  thai  assembly,  mighl  have  foreseen 
through  the  gloomy  shadow  of  impending  war,  the  ira- 


i'l  INTRODUCTION. 

portance  of  the  consequences  to  result  from  their  acts, 
but  they  could  not  realize  the  value  the  gratitude  ofpos- 
terity  would  attach  to  the  memorials  of  their  doings. 
The  legislature  had  been  driven  from  its  ancient  seat, 
and  the  depositaries  of  the  public  records  were  in  the 
hands  of  an  armed  enemy.  The  documents  relating  to 
the  proceedings  of  the  first  Congress,  entrusted  to  the 
custody  of  members,  whose  minds  were  devoted  to  the 
great  i  olitical  events  of  the  day,  and  who  soon  engaged 
in  the  active  duties  of  the  field,  were  dispersed  and 
have  perish)  d.  Returns  had  been  procured  of  the  mili- 
tia, munitions  of  war,  manufactures,  and  resources  of 
the  town-.  Letters,  petitions,  and  other  communica- 
tions were  received,  showing  the  spirit  of  the  times,  and 
the  progress  of  the  preparations  for  resistance  of  usur- 
pation. All  these  have  been  lost,  and  no  papers  from 
the  files,  once  so  rich,  have  been  preserved.  It  is  not 
ini;  r  bable,  that  in  the  confusion  occasioned  by  the  sud- 
den march  of  the  "British  troops  to  Concord,  the  docu- 
ments  exhibiting  the  weakness  of  the  province  in  martial 
is  well  as  the  strength  of  its  patriotism,  were  de- 
stroyed. 

The  journal  of  the  Second  Provincial  Congress,  which 

)!,  I    imbridge,   February  1,  177o,  kept  in  part  by 

tl  careful  clerk,  and  partly  by  Samuel  Freeman, 

mutilation   before  it   was  placed    in    the 

"I   the  '  ommonwealth.     The  oilicial  records  of 

this  assembly,  from  May  21,  1775,  to  its  dissolution,  are 


INTRODUCTION.  Ill 

not  known  to  exist,  and  but  few  of  the  reports,  and  lit- 
tle of  the  evidence,  on  which  its  proceedings  were 
founded,  have  been  retained. 

The  Third  Provincial  Congress  convened  on  the  thir- 
ty-first daj  of  May,  L775,  and  Sami  el  Freeman,  Esq. 
was  elected  secretary.  The  labors  of  the  recording:  offi- 
cer  of  a  body  exercising  the  legislative  and  executive 
powers  of  government,  In  that  stormy  period,  called 
hour  by  hour  to  issue  orders  to  the  army  and  the  towns, 
must  have  been  oppressive.  From  that  part  of  the 
original  records  which  has  been  preserved,  it  is  appa- 
rent, that  the  memoranda  taken  amid  the  heavy  pics- 
sure  of  engagements,  and  filled  with  references  to  re- 
ports and  documents  afterwards  to  be  inserted,  were 
designed  to  be  perfected  by  future  revision.  The  time 
which  elapsed  before  they  were  transcribed  in  the  fair 
volume  now  in  the  archives  of  the  state,  prevented  the 
omissions  from  being  fully  supplied. 

Long  after  the  two  earliest  assemblies  had  separated, 
copies  of  their  journals  were  prepared  with  extraordi- 
nary neatness.  The  waste  of  years  was  irreparable, 
and  the  beauty  of  the  transcript  gives  slight  consolation 
lor  the  imperfection  of  its  contents. 

So  far  as  was  possible,  the  fulness  of  the  original  jour- 
nals has  been  restored  in  this  edition :  many  resolutions 

and  papers  have  been  recovered   and    restored  from    eon- 


iv  INTRODUCTION. 

temporary  newspapers  and  publications,  and  from  other 
authentic  sources. 

The  text  of  the  original  journals  has  been  carefully 
preserved,  and  the  variations  introduced  by  later  writers, 
except  such  as  were  too  inconsiderable  to  be  matter  of 
importance  or  curiosity,  have  been  indicated. 

Documents  elucidating  the  subjects  of  action  or  de- 
bate, have  been  placed  in  connection  with  the  proceed- 
ings of  each  Congress,  and  some  brief  explanatory  notes 
occasionally  added. 

Preparations  for  defence,  and  the  execution  of  im- 
portant measures  pointed  out  by  each  Congress,  were 
confided  to  the  committees  of  safety  and  of  supplies. 
The  proceedings  of  these  bodies  while  their  sessions 
were  held  in  union,  and  of  the  former,  after  the  increas- 
ing weight  of  labor  and  responsibility  rendered  a  divis- 
ion of  duties  necessary,  were  closely  connected  with  the 
acts  of  tli<'  assemblies  conferring  the  powers  exercised 
for  the  common  good.  The  journals,  preserved  with 
many  im]  ions3  have  been  inserted  in  this  volume. 

resoluti  as  i  i  the  conventions  held  in  the  several 
counties,  were  of  deep  interest,  and  il  is  hoped,  will  be 

(appropriate  additions  to  those  of  the  represen- 
tatives i  i  the  stal  The  whole  journal  of  the  local  as- 
sembly held   in  Worcester,  redeemed  from  the  destruc- 


INTRODUCTION.  \ 

tion  which  has  overwhelmed  so  man}  of  the  memorials 
nt'  the  revolution,  has  been  printed  with  the  notices  oi 
the  acts  of  the  other  communities,  unfortunately  less 
full,  but  the  most  complete  which  could  be  obtained. 

The  records  of  the  towns  of  Massachusetts,  from  the 
first  practical  attempt  to  separate  the  power  of  tax- 
ation and  the  right  of  representation,  to  the  termi- 
nation of  the  war  of  independence,  arc  filled  with  pa- 
{  ers  breathing  an  ardent  spirit  of  patriotism.  On  their 
pages  are  eloquent  vindications  of  the  principles  of  civil 
liberty,  able  expositions  of  chartered  privileges,  and 
bold  appeals  against  the  encroachments  of  the  crown. 
They  bring  to  us  the  thoughts  and  words  of  the  lathers 
of  the  revolution  as  vividly  as  they  rose  on  the  minds 
or  came  from  the  lips  of  the  authors  of  the  heroic  resolu- 
tions. Desirable  as  it  was  to  embody  these  representa- 
tions of  the  virtues  of  the  patriots  of  former  time,  it  was 
found  that  the  doings  of  each  of  the  municipal  republics, 
formed  connected  series  of  noble  acts  and  exertions, 
spreading  through  many  years,  and  that  a  mere  selec- 
tion from  among  the  documents,  made  at  the  risk  of  un- 
just preference,  would  impair  the  value  by  separation, 
and  possibly  prevent  the  collection  and  publication  of  all 
of  these  honorable  relics. 

Soon  after  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1 7  /  ~> ,  a  narrative 
of  the  events  of  that  memorable  day  was  prepared,  sub- 
stantiated by  numerous  depositions  oi'  witnesses  ol  the 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

ravages  of  the  British  during  their  excursion  from  Bos- 
ton.  They  were  transmitted  to  England  and  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  widely  circulated,  as  the  jus- 
tification to  the  nation  and  the  world,  for  the  appeal  to 
arms.     These  have  been  placed  in  the  Appendix. 

Frequent  references  in  the  journals  to  the  letters  of 
Arnold,  and  to  communications  relating  to  the  capture 
of  the  fortresses  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  ren- 
dered the  correspondence  with  Congress  and  the  commit- 
tees, a  necessary  supplement  to  the  volume. 

Some  extracts  have  been  made  from  the  journals  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  detailing  proceedings  connect- 
ed with  the  acts  of  the  provincial  assemblies.  A  i'cw 
papers  of  interesting  character,  copied  from  the  fdes, 
have  been  added. 

A  copious  table  of  the  principal  subjects,  and  a  full 
index,  will  afford  the  means  of  ready  access  to  the  facts 
spread  through  the  pages  of  the  work,  and  will  render 
the  use  m         isj 

Such  are  the  contents  of  this  volume.  It  was  con- 
ceive  1  to  be  the  primary  purpose  of  the  resolve  author- 
izing the  publication,  to  perpetuate  materials  for  the  histo- 
id of  a  glorious  era  in  our  national  existence.  Within 
the  restrictions  imposed  by  its  terms,  efforts  have  been 
mad--  to  give  to  ihe  records  the  best  form  which  could 


INTRODUCTION.  Ml 

be  bestowed.  Jt  was  no1  the  object  of  tin-  legislature  to 
provide  for  the  preparation  of  a  new  narrative  of  the 
revolution,  but  to  preserve  the  remains  of  the  past.  Had 
it  been  permitted,  it  would  have  been  a  pleasant  labor 
to  have  drawn  from  the  journals  illustrations  of  the  vir- 
tues of  our  ancestors,  and  of  their  devotion  to  liberty  : 
the  humbler  dut}  of  arranging  some  testimonials  of  their 
worth,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  found  to  have  been  executed 
with  diligence  and  fidelity. 

WILLIAM  LINCOLN. 


INATTONS  OP  THE  REFERENCES. 

Is  which  have  been  omitted  from  the   copy  in  the  art-hives  of 
irda  diffi  rent  in  the  original  from  tliose  in  that  copy,  have  been  enclosed 

!    in   this  volume;  that  of  the  copy  is 

iriginal  joomala  in  the  copy  before  described,  have  been  placed  in 
i  .  the  public  transcript  indicated  by  a  letter  of  reference 

i  il  nor  copy,  inserted  in  the  text  of  this  edition,  are 

■ 

eta,  points  to  some  word  removed  from  the  text  to 

Words    clearlj   erroneous  in   the  original  or  copy   have   been 

ime  marks,  while  suitable  reference 


CON  T  E  N  rr  S 


FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  OF  H  188  \«  IIUSETTS. 

Sept.  28 — Proclamation  of  Governor  Gaga,  declaring  bis  intention  not  to  meet 
the  general  court  at  Salem,  on  the  5tli  of  October,  and  discharging 
all  persona  elected  as  representatives  from  attendance,  .  .  3 

<  )i  i.  5 — Members  elected  to  the  general  assembly  meet  at  Salem,  ami  organize  a 

convention,  ........  4 

"     7 — Their  resolutions  on  the  refusal  of  the  governor  to  meet  them  and  ad- 
minister the  oaths,  .......  5 

Provincial  Congress  formed  at  Salem.     List  of  the  delegates.    Original 

territorial  limits  of  the  county  of  Suffolk,        ....  7 

Original  extent  of  the  county  of  Hampshire,        ....  10 

Incorporation  of  Rutland  district  by  the  name  of  Hutchinson.     Proceed- 
ings of  the  citizens,  and  of  the  general  court,  in  relation  thereto.        .  13 

County  of  Lincoln, — Congress  adjourns  lo  meet  al  C sord,       .  .  \~> 

II  —  Provincial  Congress  merto  at  ('uncord,       .....  lo 

John  Hancock  elected  president,  and  Benjamin  Lincoln  secretary.     Rev. 

Mr.  Emeraon  invited  to  act  as  chaplain.    Monitors  chosen,    .  .  IG 

12 — Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  province,    .  .  16 

•   13 — The  committee  reported  a  message  to  the  governor,  which  was  consider- 
ed and  accepted,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  17 

Committee  to  present  address  to  the  governor,      ....  19 

■■    II — Cun-t.ii.lr-.  collectors  of  taxes,  and  other  officers,  advised  not  to  pay 

over  mi. y  in  theii  hand-  to  the  crown  officer ;  but  to  retain  it,  sub- 

jecl  to  the  order  of  the  towns.  Provincial  Congress,  or  general  assem- 
bly,         19 

"    17 — Cougress  meets  at  Cambridgi  ......  20 

\  isw<  i  of  Governor  (i.^.-  to  the  address  of  the  Provincial  i  20 

I!. ■■•  m  d  to  Ihe  cornmitu n  the  state  of  the  province,    .  .  Jl 

Intercepted  letters  of  Ihi   Rei    Vfi    Peters  referred  lo  the  sa committi  .'1 

Rev.  Doct.  kpplelon  appointed  chaplain,  .... 

■■    18— Sessions  of  the  Congress  ordered  to  be  held  with  closed  doors,    .  .  22 

i    i  I             i  determine  to  repl}  lo  the  governor,  -1 

■    19 — A  committee  appointed  iquire  into  the  state  and  operations  of  the 

British  arni\  ,        . 

Reply  to  th..  governor, reported, and  recommitted;  reported  again,  and 

laid  on  the  table,  ....  :: 

-" — Report  ol  the  a littee  to  inquire  into  the  state  and  operations  ol  Ihe 

army.    Ordered  lo  Ik  on  Ihe  table, 

It 


\ 


I    i.n  I  t   NTS 


ii,  i    i  _ •      nmilte*  to  consider  what  is  necessary  for  the  defence  and  safety  of  Ihe 
pro  ....••• 

I,  o  the  payment  and  collection  of  outstanding  taxes, 

•  •     u  —  Resolutions  n  the  mandamus  counsellors, 

i  en'  li>li  the  names  of  i li» •  mandamus  counsellors,    . 

i  onsumption  agret  ment, 

i  r  ihe  total  disuse  oi'  India  leas,    . 

i  Riving     i's  newspaper, 

I:  for  ibe  disuse  of  India  lea,        .... 

..  —  !;.  the  defence  and  safety  of  the  provinci 

. 
c  of  sending  an  agent  lo  Canada  referred 

•  1 1 » •  next  mi  the  <  Congress,    .... 

1 1  I        ksgiving  recommended, 

n  <>n  the  safety  and  defence  of  the  province,  amended,  ami  recom 
milled.    ........ 

_  I— Committee  i"  report  die  most  proper  time  to  provide  a  stock  of  powder 
ordn  &  ••.    . 

I '      tes  to  be  kept  secret  by  Ihe  members, 
'     mmiltee  report  lhal  ii"v  is  the  most  proper  time  for  the  province  lo 

pro>  k  of  powder,  ordnance,  &c. 

i  lo  determine  wbal  quantity  shall  be  provided,  and  estimate 

tin-  •  ....... 

i  -  ilion  of  the  report  on  the  safety  and  defence  of  the  province  re 

and  ihe  report  recommitted,     .... 

•■     Co — Committee  on  Ihe  non-consumption  agreement,  ordered  lo  sit  forthwith 
Committee  lo  inquire  into  Ihe  state  of  the  stores  iu  Ihe  commissars  gen 
eral's  office,     .  .  ..... 

n  on  tin  quantity  of  powder  and  ordnance  stores  necessary  for  the 
proi  ....... 

All  ■  e  kept  secret, 

.   — H  id  defence  of  the  province,  considered  aud  ac 

. 
'  l<r  what  milil  will  be  best  for  the  peopli 

I  pointed, 

1  Congress,      ..  • 

. 
I  ..... 

'.■•lit-. 

'■I  lituiional  council  desired  lo  attend  the 

.    -  1 1  '  excused  from  mi 

habitants  of  B 

. 

M 

I  I 

- 

pi  r>  meat, 


23 

23 

:: 

15 
25 

i 
25 


27 


:: 


23 

28 
28 

29 

29 

. 

29 

30 
30 

31 

3f 
35 
35 
35 
36 
36 
36 
36 

37 

■  ••7 

37 
38 

33 
38 

in 


CONTENTS.  M 

Oct.  88 — Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  1  Irepresei  ibe 

province      I  ...-.-  40 

K     olve  i n v i 1 1 1 1 l;  ihe  conslilulional  counsellors  lo  attend  the  next  Con- 

..  .  .  .  .  .  -  -  -  10 

Ret    jq  for  a  non-consumption  agreement,  40 

irt  on  the  warlike  stores  in  the  commi  -  II 

••    i'j — Kr|H>rt  mi  , i -s stem  of  military  exi  ihe  province,  -  -  H 

1     isideration  of  the  state  of  i  courts  referred  to  the  u 

Congress,         -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  11 

1  safet)  'l  reeled  n>  write  d>  the  Continental  Congress,  show- 

ing the  grounds  and  reasons  of  Ihe  proceedings  of  this  <  longress,     -  l~ 

R     \  of  the  Congress  to  the  governor's  answer.    A.  committee  appoint- 
ed tn  present  ii,  ------  -  '- 

Committee  lo  extract  >m  h  parts  of  the  proceedings  ol  I 

on  the  26th  ami  88th,  a  >  to  be  published,  -  -  15 

Their  ri  p  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  15 

Two  members  added  t"  the  committee  of  safety,  -  -  -  -  I  ■ 

Congress  adjourned  to  the  SSd  day  of  November,  ...  IS 

Nov.  tS — Congress  meet  according  to  the  adjournment,  48 

\\  Jter  Spo -r,  ono  of  his  majesty's  constitutional  council,  desired  to 

attend  the  Congress,    -------  i: 

John  Adams  and  Robert  Treat  Paine  desired  to  attend,   -  -  -  10 

Representatives    I   Massachusetts  in  the  Continental  Congress,    -  -  I'J 

-l  —  Members  of  the  Continental  Congress  desired  to  report  their  proceed- 
ings,    -..----..  |9 

Rev.  Doct.  Vppleton  appointed  chaplain,  ....  pi 

Proceedings  of  the  Continental  Congress,  reported,  and  committed,        -  19 

Petition  from  the  officers  of  minute  men  in  the  northwest  part  ol"  the 
county  of  Worcester,  ...... 

C     imittee  to  prepare  a  plan  for  the  defence  and  safely  of  the  govern- 
ment, required  lo  -.it  forthwith,  ..... 

( lommittee  ior  publishing  the  names  of  Ihe  mandamus  counsellors,  lo  pre- 
pare a  report  forthwith,  --....  ,-,u 

—  Members  of  the  conslilulional  council  invited  io  lake  seats  in  the  Pro 

\  inrial  (  'oiii."'  -  -  -  -  -  -  -  ,,| 

26 — ( lommittee  to  dei  ise  means  ior  keeping  up  a  correspondence  with  .Mon- 
treal and  <  tuebec,        -------51 

'"in lee  to  draw  the  form  ol  an  order  with  respect  lo  ihe  treasurer's 

x  p\  ing  bonds,  --------  51 

"     28 — Committee  to  lake  into  consideration  the  state  of  manufactures  in  the 

province,  and  how  they  may  be  improved,     -.-.., 
I— Committee  lo  make  an  estimate  of  the  injury  lo  the  province  by  ihe 

operation  of  Ihe  Boston  |>ort  bill,         .....;, 

Committei  nouni  of  ihe  Bums  which  have  been  extorted 

from  us.  since  1763,  i>\  the  operation  of  certain  .iris  of  the  British 
parliament,  --...... 

.hi — Resolve^  ior  the  appointment  of  five  members  to  attend  ihe  Coniineiii.il 
•  '■■..■ 

Co uitee  to  bring  m  a  resolve,  expressing  Ihe  lhanks  of  Congress  lo 

the  other  colouies,  for  their  donations  lo  the  i r  of  the  town  ol  Ho-- 

ton.  .iii.i  io  prepare  a  brief,      ------ 

I  •  tiers  iron,  i)r.  Franklin  to  Mr.  Cushing  referred  to  the  provincial  com 
mitiee  of  correspondence,       ...  . 


Xll  CONTENTS. 

Dbc.  I — Report  of  the  committee  on  the  proceedings  of  the  Continental  Congress 

01 itted,         *  -  -  -  -  -  -  54 

Resolve  express  114  the  thanks  of  Congress  to  the  other  colonies,  for  their 

donations  to  the  town  of  Hoston,         -----  54 

Committee  lo  apply  to  the  secretary  for  a  list  of  the  mandamus  counsel- 

55 

■■     .' — Members  to  represent  the  province  in  the  Continental  Congress.,  -  -  55 

Committee  on  the  slate  of  the  province  reported,  -  55 

■  '■■ — Report  cousidered,  .------  S6 

mmiltee  10  prepare  an  address  to  the  clergy  of  the  province,  desiring 
ilit'in  to  exhort  the  people  to  sustain  the  Congress,  56 

Report  on  the  pro<  of  the  Continental  Congress,  56 

••    G — Committee  to  correspond  with  the  inhabitants  of  Canada,  -  -  59 

Brief  to  be  circulated  through  the  province  to  promote  donations  for  the 

suffering  inhabitants  of  Hoston  and  Charlestown,  59 

Address  lo  the  clergy,        -------60 

M   ndamus  counsellors  who  have  not  published  a  renunciation  of  their 

commissions,    --------61 

7 — Committee  to  determine  the  recompense  of  the  delegates  to  the  Conti- 
nent, il  Congress,  -------  61 

I;,  tolve  for  taking  the  number  of  inhabitants,  and  the  quantity  of  the  ex- 
port-, and  imports,  and  of  the  manufactures  of  the  province,  -  61 
1     mmiltee  to  prepare  a  census  of  the  inhabitants  and  a  true  state  of  the 

rti  and  imports,    -------62 

&— Report  of  ili.'  committee  and  resolutions  of  Congress  relative  to  the  en- 

iragemenl  ■>!  manufactures,  -----  62 

Two  general  officers  chosen,  ------  65 

9 — •  Sommhtee  lo  bring  in  a  resolve  relating  to  an  address  from  the  Baptists 

to  tin-  ( iongress,  ---....  55 

Report  of  the  committee  relating  to  the  public  moneys  in  the  hands  of 

constables  and  others,  ------  65 

1     mmiltee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  an  article  in  the  association  of 
the  Continental  Congress  respecting  foreign  goods,  wares,  and  mer- 
ekandise,  and  their  report,       ------  66 

Committee  to  consider  a  plan  of  military  exercise  proposed  by  Capt. 

Timothy  Pickering,     -------  67 

B     "Moi  the  committee  on  the  address  from  the  BauUsts,  -  -  67 

1  I  ess  to  the  chaplain,  and  lo  the  proprietors  of  the  meet- 

ing-bonje,       ........  67 

1  a  letter  from  the  town  of  Hardwick,  67 

Hi — Report  on  the  letter  from  Hardwick,        -----  68 

1  ■  1. iiioii  intended  for  the  signature  of  the  royalists,    -  -  68 

I  '  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  towns 

and  .i.^'.r  ■     .  ■  \i  1    Bcbusetu  Bay,   -----  69 

•  ■  relativt  lo  assuming  civil  government,  taken  up, 
v,  ---....  72 

U    procuring  returns  of  the  number  of  officers 
ibe  militia,  and  o!  the  minute  men  of  the  province,       -  72 

1  .unit 11  the  Hate  ol  the  province,  73 

H  to  iii<-  dissolution  of  tln>  Congress,  and  meeting  of  the 

73 
■  n  ..1  the  committee  en  the  plan  of  military  exercise  proposed  by 

1     -  •  pted,  ....  74 


CONTENTS. 


Mil 


1  u  (  .  10 — Expense  "t  transmitting  address  to  the  <  Sanadi  ui>  to  be  paid  by  Ike  u'"\  - 

eminent,  ........  11 

The  Congress  dissolved,      .......  71 


SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  OF  MASS ACH I  SETTS. 

1775. 
I'm.   ) — Heels  at  Cambridge  .  77 

List  of  the  Members,  .......  77 

John  Hancock  chosen  president,  and  Benjamin  Lincoln,  secretary,  .  84 

Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  stale  of  the  province,    .  .  84 

"    2 — Rev.  Doi't.  Appleton  appointed  chaplain,  .....  84 

Monitors  appointed,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  81 

"    3 — Commi  tract  from  the  journal  of  the  last  Congress  what  relates 

to  ill'  \   -  and  the  militia,  and  cause  it  to  be  prin 

Committee  to  consider  the  representations  of  committees  of  Boston  and 
oilier  towns,  that  many  of  the  inhabitants  are  employed  in  working 
for  the  army  in  Boston,  ......  85 

1 — I  debates  and  resolutions  of  Congress  to  be  kept  secret,      ...  85 

Committee  to  puUi-.li  in  a  pamphlet  some  of  the  doings  of  the  last  Con- 

i,  and  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  province,  85 

"     6 — Delegates  to  the  Continental  Congress  to  hold  their  offices  to  the3lstday 

of  December,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  86 

Resolution  concerning  the  delegate  from  Wahham,  ...  86 

Troop  of  horse  raised  in  Rowley,    ......  86 

Secretary  empowered  to  adjourn  Congress  in  the  absence  of  the  presi- 
dent,      .........  86 

••     7 — Inhabitants  recommended  not  to  supply  the  troops  in  Boston  with  any 

thing  that  maj  en  tble  tl  em  t<>  annoy  the  people,        ...  86 

Committee  to  consider  the  accounts  of  the  late  delegates  to  the  Continen- 
tal <  !ongress,      ........  87 

Address  to  the  inhabitants  relative  to  the  province  taxes,  reported  and  re- 
committed,        ........  87 

Members  permitted  to  wear  hats  in  the  sessions  of  Congress,        .  .  88 

"   8 — Address  to  the  inhabitants  again  reported  and  recommitted,  .  .  88 

Committee   to  prepare  a  resolution  recommending  the  saving  of  linen 

rags,        .........  89 

Jabez  Fisher  chosen  of  the  committee  of  safety,    ....  89 

"    9 — Committee  of  safety,  their  powers  and  duties,  ....  89 

General  officers  appointed  t>>  act  under  the  authority  of  the  committee 

of  safely,  ........  90 

Elbi         G   rry,  chosen  on  the  committee  of  supplies,       .  .  .  i'l 

Address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Mai    tchusetts  Bay,  ...  91 

Address  from  Sciluate  in  relation  to  British  troops  in  Marshfield,  .  .  93 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  empowering  the  committee  ol  Bafety  to 

lake  possession  of  the  wai     •      ores  of  the  province, 
Committee  to  bri  i  ting  bow  the  ordnance  of  the  prov- 

ince shall  be  >  .......  '.'1 

C nittee  to  make  returns  of  the  mihtia  and  minute  men,  to  report  as 

soon  as  possible,  .  .  •  •  •  •  *• 


XIV  CONTENTS. 

Feb.  9 — Committee  to  report  a  resolve  for  the  publication  of  the  names  of  the 

mandamus  counsellors,  .  ......  91 

Resolve  recommending  the  preservation  of  rags  for  making  paper,  .  94 

"    10 — Committee  to  watch  British  troops  said  to  be  on  the  road  to  Cambridge,  94 

Committee  to  sit  in  the  recess  of  t '.n^iess  to  prepare  rules  and  regula- 
tions for  die  army,         .......  95 

Committee  appointed  to  estimate  the  loss  to  the  province  by  reason  of 

the  Boston  port  bill,  reported,  .....  95 

Report  of  committee  and  resolves  for  the  payment  of  the  delegates  to  the 

Continental  Congress,  ......  95 

Committee  to  revise  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  of 

the  committee  of  supplii  s,         ......  96 

The  secretary  directed  to  have  the  names  of  the  mandamus  counsellors 

published,  ........  96 

Petition  from  the  delegates  of  the  several  towns  in  the  counties  of  Hamp- 
shire and  Berkshiie,      .......  96 

"    11 — Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  commission  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  .......  97 

Resolve  authorizing  die  appointment  of  a  commissary,      ...  97 

Committee  of  safety  requested  to  possess  themselves  of  all  the  bayonets 

and  implements  of  war  purchased  at  the  expense  of  the  province,       .  97 

Committee  to  report  a  resolve  expressing  the  determination  of  the  peo- 
ple to  support  their  rights  at  all  hazards,  97 
"    13 — Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  an  inquiry  into  the  state  of  the  mili- 
tia,         .........  98 

Committee  to  consider  what  should  be  done  for  the  encouragement  of 

the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,  .....  98 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  appointment  of  an  agent  to  Que- 
bec,        98 

"    14 — Report  of  the  committee  on  the  stale  of  the  militia,  .  .  .  99 

"    15— Committee  of  correspondence  of  Boston  directed  to  open  a  correspon- 

dence  wilL  the  inhabitants  of  Quebec,  ....  100 

Resolutions  for  the  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre  in  the 

province,  ........  100 

Form  of  receipt  to  be  signed  by  the  receiver  general,         .  .  .  101 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  danger  of  the  people  from 

the  disposition  of  the  British  ministry  towards  them,  .  .  .  101 

Resolve  relative  to  pedlers  and  pettj  chapmen,      ....  101 

John  Whitcomb,  elected  a  general  officer,  ....  102 

Militia  and  minute  men  reconmended£to  perfect  themselves,  forthwith,  in 

military  discipline.         ...                .                ...  103 

Resolve  for  the  encouragement  of  the  manufacture  of  fire-arms,    .            .  103 
Voie^  ■■!  ( '..ii^r.-^  approving  the  conduct  of  the  committees  of  coriespon- 

dence  of  Plymouth  and  other  towns,    .....  103 

\   dress  of  the  selectmen  of  Plymouth  and  other  towns  i<>  General  Cage,  104 

Com  mil                ifer  with  a  deputation  from  Connecticut,             .            .  106 

"    lii — Committee  to  correspond  with  the  neighboring  goveri mts,       .            .  106 

Resolves  respecting  the  business  and  dutj  "i  the  above  committee,          .  106 

h      of  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  the  province  appointed,      .           .  107 

Injunction  of  secrecy  on  the  members  removed,    ....  108 

!,'■  wive  providing  (or  the  calling  together  <>i  Congress  in  case  "i  emer- 

y,    .            .            .            .            .            .            .            .            .  in1. 

Congress  adjourned  to  March  2Sd,  at  Concord,  109 


(  o.NTI  >  l  B.  tL\ 

Uabcb   - ! — Mel  according    (■>  adjournment,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson  appoint 

plain 

I1     ties  and  resolutions  to  be  kept  set  .... 

( '.' in m > :  ■  ■  'iirn>  of  ihi  lilia,       .  .  109 

Two  members  added  to  the  committee  on  the  state  ol  '!"■  provim 
J.3 — Committee   to  prepare  .t  resolve  declaring  the  dan 
Jd  the)  relax  in  their  preparations  for  defence, 
R        :  ol  the  comm  .  .  .  .  •  •  110 

-~ — The  committee  to  prepare  rules  for  the  arm)  reported,    .  .  .  Ill 

-'!! — Keport  considered  and  recommitted,         .  .  .  .  •  III 

"    29 — Consideration  resumed,  recommitted  for  additions,  .  .  .111 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  /c ~».l\ <■  introductory  to  publishing  die  names  of 

the  mandamus  counsellors,        .  .  .  .  .  •  'II 

"    30 — Report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  relative  to  what 

movement  of  the  troops  should  make  it  necessary  to  call  out  the  militia,  1  IS 

!;•  solve,  that  on  Ihe  calling  out  oi  the  militia,  members  of  I 

pair  to  the  place  to  which  they  shall  be  adjourned,     .  .  .  II- 

<  *i <n ! in i t : .  mmediately,  that  C  may  adjourn,         .  .  11  — 

SI — Mandamus  counsellors  who  have  refused  t'>  publish  a  renunciation  of 

their  commiss:ons,  and  resolve  for  publishing  their  names,      .  .  113 

'     nstables  and  collectors  required  to  pay  public  mone  a  to  the  receiver 

ral,  immediate]) .  .  .  .  .  .  -  •  113 

April  1 — Committee  la  prepare  rules  for  the  army  report;  report  passed,  and  af- 
terwards rec<  i .  .  .  .  •  .  ■  •  HI 

K    solve  for  furnishing  with  blankets  the  Indians  who  have  enlisted  as 

mil  ule  men,       .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .111 

Address  to  the  Slockbridge  Indi  .....  11J 

Committee  to  draught  an  address  to  the  chief  of  the  Mohawk  Indian 

11G 
I:  •cling  duty  of  towns  if  General  Gage  should  issue  precepts 

i  gent  ral  assembly,  .  .  .  •  .  .  116 

I       ilve  for  ch  loanew  Provincial  Congress.      .  .  116 

Committee  on  an  application  from  the  committee  of  correspondenci    •■! 

■  <n,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  1 17 

3 — Resolve  for  collecting  intelligence  from  Great  Britain,      .  .  .  117 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  lo  require  the  immediate  attendance  of 

absent  members,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .117 

1 — Letter  to  the  Rev.  l>r.  kiiLland,  with  an  address  lo  the  Mohawk  In- 

dians,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .118 

"    5 — Rules  and  regulations  for  the  Ma      chusetts  army,  .  .  I-1 

Town  oi'  Northfield  desired  to  elect  an  additional  member  lo  ihe  Con- 

129 

C< nittee  on  the  application  of  the  committee  <■!  Boston  and  of  other 

ti.wii>,  report,  ........ 

— Application  lo  Congress  from  the  t im  inspection  of  Bristol  rel- 

ative to  an  apprehended  visit  from  his  majesty's  troopsj         .  .  I,1 

Letter  to  ihe  committees  "i  inspei  lion  of  ihe  county  of  Bristol,  advising 

them  lo  keep  ihe  militia  in  the  b<  il  p  nee, 

Application  l r< )ni  Billerica  and  from  the  commiltt  e  oi  Bosl     ,  ig  tin  com* 

mitti  ........  131 

Outrage  by  British  troops  in  Boston  upon  Thomas  D  B  131 

Protest  ol  the  selectmen  ol  Billerica  to  General  Gage,  against  ii"-  cruel 
outrage  of  his  sold  ...... 


133 


135 


138 


139 


XVI  CONTENTS. 

April  7 — Two  members  added  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,      .  132 

Committee  to  confer  with  Gov.  Hopkins  upon  the  present  state  of  public 
affairs,  ......  ... 

Report  of  the  committee  on  the  application  from  Billerica,  and  letter  to 

the  selectmen,  ...  .....  133 

Letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Boston  and  other  towns,      .  lo4 

—Report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  relative  to  raising  an 
army,    ....••••• 

Delegates  to  the  provinces   of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,   and   New 

Hampshire,        .....•••  1*>° 

Committee  to  draught  a  letter  to  each  of  the  above  colonies,  .  .  136 

Committee  to  see  what  number  of  men  should  be  raised  from  the  New  En- 
gland governments,      .......  136 

•  •     10 — Letter  to  the  colonies  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island,  and  New  Hamp- 
shire,     .........  136 

Additional  delegates  to  the  neighboring  governments,        .  .  .  137 

"     11 — Infractions  to  the  delegates  appointed  to  repair  to  the  neighboring  col- 
onics,   . 
Committee  to  repair  to  Brunswick  and  other  places,  to  prevent  supplies 

>    rom  them  to  the  enemy,  .....  139 

Committee  to  take  the  particular  slate  of  the  town  of  Boston,  into  consid- 
er;') o    , 

"     12 — Resolve  for  the  appointment  of  county  committees,  to  report  a  true  state 
of  their  towns,  with  respect  to  theii  having  executed  the  measures  of 
the  Continental  and  Provincial  Congress,        ....  139 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  exercising  the  minute  men  in  battal- 
u hi- .  and  paying  them  for  the  time  they  spend  in  the  service,  re- 
jected,  .........  140 

Members  of  the  county  committees,  .....  140 

"     13 — Resolve  for  raising  six  companies  for  the  train  of  artillery,         .  .  141 

i  ■    -  r<  sumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  relative  to  the  removal 

<.'  ih<  inhabitants  "i  Boston,  and  ordered  it  to  be  recommitted,         .  142 

II — I;  i]   the  collection  and  payment  of  the  tax  assessed  upon  the 

plantation  of  New  Providence,  .....  142 

Committee  ol  donations  "i  Boston  recommended  to  atiord  assistance  to 

persons  desirous  of  removing  into  the  country,  .  .  .  I  I J 

Cominiti  ■  ly  directed  to  apply  to  a  suitable  number  of  persons  to 

be  in  readiness  to  enter  the  service  of  the  colony,  when  an  aimv  shall 
be  raised,         .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .11.; 

i  ol.  Thomas  Gardnei  chosen  a  member  of  the  committee  of  safety,         .  ill 

|.i — Report  o  I  resolve  recommendiug  a  day  of  fasting  and 

prayer,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .ill 

Rj        es  for  the  payment  of  certain  expenses  incurred  by  Congress,       .  145 

M.  mben  on  theii  return  to  their  respective  towns,  ordered  to  use  their  in- 
fluence to  procure  the  payment  of  the  public  taxes*  and  to  promote 
military  discipline,       .  .  .  .  .  .  ,146 

i..   olves  for  the  adjournment  ..i  Congress,  and  for  calling  together  the 

membert  in  case  ol  necessity,  .  .  .  |  iti 

\    '•■  ol  thinks  to  tin-  pi  .  .  .  .  i  it, 

Cot  neet  at  Concord,  on  the  10th  of  May  next,  .  147 

"    17 — »  irrui.ir  from  ti mmittoe  ap| ited  foi  the  purpose  ol  convening  the 

Provincial  Congri   i,  and  summoning  the  members  to  repair  immedi- 

ord,  ,  117 


CONTENTS.  \\li 

Arnn.  tS — Congress  meets  ;.i  Concord,  Richard  Devens  chosen  chairman, and 

John  Murray  clerk,      .  .  •  .  •  •  .117 

Adjourns  to  VVatertown,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  1 17 

Committee  to  notify  ilic  committee  of  Bafcly  of  the  time  and  place  of  the 

adjournment  of  Congress,         .  .  .  •  .  .117 

Committee  to  lake  depositions  relative  to  the  transactions  of  the  British 

ps  in  their  march  to  and  from  Concord,  on  the  19th  of  April,        .         M8 
E3 — Resolves  for  immediately  raising  an  army  of  30,000  men,  .  .  1  l'J 

Committee  of  safely  directed  to  report  a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  the 

army  to  lie  raised,       .  .  .  .  .  .  l  I  I 

Four  members  added  to  the  committee  of  safety,  .  .  .  .113 

Delegates  to  New  Hampshire, Connecticut, and  Rhode  1-1. md,  appointed,  1  l'J 

Letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Connecticut,  .  1  l'J 

Committee  to  draught  an  answer  to  the  letter,        .  .  .  .         1  l'J 

1 1     t.  Joseph  Warren  chosen  president,  and  Col.  Joseph  Palmer  secretary 

pro  tempore  of  Congress,  ......  119 

Committee  to  draw  up  a  narrative  of  the  massacre  of  April  19th,  .  •         150 

J  I — Committees  of  safety  and  supplies  empowered  to  impress  horses  and 

learn  -.     .........  150 

Committee  to  recommend  to  the  committee  of  safety  persons  most  suita- 
ble for  officers  in  the  army,       ......  150 

Letters  from  Hartford  to  the  president  of  Congress,  .  .  •  151 

Committee  to  examine  the  records  and  report  what  parts  of  them  should 

be  made  public,  .......  151 

"     25 — Statement  of  the  treasurer  respecting  the  condition  of  the  treasury,        .  151 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  records  of  Congress,  .  151 

I     Iter  to  the  town  clerk  of  Haverhill  respecting  the  representation  of  that 

town,      .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .152 

Order  for  the  reduction  of  the  companies  to  lifty-nine  men,  and  of  the  r<  !g- 

iments  to  ten  companies,  ......  152 

Memorials  from  Marblehead  and  other  towns  respecting  the  unprotected 

state  of  the  sea  coast,    .......  152 

•■     JG — Committee  to  draught  a  letter  to  our  agent  in  Great  Britain,        .  .         153 

William  Burbeck  appointed  an  engineer  of  the  forces  now  raising  in  the 

colony,    .........  I."».) 

Letter  lo'Benjamin  Franklin,  ......  153 

Address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain,  ....  151 

I;     olutiou  of  the'general  assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  for  r.usiin;  an  army 

oi  obsei  \  alion,  ........  156 

Protest  of  the  governor  and  deputy  governoi  against  the  above  resolution,  I 

I;,   olve  appoiutii  rd  Gridley  chiel  engineer  of  lite  colony  forci  157 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  state  of  the  eastern 

parts  of  the  province  with  respect  to  ammunition,       .  .  •  i  '7 

I      ..i\is  ior  supply  og  ■  ■  rtain  towns  with  pov  .  .  .  15b" 

Committee  to  return  the  i  hanks  ol  Congress  to  the  ministers  who  line  of- 
tiieii  to  supply  the  army  as  cbaplaius,  .... 

Order  to  Richard  Derby  to  proceed  with  dispatches  to  London,  159 

Committee  to  consider  tie  recommendation  ol  the  committee  ol  safi 

with  respect  lo  armorers  for  the  army,  .  •  .  I 

:',  —  Resolve  recommending  to  the  committees  of  the  sea-port  towns  in  the 
roiiiiiv  oi  Essex,  lu  use  tin  ii  endeavors  to  have  the  effects  "i  the  in- 
habitants removed  into  the  country,      .... 


XV111 


CONTENTS. 


April  27 — Committee  to  confer  with  the  officers  of  the  army  relative  to  the  re 
duct  ion  of  their  pay,     ...... 

Committee  to  obtain  an  account  ol  the  number  of  men  killed  and  wound 
ed  on  the  19th  instant,  ...... 

"     2o — Committee  to  coufei  with  the  deputies  from  New  Hampshire, 
Mr.  Samuel  Freeman  appointed  secretary  pro  tempore,    . 
Letter  to  the  convention  of  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire, 

<  'ommilti  e  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  post  riders  between 

the  Mass               s  forces  and  the  town  of  Worcester, 
Committee  to  consider  the  propriety  of  recommending  to  the  towns  to 
take  no  notice  of  Gen.  Gage"s  precepts  for  calling  a  general  assem 
bly, 

Committee  to  prepare  a  commission  for  the  officers  of  the  army, 
Committee  to  draught  rules  for  the  observance  of  the  members  of  Con 

"TOSS 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  empowering  the  committee  of  supplies  to 

procure  supplies  for  the  army,  .... 

i  on  m  tt(      to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  reducing  the  pay  of  the  field  officers 

of  the  army,       ....... 

29 — The  subject  of  the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  referred  to  the 

committee  of  safety,      ...... 

Dav  appointed  for  the  meeting  of  the  county  committees,  . 

Rules  and  regulations  to  be  observed  bj  ( longress, 

Monitors  ordered  to  enforce  their  observance, 

Resolve  empowering  the  committee  of  supplies  to  procure  provisions  and 

military  stores  for  the  army,     ..... 
Letters  to  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  of  Rhode  Island.    . 
Order  for  sending  British  prisoners  to  Providence,  to  be  used  for  the  lib 

eration  of  Mr.  John  Brown,        ..... 
Resolve  for  reducing  the  pay  of  the  field  officers  of  the  army, 
Resolve  for  altering  the  time  of  the  county  committees'  meetings, 
Committee  to  consider  some  method  for  supplying  the  treasury,    . 
Letter  from  Stephen  Hopkins  of  Rhode  Island,  respecting  the  capture 

and  detention  of  Mr.  John  Brown,       ..... 
Letter  from  Jami      I  es  from  Rhode  Island, 

Letter  from  John  Hancock  to  the  committee  of  safety,  giving  information 

of  the  arrival  of  intelligence  from  Europe; 
>■    3<i — Account  of  tin' cannon  and  ordnance  stores  of  the  province, 
Officers  to  command  the  companies  of  artillery, 

<  feder  of  '  'ongress,  and  letter  to  the  commitli  •  13  .  requesting  their 

immediate  ri  g  the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants  ol  Bos- 

t ........ 

1  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  the  to  Live  10  the  prison 

■  ■  1  u  1  r , 

l:  ling  the  liberation  of  the  inliab 

ilan  "ii.  ...... 

■        ,1  id  0  in  '  isting  the 

I  iltIV,  .... 

M  \i   I  —  I'.\'i ■•■  '-  ':  Congn  ihed, 

1  nnv  to  be  signed  by  the  presidi  at  ol 

1  •     r  from  Major  Ha*  ■  ei  to  Gene 

( ■  ....... 


1G0 

1G0 
1G1 
It.  1 
1G1 

1C3 


1G3 
1G3 

IG3 

163 

1G3 

164 
164 
164 

1G5 

165 

1G5 

166 
167 
168 
169 

169 
170 

170 
171 
171 

172 
172 


173 
173 

174 

171 


I   ONTJ   NTS.  \l\ 

H  i\  I — .Mr  Gerrj  directed  lo  bring  in  i  tve  lo  the  members  lo 

pass  ill.  rmy,     .  .  .  I"  I 

I    rm  of  a  commission  for  the  officers  of  the  colon)  army,  .  .  l"i 

Form  of  a  pass  for  the  mem  ress  reported  by  Mi    G        ,  and 

accepted,  ........  175 

Report  of  the  committee  lo  r  measun  -im^  the  pour  of 

Boston  to  move  out  of  said  town,        .....  I7G 

Apporlii tent  of  the  poor  liiini.ii.ini>  of  Boston  among  thi  towns  of  ihc 

province,  ........  176 

t'..i itti  plies  ordered  Lo  furnish  provisions  lo  certain  j > •  •  r - •  ■  n ^ 

who  had  sustained  lo:  British  tro<         I  I     tinglon, 

Committee  to  consider  what  should  be  done  with  respect  io  furnishing;  the 

army  with  net  ......  178 

"    2 — Col.  Joseph  Warren  chosen  president      I  ...  178 

Committee  to  con  t)   of  taking  measures  lo  secure  the 

ds  of  the  counties  exposed  to  danger,       ....  179 

omiltee  lo  draught  a  letter  lo  t  Ii  *  -  -  fir <  longresa  lo  <  lonnec- 

licut 179 

Committee  lo  draw  up  the  form  of  an  oath  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  of 

the  army.  ...  .....  179 

Letter  to  the  delegates  of  Congress  in  Connecticut  respecting  the  arrival 
of  gentlemen  from  that  colony  with  a  commission  to  treat  with  Gen- 
eral Gage,         ......  179 

Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  of  Connecticut  to  General  Gage,  .  1  '» 

Reply  of  <  ii-uir.il  <  Sage,       ...  ...  I    l 

Commit to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from  Dartmouth  respecting 

sending  i  essels  lo  sea,  .  .  .  •  •  ■  •  183 

<  nmillee  t<>  bring  in  a  resolve  for  granting  liberty  to  persons  in  Boston 

i    send  int.!  tin-  country  for  ihcir  effi  .... 

Committee  to  forward  an  express  lo  ihe  <  !orrfinenlal  Cong  ess  with  copies 

of  papers  transmitted  to  Great  Britain,  .  .  .  .183 

R    lolve  granting  liccn  ins  in  Boston  to  send  into  the  country  for 

their  effects,       ........  181 

( ' mi t tee  to  consider  whal  shall  be  d for  the  liberation  of  the  Amcr- 

i  prisoners  taken  on  the  19th  of  April,        ....  184 

'     3 — Rev.  Doct.  Cooper  requested  lo  officiate  as  chaplain,        .  .  184 

Resolve  foi  supplying  Col.   Benedict    Urnokl  wilh  money  and  warlike 

stores.       .........  185 

<  lommiltee  to  overlook  the  commissions  of  ihe  comm  llees  of  safety  and 

supplies,  and  see  what  additional  powers  Jhey  should  have,    .  .  185 

i:      lives  authorizing  ihe  receit  er  general  to  borrow  money,  and  prescrib- 
ing the  form  of  ihc  security  to  be  given  lo  the  lender,  .  .  185 

l;.  solve  for  exempting  the  horses  and  cat  ers  of  I  longress 

from  being  impressed,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .1 

The  receiver  general  directed  l  io  notes  for  a  less  sum  than  four 

pounds,  lawful  money,  .......  I 

i    e  committee  appointed  to  consider  ihe  subject  of  advanci  >  the 

tiers,  reported.     The  report  was  recommitted,       .  ,187 

Committee  lo  procure  a  copperplate  for  printing  the  colon)  notes,  and  lo 

countersign  them,  .  I   3 

■■■r  to  the  t  lontinental  Congn  187 


XX 


CONTENTS. 


Mat  3 — Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  requested  to  officiate  as  chaplain,  .  .  .  189 

Report  of  tlie  committee  appointed   to  consider  measures  for  liberating 

the  prisoners  taken  by  General  Gage's  troops  on  the  19di  of  April,  .  189 

"     4 — Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  advance 

pay  to  the  soldiers,         .......  189 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  reconsidering  a  former  resolve,  and 
recommending  to  the  towns  and  districts  not  to  obey  the  precepts  of 
General  Gage  for  calling  a  general  assembly,  .  .  .  190 

Committee  to  examine  the  towns'  and  districts'  stocks  of  powder,  .  190 

Committee  to  hold  a  conference  with  the  delegates  from  Connecticut  to 

General  Gage,    ........  191 

Report   of  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  the 

tow  us  towards  the  prisoners  of  war,     .....  191 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Connecticut  dele- 
gates,     .........  191 

Committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  assembly  of  Connecticut,      .  .  192 

"     5 — Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  an  obstruction  to  the  removal 

of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,     ......  192 

Report  of  the  committee  respecting  General   Gage's  writs  for  calling  a 

general  assembly,  .......  192 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  choice  of  delegates  to  a  new  Pro- 
vincial Congress,  .......  193 

Letter  to  the  governor  and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  .  193 

Report  of  the  committee,  and  letter  to  General  Ward  relative  to  an  ob- 
struction to  the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  .  .  195 

Resolve  for  the  election  of  delegates  to  a  new  Provincial  Congress,  .  195 

Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  of  Connecticut,  ....  196 

Resolve  for  supplying  the  assembly  of  Connecticut  with  the  rules  and  reg- 
ulations of  the  army,    .......  196 

"    6 — Committee  of  supplies  empowered  to  procure  powder  in  any  of  the  colo- 
nies,      ...  ......  197 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  appointment  of  two  muster  mas- 
ters,       .........  197 

Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  letter  from  the  speaker  of  Con- 
necticut, ...  .....  197 

Form  of  a  pass  through  the  guards  of  the  army  for  members  of  Congress,  197 

Col.  Dwighl  ordered  to  proceed  to  Hartford,  with  letters  and  depositions 

for  the  general  assembly  of  Connecticut,        ....  198 

Committee  to  i.ike  into  consideration  the  subject  of  an  equal  representa- 

i  '.a  of  the  coli  .......  198 

<  '..nun i •',■.■  to  consider  the  form  of  an  establishment  for  the  train,  .  i;k; 
Resolve  empowering  the  committee  of  supplies  to  import  military  stores,  198 
Two  master  masters  appointed,  and  report  of  the  committee  respecting 

their  appointment,         .......  199 

<  lommittee  to  enquire  w  bal  numbei  of  proi  ince  arms  are  in  the  province, 

and  what  number  ol  fire-arm  i  bs  e  been  procured  by  the  committee 

of  supplies,  ........  199 

I.  tablishment  for  the  companies  of  ihe  train,        ....  200 

7 — Committee  of  supplies  directed  to  procure  Buch  a  number  of  fire-arms  as 

they  may  think  necessary,       ......  _<mi 

Resolve  for  supplying  the  town  of  Harpsweil  with  powder,         .           .  jut 


CONTENTS.  XXI 

.M,v  B— Committee  lo  transcribe  the  narrative  of  the  proceedings  of  ilie  king's 

Iroopa  "ii  the  I'.'tli  alt.  ......  ."1 

Committee  to  prepare  an  answer  to  a  letter  from  the  selectmen  of  the 
town  of  Hopkinton,       ....... 

Form  of  an  oath  for  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  M         buselts  .Tiny,  Jul 

Committee  to  draw  ap  a  resolve  for  disarming  Buch  persons  as  will  not 

an  assurance  of  their  good  intentions  lo  the  country,      .  .  80S 

The  muster  masters  empowered  to  administer  the  oath  to  the  officers  and 

soldiers  of  the  army,    •  •  202 

Letter  to  the  selectmen  of  Hopkinton,  respecting  the  removal  of  disaffect- 
ed inhabitants,  ....••• 

Committee  to  examine  surgeons  for  the  army,        ....         203 

Letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Portsmouth,        .  .  203 

Answer  of  Congress  to  the  same,   ......         204 

Committees  to  collect'tho  province  arms  in  the  counties  of  Hampshire 

and  Berkshire, 201 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending 

the  disarming  certain  persons  in  the  colony,    ....  205 

Committee  lo  bring  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  to  save 

their  straw.        ........  206 

Committee  to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety  with  respect  to  settling 
the  appointment  of  field  officers,  and  lo  enquire  into  Ihc  state  of  the 
army,    .........  206 

Letter  lo  General  Ward  respecting  certain  outrages  upon  private  prop- 
erty,    .........  206 

"    9 — The  receiver  general  directed  to  give  public  notice  of  the  resolve  of  Con- 
gress for  borrowing  money,     ......  207 

Resolve  for  furnishing  supplies  to  the  soldiers,       ....  207 

Committee  t"  prep  ire  an  application  lo  General  Gage   respecting  his 

treatment  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  ....  -'<■'• 

Col.  Asa  Whitcomb  chosen  a  muster  master  in  place  of  Col.  John  Whit- 

.     nb  who  declined  the  trust]  .  .  .  .  .  .808 

Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  post  offices  and 

riders  in  the  colony,     .......         208 

Iteport  of  a  committee  appointed  lo  consider  a  false  account  of  the  late 

excursion  of  the  king's  troops  to  Concord,      ....  200 

Resolve   for    furnishing   ilie   soldiers    who    are  destitute,  with  arms  and 

equij hi-,      ........  Jo'.' 

"  10 — General  officers  directed  to  call  in  all  the  soldiers  who  arc  cnlisled  in  the 

army,    .........  210 

Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  proceedings  of  the  town  of  Bris- 
tol,        SII 

R  inding  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  to  save  their 

Btraw,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .811 

( Committee  to  transcribe  the  depositions  taken,  relative  to  the  proceedings 

of  the  king's  troops  on  the  19th  ult.,     .....         211 

Resolve  for  the  security  of  the  count)  records,       .  .  .  .211 

Report  of  the  committee  on  the  esla  ilishment  of  post  offices  made,  and 

recommitted,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  E12 

Committcc  to  consider  the  propriety  of  establishing  ■•  regiment  of  the 

train  of  artillery,  .  .  .  .  .  -I- 


XX11  CONTENTS. 

May  10— Committee  to  corridor  a  resolve  of  tlic  committee  of  safety  relative  (o 

establishing  a  court  of  enquiry,  .  .  .  .  212 

Commiitee  to  inquire  into  the  complaint  made  by  tlie  selectmen  of  Wor- 
cester against  individuals  of  that  town,  ....  212 

Remonstrance  to  General  Gage  against  the  treatment  of  the  inhabitants 

of  Boston,  ........  212 

Resolve  for  the  establishment  of  a  regiment  of  artillery.    .  .  .  213 

Petition  from  Timothy  Langdon  respecting  the  imprisonment  of  Edward 

Parry.    .........  214 

Report  of  the  committee  upon  the  complaint  from  the  selectmen  of  Wor- 
cester,   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  ~U 

Committee  to  consider  applications  from  the  eastern  parts  of  the  province 

for  arms  and  ammunition,  ......  215 

"11 — Report  of  the  committee  on  said  applications,         ....  215 

Committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  New 

York,  relative  to  the  sailing  of  men  of  war  from  Boston  to  New  York,  21G 

Letter  of  the  committee.      .......  21(1 

"  1- — Letter  from  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman  respecting  the  Penobscot  Indians,  and 

an  agent  to  Quebec,      .......  217 

Letter  from  General  Jedediah  Preble,  respecting  an  attack  upon  a  king's 

ship  in  Falmouth  harbor,  ......  217 

Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  raising  a  compa- 
ny of  Indians.    ........  218 

Resolve  for  aiding  the  Rev.  .Mr.  Gordon  in  examining  and  taking  deposi- 

|ions  <  f  the  British  prisoners,    ......  218 

Committee  appointed  to  consider  measures  for  establishing  post  offices 

and  riders,  reported.     The  subject  postponed.  .  .  .  211i 

A  committee  raised  to  make  application  to  the  Continental  Congress,  for 
obtaining  their  recommendation  for  this  colony  to  lake  up  and  exer- 
cise the  powers  of  civil  government,    .....  219 

Committe  iied  to  estimate  the  damages  done  to  private  property 

by  the  king's  troops  at  Concord,  .....  220 

Resolve  for  an  establisnmenl  for  a  train  of  artillery,  .  .  .  220 

"  13 — Petition  from  the  town  of  Topsham  for  a  supply  of  powder,  committed.  .  2Ji> 

Lev.  Doct.  Langdon  chosen  to  preach  the  election  sermon,  .  .  JJI 

Resolve  for  taking  a  third  set  of  depositions  relative  to  the  battle  of  Lex- 
ington,   .........  SSI 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  select- 
men of  Topsham,         ....... 

I:     lives  for  the  establishment  of  post  offices  and  post  riders,        .  .         222 

'•  1.3 — Ordered  that  a  committee  !"■  directed  to  desire  the  Continental  Cong 

to  lake  measures  lor  directing  and  regulating  the  American  forces,    .  224 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  introduction  to  the  depositions 
ling  to  tb  I         rt on, reported.    'J*ln •  report  was  re- 

committed,       ........ 

Account  of  the  discovery  of  Gov.  Hutchinson's  letters,     .  .  .         224 

( '..mm  iter  to  examine  them,  ...... 

Letter  to  lh<   P  I  Indians,     ......         225 

Resolve  for  preventing  persons  inimical  to  the  colony  from  removing  with 
iheii  i  oiony  without  permission  of  the  committee  of 

the  town  to  which  they  belong,  ..... 

Resolve  respecting  an  embass j  to  Canada,  121 


rovrrvr-i.  win 

Mat  15 — Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring' in  i  _•  i 

coart  of  inquiry,  made  and  rejected,    ..... 

1 1    egates  lo  repaii  lo  ii,.-  i  ■■.   . 

1  !ur  Boppl  •    month's  advance  pay 

lo  the  soldiert  ....... 

.Mr.  J.iiin  Pills  chosen  mi  the  '-'1111111  ■  Col.  1 

Committee  lo  draw  up  instructions  i"  the  delegates  i"  the  Congress  of 
S<  »  Hampsl  ....... 

••  16 — Committee  t<>  apply  i"  the  committee  of  safety  for  a  I  -1  of  persons  who 
have  received  enlisting  orders,  and  the  number  ol  men  each  oiliccr 
has  enlisted,       ........ 

Application  to  the  Continental  C  respecting  the  exercise  of  civil 

government  by  the  M  ■--  ich  isetls  Bay,  .... 

Instructions  lo  the  delegates  to  the  New  Hamps        C  .     .  .  JJ1 

Doct.  Benja i  i  !hurch  chosen  lo  go  to  Philadelphia  with  the  application 

to  the  Continental  < 

Ri  Dg  the  organization  of  the  train  of  artillery  in  the  pro- 

vincial army,      ........ 

Committee  to  consider  what  measures  should  be  taken  relative  to  the 
prisoners  in  Boston  and  Ihe  inhabitants  tl  ere  kept  in  duress, 
n  ol  the  committee  appointed  lo  apply  for  a  list  of  officers,  .  SS2 

17— Committee  to  lake  into  consideration  certain  loiters  giving  an  account  of 

ihe  taking  of  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,        ....         233 

Monitors  appointed,  ....... 

Form  of  an  oalh  to  be  taken  by  ihe  general  officers,  .  .  .  Z33 

Jonas   l)i\  appointed  to  take  depositions  relative  to  the  destruction  of 

private  property  by  the  king's  troops  at  Concord,       .  .  .  234 

1     mmittee  to  consider  what  steps  are  necessary  for  ihe  relief  of  certain 
inhabit  Boston,   . 

I    Iter  lo  ihe  ass<  mbly  of  Connecticut,  an  relative  to  tlie  capture 

of  the  fortress  at  Ticonden  .....  234 

Commiti"-.- i  tnmission  for  General  Ward,    . 

R*     irt  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  prisoners  at  Dartmouth,  . 

Con llee  appointed  li    i  i  of  the  committee  of  safe- 

ly directed  t»  sit  forthwith,       ...... 

i  tammiltee  directed  to  bring  in  resolve  for  taking  bonds  of  ihe  postmas- 
ters, and  appointing  oaths  for  the  pi  :-. 
18— Committee  to  consider  (hi                ibilii}  of  employing  surgeons  lo  the 
army  out  of  the  i                the  colon}  . 

Committee  to  bring  in  ■    recommending  t<>  Ihe  inhabitants  of  the 

my  not  to  choose  anj  person  to  represent  them  who  has  a  com- 
mission in  Ihe  army,      ....... 

'  Committee  lo  inqti  re  il  Hon.  James  Russell,  impost  master,  has  an}  pub- 
lic   ne}  -  in  Ins  hands,  ...... 

Comin  llee  lo  bi  ug    n  i  resi  Ive  recommending  lo  the  inhabitants  lo  have 
no  dealings  with  ihe  mandamus  i  es  ol  ihe 

colon} .    . 

Committee  to  inquire  into  ihe  subject  of  a  r<  ihe  co lillei 

r*iy  respectii  g  Lad}  Prankland,       ..... 

Letter  fi be  i inii  Falmouth  relative  lo  ihe 

situation  ol  ibal  town.  .... 


XXIV  CONTENTS. 

May  18 — Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  attack  upon  the  king's  ships  in 

the  harbor  of  Falmouth  by  Col.  Thompson,     ....  237 

Members  of  the  committee  of  safety,  .  238 

Committee  to  inquire  where  i lie  treasurer  may  procure  money  for  advance 

pay  to  the  soldiers,         .......  238 

Report  of  the  committee  upon  the  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety  re- 
specting Lady  Frankiand,        ......  238 

"     19 — Col.  Warren  directed  to  procure  a  list  of  the  officers  who  are  prepared 

to  receive  their  commissions,     ......  239 

Letter  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Connecticut  respecting  the 

taking  of  Ticonderoga,  ......         239 

Resolve  permitting  Lady   Frankiand  to  remove  or  otherwise  dispose  of 

her  goods,  ........  210 

Mr.  Gerry  reported  an  answer  to  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence of  Connecticut,  ......  240 

Commission  of  the  committee  of  safety,      .....  240 

Resolve  appointing  Mr.  John  Pigeon  a  commissary  for  the  army,  .  242 

Commission  for  General  Aitemas  Ward,     .....  213 

Committee  to  get   the  depositions  and  narrative  of  the  excursion  of  the 

king's  troops  to  Concord,  printed,         .....  243 

Resolves  relative  to  the  commissions  of  the  officers,  and  the  rank  and 

number  of  the  regiments  in  the  colony  army,  .  .  .  213 

Resolves  passed  for  granting  commissions  to  Samuel  Gerrish  and  other 

officers,  ........  244 

"    20 — Committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Revere  respecting  an  alteration  in  the  val- 
ue of  notes  to  be  emitted,         ......  24-1 

Petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Deer  Island,  ....  241 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  pris- 
oners in  Boston,  and  the  inhabitants  there  kept  in  duress,       .  .  244 

Resolve  for  the  payment  of  advance  pay  to  the  soldiers  in  the  provincial 

army,      .........  245 

<  lommitlee  to  consider  what  measures  are  necessary  for  the  organization 

of  the  provincial  army,  ......  24G 

Resolve  for  the  issue  of  paper  money  by  the  receiver  general,  and  form 

of  the  notes,       ........  246 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  practicability  of  pro- 
viding chaplains  lor  the  anny,  ......  ,17 

Commissions  delivered  to  certain  officers  of  the  army,  and  resolves  rela- 
tive thereto,         ........  218 

Loss  of  the  record   of  the    Second    I'mviiirinl  ( 'ongreSS   during  the   lu<l 

eight  days  of  its  existence,       .  .  .  .  .  .  Jli; 

-J — Report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Deer 

[•land, 219 

Report  ol  committee,  and  resolve  relative  to  business  transactions  with 
the  mandamus  coun  ellors  and  other  persons  unfiieudiy  to  the  coun- 
try   .219 

Letter  from  General  Ward  recommending  that  certain  ordnance,  arms, 

and  ammunition  be  procured,   ......         249 

Kesolve  inviting  the  clergy  to  hold  a  convention  during  the  next  session 

of  the  Provincial  Cong  ^leeably  to  their  ancient  custom,  .         250 

Letter  to  Col   Benedict  Arnold,       ......  250 

Letter  from  Hon.  James  Russell,  commissioner  of  imposts,  respecting 

public  moneys  in  bis  bands,      ......         261 


CONTENTS.  X\V 

May  SS — Committee  to  lake  tlie  above  letter  into  consideration,     ...  i 

53 — Letter  from  Brownfield  asking  for  arms,  powder,  etc.,     .  .  -   I 

>ri  of  a  eomm  ng  the  depredations  of  the  British  troops 

on  tlie  islands  and  leai 

hV      ••    ••        cling  the  trial  of  certain  persons  charged  with  crimes  com- 
mitted in  tlie  camp,        ...  .... 

I;    iort  of  the  committee  upon  the  organization  of  the  army, 
"   21 — Resolve  respecting  Ebene  er  Cutler  of  Northborough, 

Report  of  Mr.  Gerry  resp  cling  the  appointment  of  additional  armorers, 

Committee  i"  effect  the  removal  of  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Boston,  and 
cling  their  powers,  ..... 

1  i  deliver  out  the  commissions  of  the  officers  and  to  adminis- 

ter the  oaih  to  Ihem,      ....... 

\   dress  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  relative  to  an  issue 

of  notes  by  saiil  colony,  ......  255 

:5 — Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  inspect  the  towns'  stocks  of  pow- 
der, and  consider  what  proportion  could  be  spared,    .  .  .         256 

I:   solve  for  drafting  from  tlie  towns  a  quantity  of  powder,  in  conformity 

to  saiil  report,    ........  257 

Resolve  respecting  a  dispute  between  Cols.  Hensbaw  andJonatliau  Ward 
of  <  ten.  Ward's  regiment,  as  to  the  post  of  lieutenant  colonel, 

Letter  from  Mr.  Dexter,       .......  ^37 

Letter  from  Gen.  Thomas  accepting  the  office  of  lieutenant  general  of  the 

provincial  army,  .......  258 

Resolve  respecting  absconding  soldiers,      .....  258 

"    26 — Letter  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York,  .... 

Resolve  directing  the  Hon.  James  Russell  to  pay  all  public  moneys  to 
Henry  ( ianlncr,  Esq.    ....... 

Resolve  lor  a  post  rider  from  Cambridge  to  Exeter.  N.  II. 

1;    olve  authorizing  the  muster  masters  to  accept  all  able  bodied  men, 

notwithstanding  they  are  not  furnished  with  arms  and  accoutrements,         260 

Cb;  i-i   Mr.  Jonathan  Brewer  of  Waltham,  and  report  of  the 

committee  relative  thereto,       ......         261 

"    J7 — (  \ nittee  of  safety  direr  i'' itn  write  to  Col.  Arnold,      .  .  .  .1 

Report  of  a  committee  relative  to  certain  charges  against  Lieutenant  Col. 

Brown,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .261 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to   the  establishment  of  a  court  of  in- 
quiry,    ......... 

Letter  to  the  governor  and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut  respect- 
ing the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,  .  .  •  .  .         263 

Letter  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold  relative  thereto,     .... 

<  '-I.  Joseph  I  [enshavi  appointed  i>>  repair  to  Hartford,  i<>  confer  with  the 
■  mbly  ol  Connecticut  respecting  the  t< >rt r.        I   I  .mil 

afterwards  to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga,  .  .  .  .264 

■•    -'.' — Letter  t.>  the  Continental  Congress  upon  the  necessity  of  maintaining 

that  fortress,       ........  265 

Letter  to  the  governor  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut  relative  to  the  !<■! 
L  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,        .... 

P    ten  relating  to  Jonathan  Brewer  referred  to  the  committee  of  safety  £70 

Letter  to  the  Provincial  Congress  ol  New  Hampshire,      ...  I 

Officers  commissioned  by  Congri  .  .  870 


XXVI 


CONTENTS. 


THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  OF  MASSACHUSETTS. 


1775. 

Way  31 — Convened  in  Watertown.    Samuel  Freeman  chosen  secretary,  and  Jo 

scpli  Warren,  president,  ..... 

List  of  delegates,     ....... 

Committee  lo  return  thanks  to  the  Rev.  Doct.  Langdon  for  his  election 

sermon,  ....... 

Committee  to  consider  the  returns  of  members  from  Eastham., 
Convention  of  clergymen,    ...... 

Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  papers  relating  to  the  fortress  at 

Ticonderoga,     ....... 

Letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  New  Hampshire  to  th< 

committee  of  Newburyport,     .  .  .  . 

June  1 — Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  Gen.  Thomas'  letter  rel 

ative  to  advance  pay  lo  the  soldiers,    .... 

Monitors  appointed,  ...... 

Report  of  the  committee,  and  resolve,  relative  to  sending  the  poor  of  Bos 

ton  to  certain  towns  in  the  country,      .... 
Proposal  of  the  clergy  for  furnishing  the  army  with  chaplains, 
Committee  to  make  inquiries  concerning  the  armorers, 
Letter  from  the  selectmen  of  Hopkinton,     .... 
Report   of   the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  New 

Hampshire,        ....... 

Letter  from   the  committee  of  safely  of  Salem,  respecting  Mr.  Stephen 

Higginson,         ....... 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  return  of  members  from  East 

ham,       ........ 

Report  of  the  committee  respecting  Mr.  Higginson, 

Order  for  printing  three  hundred  passes  for  members  of  Congress, 

Hon.  Mr.  Dexter  directed  lo  inquire  respecting  the  public  moneys  in  the 

hands  of  Mr.  Russell.     His  report,       .... 
Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  use  of  a  horse  taken  from  the  reg 

ulars  by  Mr.  Emerson,  ...... 

Letter  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold  relative  to  his  conquests  at  Ticonderoga, 
Letter  to  the  Hon.  William  Williams,  speaker  of  die  house  of  assembly 

of  Connecticut,  upon  the  same  subject,  .  .  .  . 

Letter,  concerning  same,  to  tin'  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire, 

"    2 — Rcsoh'    recommending  to  the  town  of  Eastham  to  choose  a  delegate  to 

thi-  Congress,    . 
Committee  to  report  a  resolve  making  further  provision  for  distributing 

the  poor  of  Boston,      ....... 

( lommittec  to  consider  a  memorial  from  the  countj  "i  w  orcester,  290, 
Report  and  resolve  respecting  tin-  appointment  of  chaplains  for  the  army, 
<  Sonunittee  U  ei  the  situation  ol  the  import  towns  and  inlands, 

Rev.  Mr.  Gord bosen  chaplain  to  the  Congri 

Report  of  the  c< illee  respecting  armorers,        .  .  .  . 

« lommittee  t"  consider  the  petition  of  Capt.  Jw      *  •    rish  and  seven  oth- 
er captains  of  the  army,  ...... 

Col.  Richmond  appointed  to  countersign  the  colony  notes, 


273 
273 

230 
280 
281 

281 

281 

282 

282 

283 
283 
284 
284 

284 

285 


285 
286 

28G 

286 
287 

288 

305,  SIS 

I 

I 

II 

::>\ 

.  I.  E92 
291 


CONTENTS. 


\W  II 


Jr  m.  j — Committee  to  consider  what  is  besl  to  be  d with  the  l.  ;en  from 

He's  island,  and  report  relative  thereto,    .... 

"   3 — Committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safelj  ng  a 

person  affected  with  the  small  pox,      ..... 

Report  of  the  commiltei  aed  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  sca- 

I >< > r t  towns,         ........ 

Resolve  respectin  i  al  Brookline  broke  onl  with  the  small  pox,  . 

Committee  to  consider  the  subject  of  a  reeulorccmcnt  of  the  army  fur  the 

protection  of  the  sea  coasts,      ......         294 

Petition  from  the  town  of  Dartmouth  and  resolve  thereon, 

Report  of  the  commit! t  the  petition  of  Jacob  Gerrish,  .  .  295 

Committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  Col.  James  Easton,    . 

R  jning  a  time  for  hearing  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer, 

I.-  Iter  to  tin.-  receiver  general  respecting  the  signing  of  the  colony  notes,  2'.»i> 

Order  relative  to  stamping  and  countersigning  them, 
I — Resolves  for  the  payment  ol  troops  from  Berkshire, 

Committee  to  make  inquiries  respecting  the  colony  notes,  and  orders  re- 
specting said  notes,        .......  297 

— Orders  respecting  countersigning  and  numbering  the  notes,  .  .  '2'Jl 

I;    iolve  appointing  a  committee  to  examine  some  mineral  earth  brought 

from  Brookfield,  an  I  the  report  thereon,  .  .  .  .298,299 

Committee  to  confer  with  the  general  officers  respecting  the  health  of  the 

army,      .........  298 

Committee  to  consider  what  should  be  done  respecting  intercepted  letters, 

and  their  leport  relative  thereto,  .....  298 

Committee  to  consider  a  proposal  relative  to  the  removal  of  the  poor  of 

Boston,  ........  299 

I;    solves  for  obtaining  information  of  the  committee  of  supplies  respect- 
ing military  stores  and  powder,  .....  299 

I  >.  ler  relative  loan  examination  of  the  mineral  earth  at  Brookfield,        .  299 

I  ■  bring  in  a  resolve  for  giving  currency  to  the  bills  of  credit 

of  the  other  colonies,    ......  :>,300 

olvefor  loaning  a  horse  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,       .  .  .         299 

'     ..imittee  to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety  on  the  state  of  the  ar- 
tillery,    ........  .300,315 

ResoUe  lor  the  custody  of  certain  prisoners,  ....  300 

1  lo  make  an  establishment  for  an  allowance  of  provisions  to 

tin'  soldiers,       ........  300 

-'  iommitlee  lo  devise  means  (or  supplying  the  army  with  necessaries,        .  300 

Order  relating  lo  the  prisoners,        ......  301 

Proi  eedings  ol  Congress  relating  to  the  case  of  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  .         3<>l 

•  <:  ler  upon  the  petition  of  Loammi  Baldwin  for  a  loan  of  mathematical 

instruments,       ........  302 

i;    ior(  of  the  committee  relative  to  making  provision  for  the  poor  of  Bos« 

ton,        .........         302 

"    7 — Committee  u>  v  1 1  n.  Ward  tor  a  return  of  the  number  of  men  in 

the  Massachusetts  army,  ......  303,30a 

Petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Machias,  and  committee  to  report  there- 
on.    Their  report,  .......   303,  ■'•<><'• 

The  committee  lo  consider  the  state  of  the  artillery  report,  and  ask  leave 

i  i  1 1 .       ........  •■"• 

Committee  to  consider  the  letters  from  the  St ockbridge  Indians,   .  .         301 


XXV111  CONTENTS. 

June  7 — Committee  to  prepare  a  resolve  for  printing'  two  resolves  of  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,      ........  305 

Mr.  Benjamin  Edwards  admonished  for  disrespectful  language  respect- 
ing the  committee  of  safety,    .  .  ...  301,305 

Order  for  commissions  to  be  delivered  to  the  officers  in  Col.  Fellows' reg- 
iment,   .........  305 

A  petition  from  the  selectmen  of  Salem  committed,  .  .  .  305 

Committee  to  confer  with  the  delegates  from  New  Hampshire,     .  .  305 

Representation  from  the  town  of  Lunenburg  respecting  their  supply  of 

powder,  ........  306 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of 

prisoners  from  Dartmouth,         ......  303,  306 

Report  of  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  delegates  from  New  Hampshire,  307 

Letter  from  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  .  .  .  307 

Committee  to  prepare  letters  to  the  Continental  Congress  and  each  of  the 

New  England  colonies,  ......  308 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  augmentation  of  the 

army,      .........  308 

Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  number  of  small 

armed  vessels  for  the  protection  of  the  sea  coasts,      .  .  .  308,317 

Committee  to  consider  some  measure  for  commissioning  the  officers  of  the 

army, 309,315 

"    8 — Account  of  the  taking  of  a  sloop  with  stores  for  the  army  at  Boston,  from 

the  selectmen  of  Arundel,  ......  309 

Report  of  the  committee  to  consider  some  measures  for  commissioning 

the  officers  of  the  army,  .  .  .  .  .  .310 

Committee  to  consider  a  petition  from  the  county  of  Cumberland,  .  310 

Committee  to  consider  the  account  for  transporting  stores  to  Ticonde- 

roga,      .........  310 

Letter  from  the  Stockbridge  Indians,  .....  311 

Reply  of  Congress,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .311 

Resolve  for  sending  messengers  and  belts  to  said  Indians,  .  .  312 

"    9— Petition  from  the  selectmen  of  Manchester,  ....  313 

Committee  to  consider  what  shall  be  done  with  some  prisoners  brought 

from  Arundel,    ........  313 

Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  enforcing 
two  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  relative  to  exportations  to 
the  British  provinces,    .......  313 

314 
315 


Report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  county  of  Worcester, 

Leave  of  absence  granted  to  two  members, 

Committee  of  safety  required  to  certify  the  names  of  the  candidates  for 

the  command  of  regiments,     ..... 
"  10 — Report  of  the  committee  and  resolves  respecting  Josiah  Jones  and  Jona 

than  llii-k~,  two  pris r>  brought  from  Arundel, 

Committee  to  consider  how  many  artificers  may  be  necessary  for  the 

army,    ........ 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  i<>r  the  appointment  of  armorers, 
Allowance  of  provisions  to  the  soldiers  of  the  Massachusetts  army, 

'i  of  the  committee  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  army, 
Committee  to  consider  the  Mibjcct  of  furloughs  to  the  soldiers, 
Petition  from  the  freeholders  of  Williamsburg, 


315 

315 

317,333 
317 
317 
318 
318 
318 


CONTENTS. 


XXIX 


June  10 — Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  number  of  armed 

vessels,  ....... 

Address  to  the  Continental  ('undress,  .... 

"  13 — Committee  to  consider  measures  for  preventing  a  violation  of  the  S 

bath,      ........ 

< '.  mmitli  e  to  consider  a  petition  from  ilic  committee  of  <  !barlestowii, 
l;    olve  for  the  appoinlmenl  ol  persons  to  repair  to  the  fortress  ol  Ticon 

deroga,  ........ 

Committee  in  consider  some  method  for  supplying  the  surgeons  with  med 

icines,    ........ 

Letter  lo  the  <  lonlinental  <  !ongress  respecting  <  lanada  and  the  Indians, 
Committee  awl  resolve  respecting  grass  growing  on  the  esl  ties  ol  lb 
es,    ........ 

Resolve  for  preventing  the  exportation  offish  and  other  provisions, 
Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  Bome  method  of  supply 

ing  the  surgeons  with  medicines,  .... 

Ordered  to  examine  the  medical  stores,      .... 
Report  of  a  committee  respecting  a  vessel  going  from  Salem  for  provis 

inns  for  tlic  army  m  Boston,      ..... 
Committee  lo  rneel  committees  from  ilic  oilier  New  England  governments 

at  Worcester,     ....... 

Committee  to  repair  lo  Ticondi  ri 

Petition  from  the  county  ol  Cumberland  committed, 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  candidates  for  commissions  in  the 

army,  read  and  recommitted,   ..... 
Report  on   die   petition  of  Davis  and  Coverly  respecting  their  goods   in 

Boston,  ....... 

Committee  respecting  the  number  of  armorers,  repi  rt, 
■    1.. —  Letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  read  and  committed, 
Resolve  for  commissioning  twenty-three  regiments, 
Committee  to  consider  a  petition  of  Abner  Graves  and  others  respecting 

military  rank,    ....... 

Ri  solve  n    onsidering  the  resolve  for  the  appointment  of  a  convention  of 

eommiltees  of  the  New  England  colonies, 
Col.  John  Whiteomb  chosen  a  major  general, 

Several  private  accounts  read  and  committed,  and  reports  thereon,    32*3 
Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  appointing  an  additional  ar 

morer.    ........ 

Resolve  respecting  returns  from  gentlemen  claiming  to  l>e  commissioned 

as  colonels,        ....... 

instructions  lo  the  gentlemen  chosen  to  repair  to  Ticonderoga,    . 
Report  of  the  committee  on  the  expediency  of  appointing  liiisi-.i  I 

an  addition. il  armorer,  ...... 

Proclamation  of  General  Gage,  promising  pardon  to  all  persons  who 

shall  lay  down  iheir  arm-,  excepting  9  unuel  Idams  and  John  Han 

cock,  and  committee  thereon,   ..... 
•'II — Ri  ir  the  payment  of  advance  p  soldiers  under  Col    \ 

nold.  and  for  the  expen  esol  the  committee  appointed  lo  repair  to 

Ticonderoga,    ....... 

Report  on  the  petition  of  Abner  Graves,    .... 

1  on  the  petition  "t  Mr.  Parry,    .... 

t  'oinniittee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  appointing  a  da\  ol  fasti] 


31  : 

321,322 

I 
!  -1 

■ 
■ 

32 1. 

324, 
324 

321- 

sr> 

.;.'.-. 

32f. 

326 

.'.J7.338 

321 

3.;t> 


330 


■ 


XXX  CONTENTS. 

June  14 — Committee  to  consider  some  way  of  supplying  arms  to  the  soldiers  who 

are  destitute  of  them,  -------  332 

Committee  to  devise  means  for  securing  the  library  of  Harvard  College,  332 

Committee  to  consider  a  request  of  Mr.  Palmer  for  providing  tents  and 

barracks  for  the  army,  ------  .>.!- 

Committee  to  consider  the  propriety  of  supplying  the  generals  of  the  ar- 
my with  household  furniture,  ------  333 

Col.  Foster  ordered  to  countersign  die  notes,         ...  -  333 

Doct  Joseph  Warren  chosen  a  major  general.       -  -  -  333 

Committee  to  inform  Generals  Whitcomb  and  Warren  of  their  appoint- 
ment,   .---..---  333 
Report  of  the  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  a  day  of  fasting  and 

prayer,  read  and  recommitted,  -----  333 

Resolves  for  commissioning  officers  for  the  train  of  artillery,         -  -  333 

Mr.  Samuel  Thatcher  appointed  to  number  the  notes,        -  334 

"  15 — Col.  Gridley's  letter  respecting  artificers  committed,         .  -  -  334 

Committee  to  consider  measures  for  supplying  the  army  with  good  pro- 
visions, --------  334 

Resolve  relative  to  securing  the  library  and  apparatus  of  Harvard  Col- 
lege,      334 

Letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  and  the  several  governments  of  New 

England,  respecting  danger  from  Canada  and  the  Indians,    -  -  335 

Report  of  the  committee  to  consider  means  for  providing  barracks  for 

the  soldiers,      --------  335 

Report  of  the  committee  and  resolve  for  procuring  fire-arms  from  the  sev- 
eral towns  for  supplying  the  army,      -----  336 

Report  for  providing  a  magazine  of  fire-arms,        ...  -  337 

Committee  to  ascertain  whether  the  army  is  supplied  with  ammunition.    -  337 

Committee  to  consider  the  application  of  Doct.  Langdon,  -  -  338 

Report  of  the  committee  to  consider  the  claims  and  pretensions  of  the 

colonels  of  the  army,  ------  338 

"  1C— Resolve  for  supplying  the  soldiers  with  rum,  -  3-10 

<  niiimittce  to  consider  a  resolve  for  an  increase  of  the  army,  a  supply  of 

arms  to  the  soldiers,  &c.         -  -  -  -  -  310 

( ' mittee  to  draft  a  letter  to  Gen.  Whitcomb,  and  report  of  the  same,  -  340 

Commissions  delivered  to  several  officers  of  the  army,     -  -  -  341 
Allowance  to  Col.  Henshaw  for  the  expenses  of  his  journey  to  Connecti- 
cut,                                                     341 

Committee  to  exam the  surgeons,  -----  311 

Col.  Oti>  and  Mr.  Johnson  added  to  the  committee  to  consider  the  proc- 

lamation  of  General  Gage,      ------         3-11 

Committee  to  consider  what  shall  be  done  with  vessels  ready  to  sail  with 

fish  on  board.    Report,  -  -  -  -  -  -  341,343 

Report  of  theacommiltee  on  the  violation  of  the  Sabbath,  -  -         :>l- 

i    immittee  to  consider  the  returns  of  the  companies  in  Col.  Heath's  and 

Col.  R  tents,      -  -  -  ■  ■  -348 

'    mmitlee  to  consider  the  petition  of  James  Kirkwood,  -  -       343,374,378 

Proclamation  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  offering  pardon  lo  all  offenders 
against  the  rights  of  the  people,  except  Thomas  Gage,  Samuel  Graves 
the  mandamus  counsellors,  and  others,  -  -  -  -         .'II 

Committee  to  fill  commissions  for  the  officers  of  artillery,  -  -         -;'7 

Col.  Heath  ordered  to  be  commissioned.    -  -  -  -  -341 


< ■  O  N  T i:  NTn.  XXXI 

]  — 1>.  p]      pton  appointed  to  countersign  the  notes,    -  -  -         3-17 

Report  of  the  committee  on  the  application  of  Doct.  Langdon,  president 
of  1  [arvard  i '  ...... 

••  IT — Comm  itee  lo  consider  the  exp  of  procuring  arms  and  ammunition 

from  Philadelphia.     Report  thereon,  -----  318 

■  >rt  of  ihe  committi  ting  the.. augmentation  of  the  army,  and 

supplying  thi  with  arms,        - 

Moses  Gunn  appointed  to  countersign  the  large  notes, 

Onler  for  >!•  lain  officers,         ...  3I'J 

Committe<  er  with  the  printers  relative  to  their  terms, 

R     orl  of  the  committee  on  il relative  to  a  petition  from  ! 

.mi  R     ch  for  a  supply  of  pro\  isions,      -  -  -  - 

i      nmillec  t<>  i ider  tin*  state  and  circumstances  of  the  sea  coasts,      -  350 

Report  of  committee  and  resolve,  advised  the  towns  to  sell  and  deliver 

their  fire-arms  lo  a  committee  of  Congress  for  the  use  of  the  army,-  I 

I  Lers  from  the  president  of  the  ConlinentaTCongress  relative  lo  the  form 
of  government,  supplies,  &c.  ------  352 

'  nd  call  together  the  members  of  Congress  in  an  ex- 

traordinary emergency,  ...... 

Committee  to  purchase  fire-arms  in  the  several  counties,  -  332 

••  I  — Resolve  for  the  security[of  the  records  and  papers  of  Congress,  -  -         353 

Petition  from  Waldoborough  for  powder,  -  -  -  -  - 

Committee  lo  prepare  a  letter  Lo  the  Continental  Congress  relative  to  the 
battle  of  Bunker  hill,  and  lo  take  into  consideration  the  letter  receiv- 
ed from  the  president  of  the  Continental  Congress,    -  -  -         353 

Committee  of  supplies  directed  to  write  to  Rhode  Island  and  New  Hamp- 
shire, loucbing  the  ;  pow  der,  - 

Committee  to  consider  petitions  for  supplies  of  provisions,  -  -  355 

I  — Committee  to  see  that  the  army  at  tlic  entrenchments  is  well  supplied 

with  provisions,  ....-_.  355 

Letters  from  Gen.  Ward  relative  to  blankets  and  other  articles  lost  in  bat- 
tle, and  committee  to  consider  thereon,  -  333 

1     mmittee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  another  hospital  for 

the  army,        .--..-..         35,3 

Letter  from  llmi.  I'norh  Freeman  r<-<|>.  cling  Col.  Phinni  ment  be- 

ing  commissioned  lor  the  defence  of  the  sea  coasts,  and  committee 
relative  then  lo 

I    tablishmenl  for  officers  to  take  care  of  the  ordnance  stores,  and  for  a 

company  of  arlifii  •  -..-..  35(3 

peeling  the  method  of  establishing  civil  gov- 
ernment debated,  and  consideration  thereof  postponed, 
Hon.  James  Warren  chosen  president  of  the  Congress,    - 
Report  of  a  committee  and  resolve  respecting  blankets,  • 
Report  of  a  committee  for  establishing  another  hospital  for  the  army, 
Rt  port  of  the  committee  relative  lo  Gen.  Ward's  letter  respecting  sp< 
for  the  army,    -------- 

U- Committee  to  purcba  rmy,  .... 

R<   olve  of  the  Continental  Congress  and  letter  of  the  Provincial  Con- 
ihe  towns,  respecting  .1  form  of  civil  government  for  the  col- 
ony,    ----.-... 

Committee  lo  consider  letters  from  Penobscot,      .... 


XXX11  CONTENTS. 

June  20 — Committee  to  report  a  resolve  relative  to  the  killed  and  wounded  in  the 

late  battle  at  Charlestown,       ......  3G0 

Petition  from  Woolwich  for  powder,           .....  3G0 

Committee  to  consider  what  method  is  proper  to  supply  the  hospitals  with 

surgeons,  and  to  provide  medicines,                ...  3G1 
Report  of  the  committee  on   the  expediency  of  establishing  armed  ves- 
sels,     ----...-.  3G1 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  a  house  of  Doct.  Spring  for  a  hospi- 
tal,          361 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  l\!r.  Pigeon,  and  report  relative  thereto,       -  3G1 
Report  of  a  committee  relative  to  a  petition  of  Col.  Patterson  for  a  sup- 

ply  of  blankets,            .......  361 

Resolve  for  the  appointment  of  deputy  commissaries,        ...  3G2 

Committee  to  confer  with  four  Indians  from  Penobscot,     ...  362 
Resolve  authorizing  the  exportation  of  a  quantity  of  old  Jamaica  fish,     -  3G2,363 

Report  relative  to  the  support  of  the  poor  of  Charlestown,            -            -  362 
Committee  to  inquire  into  the  grounds  of  a  report  of  treachery  among  the 

officers  of  the  army,     -------  3G3 

Col.  Heath  chosen  a  major  general.            -----  3G3 

Mr.  Beriah  Norton  declared  not  regularly  returned  as  a  member  of  Con- 
gress from  Edgartown,            .---..  3G3 
Committee  to  make  a  commission  for  General  Heath,       ...  3G3 
Committee  to  consider  a  recommendation  of  JMr.  John  Wiley  as  captain 

of  a  company  of  artillery,       -  -  -  -  -  -361,  373 

Committee  on  a  petition  of  Robcit  Haskell,  ....  364,  368 

Form  of  a  return  of  the  choice  of  representatives,             ...  3G4 

Letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  battle  of  Bunker  hill,  365 
Letter  to  Gen.  Ward  relative  to  drawing  off  part  of  the  forces  at  Roxbu- 

ry  to  Cambridge,         .......  3G7 

"21 — Commission  of  William  Heath  as  major  general,  -             ...  3G7 
Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  calling  Col.  Glover's  regiment 

from  Plymouth  to  Cambridge,             .....  3G8 

Report  relative  to  ordering  the  regiment  from  Marblehcad  to  Cambridge,  368 
Committee  to  consider  a  petition  of  Robert  Twining,  and  report,              -  3G8 
Resolve  relative  to  the  estates  of  the  refugees,       ...            -  368 
Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  calling  a  general  as- 
sembly, if  the  exigency  should  require,            ....  3G9 

Committee  to  inquire  where  materials  for  making  paper  can  be  found,    -  369 
Committee  to  take  charge  of  the  plates  for  the  colony  notes,         -            -  369,375 

Address  from  the  chief  of  the  Penobscot  Indians,              -             -             -  369 

Order  for  delivering  out  several  commissions,       ....  370 

Committee   to  inquire  into  the  reason  of  the  want  of  discipline  in  the 

arms ,  -             -             -             -             -             -             -             -             -  370 

Jo  '|'li  Fry,  Esq.  chosen  a  major  general,              ....  370 

Report  and  reply  to  the  address  of  the  Penobscot  Indians,          -           -  »J71 
Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  enclosing  a  letter  from  the  president  of  the 

New  York  Congress  to  Maj.  Gen.  Wooster,  -  372 
Orders  for  commissions  to  officers  of  the  train  of  artillery,            -            -  373 
Committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Briant  Morton,       ...  37-t 
*'  22 — Committee  to  make  a  list  of  officers  of  the  army  who  have  been  commis- 
sioned.            -           -           -           -           -           -           .           -  .>7 1 

<  »rdcr  for  supplying  tnc  town  0|  Townscnd  with  powder.             -            -  371 


CONTENTS. 


XXX111 


Ji  \i  82 — Petition  of  Col.  Paul  Dudley  Sergeant,    .  .  .  .  . 

l>        1  rancis  Kittredge  appointed  a  surgeon  to  the  hospital, 
The  colonels  of  ihe  regiments  ordered  io  recommend  suital  us  for 

surgeons,  ........ 

Committee the  petition  of  George  Viucont,  relative  to  the  exportation 

of  fish,  and  report  of  the  committee,    .  .  .  .  . 

Committee  t<>  pro*  ide  a  hospital  tf  -r  ihe  camp  at  Roxbury, 
Committee  on  ifi    Paul  Revere's  account,  .  .  .  . 

C  mmi *  on  the  state  of  Col.  Phiuney'i  t,  and  report  thereof,  . 

<  >rder  r«.r  commissioning  certain  officers  in  <  !ol.  Prescott's  regiment, 

i  of  safety  directed  to  prepare  lists  of  persons  fit  to  be  commis- 

sioned in  ihe  several  regiments,  . 

l;     olve  for  supplying  the  town  of  Townsend  with  powder, 
Report  of  committee,  and  letter  to<;.      Ward,  relative  to  ordering  ilic 
companies  ol  ( !ol.  Thomas'  and  Col.  <  lotion's  regiments  ai  Plymouth 
to  •  lambridge,  ........ 

R<       ve  for  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  Belfast,  and  other  towns  on  the 
P<        i  dI  river,  with  provisions,  .... 

•• -JJ — Committee  to  (ill  up  commissions,    ..... 

Order  for  commissioning  ihe  officers  of  Col.  Glover's  regiment,    . 
i  i     ,r  respecting  ihe  pay  and  commissions  of  ensigns, 
Order  respecting  Bridget  Phillips,  wife  of  a  British  officer, 
Commission  ;i>  chief  engineer  ordered  to  be  given  to  Col.  Gridley, 
Order  for  printing  the  hand  bills  for  the  observance  of  the  Lord's  day, 
Committee  on  the  account  of  Mr.  John  Lane, 
Report  of  the  committee  appointed  lo  procure  a  hospital  in  Roxbury, 
Gen.  Ward  requested  lo  nominate  an  adjutant  general, 
Committee  to  draw  up  the  form  of  a  warrant  for  the  staff  officers, 
Report  of  the  committee  upon  the  state  of  Col.  Phinnej  'a  regiment, 
Report  and  resolve  respecting  the  price  of  blankets, 
Letter  from  Stephen  Hooper,  relative  to  a  donation  to  the  poor  of  Bos 
ton,         ........ 

Daniel  Noyes  appointed  postmaster  of  Ipswich,    . 

<  ' iniltcc  lo  inquire  into  the  slate  of  the   regiment  moved  from  Marble 

head  lo  •  lambridge,      ...... 

Mr.  Nye  appointed  io  number  the  notes,    .... 

Committee  upon  the  petition  of  the  town  of  Maiden, 

Committee  io  consider  ihe  circumstances  of  the  Rev.  Don.  I.angdou, 

Committee  lo  consider  expedients  lo  augment  the  army.    . 

Mr.  Holmes  appointed  in  place  of  Mr.  Nye  to  number  the  no 

Report  on  the  account  of  Capt.  John  Lane, 

Report  on  the  letter  of  Stephen  Hooper  of  Newburyport, 

Report  on  the  petition  of  the  town  of  Maiden, 

i;     olve  for  the  payment  ol  Capt.  1  one's  account, 

Resolve  respecting  the  removal  of  the  librarj  and  apparatus  of  Harvan 

College,  ....... 

Resolve  allowing  the  exportatii f  certain  fish  from  Gloucester, 

Vote  for  paying  .CI|MI  to  the  Rev.  Dort.  I. auction, 
Report  of  the  committee  on  the  petit  on    I"  R<  bert  Haskell, 
.I — Committee  to  consider  sunn-  method  lor  regulating  trade  with  the  In 

dians  ....... 


374 

..7  1 

374, 

375 

i 
37G 


377 
377 
377 
377 
378,  3S7 
378 
378 
37:; 
378 

371) 
3S0 

380 
3S0 

380 

381 
381 

I 

I 

.     I 

381 

382 


i 


XXXIV 


CONTENTS. 


June  21 — Committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  stationing  a  part  of  Col.  Phin 

ney's  regiment  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and  Lincoln,    . 
Committee  respecting  the  bills  of  credit  of  the  colony, 
Establishment  for  surgeons  of  the  army,      .... 
Resolve  for  appointing  a  clay  of  fasting  and  prayer, 
Report  respecting  the  wages  of  Capt.  John  Lane, 
Committee  on  the  petition  of  Edward  Parry, 
Resolve  for  the  payment  of  £100  to  Doct.  Langdon, 
Committee  to  consider  the  surplus  bills,       .... 
Report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  of  James  Kirkwood, 
Resolve  respecting  Bridget  Phillips,  .... 

Report  relative  to  a  building  for  a  hospital, 
Letter  to  the  governor  of  Connecticut,  respecting  an  augmentation  of  the 

army,      ........ 

Committee  to  consider  the  desertion  of  Lieut.  Cox, 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  stationing  Col.  Phinney's  regiment, 

Report  of  tho  committee  relative  to  the  desertion  of  Lieut.  Cox,  . 

Committee  to  consider  measures  for  the  reception  of  Gen.  Washington, 

Report  upon  the  services  and  compensation  of  Capt.  John  Lane, 

Committee  to  prepare  a  model  for  a  spear, 

Resolve  for  the  payment  of  Andrew  Oilman, 

Blacksmiths  to  work  on  the  Sabbath  in  finishing  the  spears, 

Resolve  for  furnishing  supplies  to  the  Penobscot  Indians,  . 

Committee  to  consider  the  subject  of  stationing  a  company  at  Nashaun 

Island,    ...... 

Proclamation  of  the  Continental  Congress  for  a  fast, 
Rev.  JMr.  Gordon  chosen  to  preach  the  election  sermon, 
"  25 — Committee  to  procure  spades  and  shovels  for  the  army, 
Commission  of  lieutenant  for  Mr.  Andrew  Gilman, 
Resolves  respecting  Capt.  John  Lane, 
Resolve  respecting  Lieut.  Andrew  Gilman, 
Resolve  for  the  protection  of  the  Elizabeth  Islands, 
Order  for  delivering  out  certain  commissions, 
Letter  from  the  committee  of  Machias,  respecting  the  capture  of  a  king' 

cutter,     ........ 

Mr.  Holmes  appointed  of  the  committee  for  making  the  notes  of  the  col 

iinv  a  currency,  ...... 

■  26 — Order  for  an  inquiry  into  the  conduct  of  Capt.  Thompson,  at  Falmouth, 
Committee  to  make  a  list  of  the  officers  who  have  been  commissioned, 
Committee  lo  inquire  into  the  stale  ol  the  towns'  stock  of  ammunition, 
<  >i i l«-r  relative  to  comm  Bsions  for  i  Seers  of  the  train, 
Order  respecting  the  handles  to  the  spears, 
( lommiitec  to  consider  how  the  arms  shall  be  distributed,  . 
Report  of  the  committee  on  the  reception  of  Gen.  Washington,    . 
'       mill  e  t"  prepare  letters  lo  the  New  England  colonies  for  a  reenforce 

ment  ol  nun.  not  t<>  prepare  one  foi  New  Hampshire, 
i    nominee  to  bring  in  a  resol vi  lo  the  examination  of  suspected 

p  rsons,  ....... 

Report  "i  the  committee  on  the  letter  from  Mat  h 
•  i  tier  for  delivering  certain  commissions,  . 

Commitlei .1  letter  from  Gen.  Ward,     .... 

Committee  to  mei  It  i         ill  Washington  and  Lee  at  Springfield, 


383,  38G 
383 
384 
384. 
385 
386 
336 
386 
386 
387 
387 

387 
390 
390 
390 
391 
391 
391 
392 
392 
392 

392 
392 
339 
393 
393 
394 
394 
394 
395 

395 

39'. 
397 
397 
397 
397 
S97 
397 
398 

399 

399 
399 

399 
400 

400 


100 

101 
100,  101 

102 


C  0  N  T  E  N  "1  -  .  WW 

Jisi  26 — General  Whilcomb  commissioned  at                   ral,       .           .  |O0 
l.i  III  r  I.  .ii    I'!;.                                                                                     is    from    lli.il 
town                                                                .... 

<  Irdei !  !"i  commissi  win »  I  !  G  I ' 

colt's  ri  gimenls,  ...... 

Two  i  omp  i.  joined  t"  « !ol.  Palli       t's  n      a  - j 1 1 . 

Report  and  resoi  ling  the  distribution  ol  i  arms,  . 

Commiiiee  to  consider  the  stale  of  i  .  mis, 

Report  of  ilie  committee  to  consider  the  conduct  of  Col.  Thompson,  at 

:    Imoulh,          ........  105 

••  J7 — Letter  from  the  committee  of  Albany,  and  committee  thereon,      .           .  103 

R   port  of  the  committi          G     .  Ward's  letter  read  and  recommitted,  103 
i                     lalive  to  permitting  pi                        carried  lo  prisoners  in 

B  ston,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .404 

Mr   Big       i  appointed  to  inquire  for  blank  commis                        .            .  Ii>l 

I      r  members  added  to  the  committee  of  supplies,           .            .            .  I"l 

1        William  Henshaw  chosen  adjutant  general,    ....  l"l 

Committee  lo  prepare  a  letter  lo  t ho  ('ouiiiient.il  Congress,  and  also  to 

1     oneclicut,  for  supplies  of  powder,     .....  104 

Mr.  Samuel  Brewer  appointed  an  adjutant  general,           .            .            .  404 

.Mr.  Ezekiel  Cheever  appointed  .-.tore  keeper  of  the  ordnance,       .            .  105 

Committee  to  examine  Ens        R       rt  Campbell,  a  prisoner,         .            .  105 
Committee  to  prepare  an  address  lo  the  town-;,  respecting  supplying  the 

army  with  powder,        .  .  .  .  .  .  .405 

Mr.  IM( is  ordered  lo  print  three  hundred  blank  commissions,         .            .  105 

Petition  from  Jonathan  Hicks  anil  Josiah  Jones,  prisoners  in  Concord,      .  405 

Letter  r.                             it  armed  vessels,             ....  405 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  several  eastern  towns  for  supplies  of  provis- 
ions and  ammunition,    .......  (05 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  that  the  pay  of  the  officers  and  soldiers 

shall  commence  at  the  time  of  their  enlistment,           .           .           .  40G 
•  'ommiltee  to  report  on  measures  for  preventing  the  spreading  of  the  small 

pox,        .  .  -  .  .  .  .  .  .406 

R     olve  relative  to  the  distribution  of  fire-arms,      ....  106 

Report  of  the  committee  to  examine  Ensign  Robert  Campbell,     .           .  107 
Committee  to  consider  what  quantity  of  powdei  should  be  drawn  from  the 

ie\  era!  towns,    ........  107 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  supplying  the  wounded  persons  in  cap- 
tivity in  Boston,  with  provis                              ....  108 

.  —Resolve  relative  to  the  committee  of  supplies,        ....  408 

Li  iter  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  containing  an  account  of  the  battle  of 

the  17th  instant,                .......  403 

Resolve  for  paying  Bfi  I     b  and  Tobey  ihe  expenses  of  bringing 

I;     .ii  ( lampbell  lo  <  Jambridge,           .            .           .            .            .  II" 

Committee  lo  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  1  i  More,    .  .  .  103,410 

Committee  lo  bring  in  a  re  olve  for  saving  provisions  in  the  army,            .  - 1 1 « * 

Committee  to  consider  a  list  of  deputy  commissaries,        .           .           .  II" 

Petition  from  John  Obrian,  of  Machias,      .           .           .           .  ill 

Committee  to  proportion  the  pay  of  the  officers  to  that  of  Ihi               .    .  HI 

Resolve  to  prevent  the  waste  of  provisions  in  the  army,    .           •           •  411 

Committees  to  station  the  troops  in  the  counties  of  Essex  and  Y<   k,        .  ill 

Committee  to  give  out  enlisting  orders,                  •                       •  *'' 


XXXV 1 


CONTENTS. 


June  28 — Resolve  for  defending  the  towns  on  the  sea  coast,           .            .            .  412 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  Robert  Shillaber  for  leave  to  export  fish,     .  413 
Committee  to  devise  means  for  supplying-  the  soldiers  on  the  sea  coast 

with  provisions,               .......  413 

Committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  several  officers  relative  to  their 

rank  and  the  organization  of  the  regiments,     ....  414 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  absconding  soldiers,  .             .             .  414 
Committee  to  consider  the  best  method  for  providing  each  soldier  with  a 

coat,        .........  414 

Form  of  warrant  for  the  surgeons,   ......  415 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  to  prevent  the  unnecessary  expenditure  of 

gunpowder,        ........  415 

Report  on  the  petition  of  Mr.  Obrian,          .....  415 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  making  the  bills  and  notes  of  this  and 

the  other  colonics,  a  tender,       ......  415 

Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to  the  governor  and  com- 
pany of  the  colony  of  Connecticut  to  permit  provisions  to  be  carried 
from  that  colony  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  parts  of  this,  .  41G,  417 

Resolve  for  forwarding  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress,          .             .  416 

Committee  to  examine  the  conduct  of  the  commissary  general,     .             .  416' 
Resolve  relative  to  the  commencement  of  the  pay  of  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers of  the  army,           .             .             .             .             .             .             .417 

Committee  to  consider  a  proposal  of  Doct.  Whiting  relative  to  saltpetre,  417 

"29 — Committee  on  a  petition  of  John  Calef,         .....  417 

Letter  from  the  committee  of  Northfield,     .  .  .  .  .417 

Report  on  the  petitions  of  the  eastern  towns  for  provisions,           .             .  418 
Committee  to  prepare  an  address  to  Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  on 

their  arrival,       ........  418 

Report  on  the  petition  of  several  officers  in  the  army  relative  to  rank,       .  418 

Report  of  the  committee  on  the  subject  of  the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,  .  418 
Report  of  the'eommittee  on  the  subject  of  supplying  the  soldiers  on  the 

sea  coasts  with  provisions,         ......  418 

Committee  to  see  that  the  military  stores  are  properly  guarded,     .            .  419 

Report  on  the  petition  of  John  Calef,           .....  419 

Committee  to  consider  in  what  manner  enlisting  orders  and  commissions 

should  be  given  to  the  officers  of  companies  on  the  sea  coasts,           .  419 
Resolves  authorizing  the  person  and  goods  of  Ensign  Campbell   to  be 

searched,  ........  419,  420 

Committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  Congress  relative  to  the  purchase  of 

guns,       .........  419 

Committee  to  examine  certain  letters  brought  from  England.         .                120,  1-7 
\     Iress  to  the  towns  in  the  counties  of  Worcester  and  Hampshire,  rela- 
tive to  supplying  the  army  with  powder,           ....  ISO 

Committee  to  procure  powder  from  the  above  counties,     .             .  1J1 
Committee  to  inquire  where  safe   and  convenient  stores  may  be  had  for 

storing  gunpowder,        .           .           .           .           .           .           .  I .  I 

Committee  on  a  petition  of  Mr.  Ichabod  ( I Iwin,             .  IJ1 

Doct.  William  Whiting  appointed  to  procure  from  New  York  directions 

for  making  saltpetre,       .......  IJ1 

Resolve  authorizing  Robert  Shillaber  to  export  fish,          .           .           .  421 
Committee  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 

powder,                                       .            •                         .            .  1 J  J 


CONTENTS. 


WW  II 


jisi  yi — Report  on  the  account  of  Mr.  [chabod  Goodwin, 
"  3< > — Report  n  i  itive  pernumerary  sheets  of  colony  nob 

Letter  from  the  commill »f  aafetj  ol  Portsmouth, 

Order  for  paying  the  Whiting's  mission  to  New  York 

Committee  i<>  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety  relative  to  ar 
tifieers'  accounts,  ...... 

i;      Ive  for  procuring  powder  from  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Wbr 
eester  reconsidered  and  recommitted,  .... 

( tammillee  lo  bring  in  a  resolve  making  provision  for  ilic  poor  of  Charles 

low  I),        ........ 

Committee  lo  inquire  into  the  stale  of  the  light-houses, 

Resolve  relative  t"  a  further  emiss  on  ol  notes  or  bills  of  credit,  . 

Form  of  a  warrant  for  surgeons  ol  the  hospital,    . 

Commiss 9  ordered  to  !><•  delivered  lo  certain  officers, 

l;.    ilve  ior  ihe  payment  of  the  expenses  of  persons  appointed  to  pro 

cure  powder,    ....... 

Form  of  commissions  lor  Ihe  officers  appointed  for  the  defence  of  the  sea 

it, 
Form  of  beating  orders  for  companies  to  defend  the  sea  coasts,     . 
Form  of  enlistment  lor  soldiers  for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coasts,  . 
I;    olve  lor  publishing  ihe  foregoing  blank  forms,  . 
Committee  to  consider  how  crimes  by  ihe  officers  and  soldiers  on  the  sea 

coasts  shall  he  punished,  ..... 

Resolves  relative  to  Ihe  dales  of  warrants  and  commissions, 
Report  of  the  committor  for  procuring  stores  for  the  gunpowder, 
Report  of  ihe  committee  relative  lo  procuring  powder  from   the  towns  i 

the  counties  of  Worcester  and  Hampshire, 
Committee  to  examine  the  iccounls  of  Major  Barber, 
Committee  on  a  letter  from  ihe  town  of  Biddeford, 
Ji  i  \   1  —  Ri  mlves  for  removing  certain  poor  of  Charlestown  lo  Ihe  towns  in  the 

county  of  Worcester,    ...... 

<  lomm  ttee  on  Iwo  letters  from  Rev.  John  Murray. 

Committee  on  the  account  of  Jabez  Matthews, 

i    immittee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety  respecting 

whale   I. oats,        ....... 

Committee  respecting  putting  electrical  points  on  the  powder  magazines 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  eighteen  Stockbridge  Indians, 

Report  relative  lo  Thomas  Neat,  a  prisoner, 

Deputy  commissaries  in  the  Massachusetts  army,  . 

Gen.  Ward  directed  lo  orderlwo  companies  to  Plymouth, 

Resolves  f«r  the  punishment  of  criminals  on  the  sea  coasts, 

Petition  from  .lame-  Fry,  that  his  son  may  be  appointed   a  deputy  com 

missary,  ....... 

Committee  on  a  petition  of  Josiah  Stearns, 

Committee  on  a  petition  from  the  town  of  Sandwich, 

Committee  lo  consider  letters  from  I. on. Ion. 

i.     ilve  Tor  reading  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  army  at  Ihe  head  o 

eai  h  corps,        ....... 

I. otter  to  the  governor  and  company  ol  Connecticut  relal  tpplying 

the  province  of  Maine  with  provisions, 
Eli   olve  lor  paying  Jabez  Matthews  the  expense  of  his  embassy  to  Can 

ada,       ........ 


Ul 


i.\ 


L22 

i:j 

B3 

423 
423 
124 
124 

1 U 

125 

125 
126 
126 
127 

433 

427 
127 

430 

ISO 
431 

431 

431 
431 

131 
431 

132 
433 

i.;  i 
134 
134 
134 

135 


XXXV111  CONTENTS. 

July  1 — Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  removing  the  sick  and  wounded  to  the 

hospital,  ........  436 

Gentlemen  appointed  to  administer  oalhs  to  the  soldiers,   .  .  .  436 

Resolve  directing  the  receiver  general  to  pay  out  the  bills  of  credit  of  the 

other  colonies,    ........  437 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  better  accommodation  of  the 

sick  and  wounded  of  the  army,  .....  437 

Committee  to  draw  up  a  resolve  to  be  prefixed  to  the  addresses  to  Gene- 
rals Washington  and  Lee,         ......  437 

Address  to  his  excellency  George  Washington,      ....  438 

His  reply, 439 

Address  to  Major  General  Charles  Lee,  and  his  reply  thereto,       .  .  440 

Committee  to  devise  means  of  supporting  the  poor  of  Boston  and  Charles- 
town  to  their  places  of  destination,       .....  441 

Order  f<  r  providing  necessaiies  for  Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  .  441 

Order  and  resolve  relative  to  paying  Mr.  Paul    Revere  for   printing  the 

colony  notes,      ........  441 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  securing  sundry  whale  boats,  .  441 

"     2 — Report  of  the  committee   relative   to   securing   the   lamps   of  the   light 

houses,  ........  412 

Committee  to  wiite  to  Mr.  Russell  respecting  the  money  due  from  him  to 

the  treasury,       ........  442 

Petition  of  Joseph  Barrell  relative  to  his  loss  by  a  fire  in  Boston,  .  1  iZ 

Report  of  the  committee  for  devising  means  for  supporting  the  poor  of 

Boston  and  Charlestown  to  their  places  of  destination,  .  .  443 

"     3 — Resolve  ordering  the  rules  and  regulations  of  the  army  to  be  read  month- 
ly, reconsidered,  .....  .  413 

Resolve  for  paying  Mr.  Josiah  Stevens  for  his  services  in  bringing  letters 

from  London,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .Ill 

Committee  to  confer  with  the  gentlemen  from  New  Hampshire,     .  .  414,  416 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  Thomas  Morton  for  leave  to  export  fish.     Re- 
port thereon,       ........  444,  449 

Committee  on  the  petition  of  the  selectmen  of  Abington.  .  .  .  1 14 

Resolve  for  furnishing  the  non-commissioned  officers  with  clothing  and 

blankets,  who  lost  theirs  on  the  17th  of  June,  ....  414 

"     4 — Committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  ....  410 

Committee  to  inform  Gen.  Washington  of  the  provision  for  the  sick  and 

wounded  of  the  army,  .  .  .  .  .  .445 

Committee  on  the  account  of  Ephraim  Fcnno,        ....  415 

Committee  to  consider  the  matter  of  donations  lo  the  poor  of  Boston,       .  41.3 

Committee  lo  consider  the  account  of  tin:  persons  to  procure  arms  for  the 

colony  army t     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  ■         445 

Committee  lo  consider  a  resolve  relative  lo  the  goods  of  Thomas  Hulch- 

inson,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .445 

Committee  lo  consider  the  expediency  of  in. iking  a  draw  bridge  of  the 

bri'l-r-  .it  ( lambridge,    .......  1 1:> 

i;    olve  that  no  more  commissions  be  delivered  at  present,  .  .  145 

C miiiee  to  consider  in  what  manner  the  late  inhabitants  of  Boston 

may  choose  members  to  represent  that  town  in  the  next  general  as- 
•embljr,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .446 

Resolve  for  supplying  the  chaplain  with  a  borse,    .  146 


(,'ONTE  NTS. 


\\\1X 


Ji  i  \  1 — Committee  to  report  an  i  I  meat  for  die  commissary  of  medical 

ston  ....... 

i  I  en  a  member  ol  Ihe  committee  of  supplies,  • 

Order  respecting  a  quorum  of  the  comm  ipplies, 

Commiltee  to  consider  the  suflei  \ '  ■  r.< i i-> m  Nimh 

Committee  to  cousider  the  conduct  ol  the  pe  pie  ol  Nnntucket,    • 
Cominittci  to    nswer  the  letter  from  Ni  ■   Hampshire,  &c, 
Order  for  paying  the  account  "i  Mr    \\       im  Whi 
Letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull  of  Connecticut,    .... 

i  -  ider  a  letter  relative  i"  the  plans  of  the  eastern  pail 

of  tl  asts, 

\         .• .  i  .    nomissary  of  medical  slor< 

R<  |  >.ii  of  the  >  i  mmillcc  on  Ihe  loss  ol  Ihe  Indian  Nimham, 
l.       Ive  relating  to  the  estates  of  the  ordered  to  subside, 

"     .") — Committee  to  inform  Gen.  Washington  of  Ihe  intention  ol  Congress  to 
. 
List  i  as  approved  of,  and  ordered  to  receive  warrants,    . 

Form  of  warrant  for  a  medical  commissary, 
i     mmittee  to  procure  200  axes  for  the  ai  my, 
I.      irt  ol  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  in  what  way  the  late  in 

habitants  ol  Boston  shall  choose  representatives, 
Li  Iter  to  Hon.  James  Russell,  respecting  public  money  in  his  hands, 
Committee  to  consider  some  method  to  prevent  intelligence  and  provis 

ions  being  carried  to  our  enemies,        .... 
Report  and  resolve  relative  to  making  a  draw  bridge  at  Cambridge, 
I  omm  ttee  on  a  petition  from  Jonathan  Brewer,  relative  to  recruits  lor  his 

. 
Committee  to  distribute  depositions  relative  to  the  battle  1  1  Lexington, 
I;,      •. ,  foi  paying  the  accounts  of  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 

fire-arms,  ....... 

Committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  Gen.  Ward,  relative  to  supplies  o 

arms  and  ammunition,   ...... 

I;     "it  of  the  committee  on  die  petition  of  the  Stockbridge  Indians, 
Report  of  Ihe  <  1  mmillee  on  n  li  Iter  of  .Mr.  Alexander  Sheppard,  relative 

to  plans  ol  the  pro  im  1  1  I   Maine,      .... 
1     mmillee  lo  1  onsider  measures  lor  removing  and  securing  the  lamps  and 

oil  from  ihe  Boston  light-house,  .... 

( lommitlee  on  a  letter  ol  James  Lj  1  n  of  Man 
l  einbly  in  any  extraordinary  emergency, 

Committee  lo  confer  with  Gen.  Washington  relative  to  furnishing  his  la- 
ding furniture,      ..... 
Letter  from  Jami     Winlhrop,  postmaster  at  Cambridge,  and  committee 

ili<  n  ....... 

Order  respecting  sundry  letters  and  maps  from  England,  . 

Letter  lo  Gen.  W  e  to  thi   sick  and  wounded, 

Mi    Lothri  p  <  hosen  a  member  of  ihe  committee  of  supplies, 

Report  ol  the  committee  and  resolve  relative  lo  providing  coats  for  the 

army,     ........ 

R    olve  for  paying  the  account  1     M      Dorothj  t'oolidgc, 
fi — Orders  relative  u>  providing  accommodations  i"r  Gen.  Washington, 
1  nsider  a  letter  relative  to  a  quantity  of  Hour  forwarded  to 

Norfolk  for  die  army,    ■  . 


i:d 
110 
146 

lid 
117 
117 
117 
117 

11:: 
li:: 

li: 

149 
449 
450 
450 

450 
451 

451 
451 

l/.J 
158 

155 

;.  I 
1..; 

1.-.1 
454 
15 1 

■lod 

455 

■\oo 
155 

160 


Xl  CONTENTS. 

Ji'LY  6 — Resolve  relative  to  impressing  a  saw  mill,               ....  460 

Committee  to  prepare  a  vole  of  thanks  to  the  committee  just  returned 

from  Ticonderoga,         .......  460 

Commiitee  on  the  account  of  expenses  of  entertaining  and  escorting  Gen. 

Washington  from  Springfield,  ......  4G0 

Commiitee  on  the  report  of  the  gentlemen  returned  from  Ticonderoga,     .  4G1 
Letter  of  Gen.  Green  respecting  the  sale  of  spirituous  liquors,       .             .  4G1 
Committees  on  several  private  petitions  and  accounts,       .             .             .  4G1 
Committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  estates  of  the  refugees,     .  461 
Resolves  for  paying  the  expenses  of  entertaining  and  escorting  Gen- 
erals Washington  and  Lee  to  Cambridge,        .  461 
Commiitee  relative  to  a  new  emission  of  notes,      ....  4G2 

Resolve  for  paying  the  towns  for  the  blankets  furnished  by  them,               .  462 

Vote  of  thanks  to  the  committee  sent  on  an  embassy  to  Ticonderoga,       .  462 
Committee  to  consider  what  allowance  should  be  made  for  the  use  of  a 

house  by  the  committees  of  the  Congress,        ....  462 

Resolve  for  making  compensation  to  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 

fire  arms,             ........  4G2 

"     7 — Mr.  Shillaber  ordered  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to  the  commit- 
tee of  Philadelphia  to  permit  the  exportation  of  flour,              .             .  463 
Committee  to  consider  the  subject  of  seizing  the  crown  officers,    .             .  463 
Committee  of  safety  to  draw  up  and  transmit  to  Great  Britain  a  fair  ac- 
count of  the  battle  of  Charleslown,       .....  463 

Committee  on  a  petition  of  Daniel  Murray  of  Rutland,      .             .             .  463 
Commiitee  to  consider  a  resolve  relative  to  the  appointment  of  a  master 

workman  for  the  blacksmiths,   ......  463 

Report  of  the  committee  to  consider  the  services  of  the  secretary,  made 

and  recommitted.           .......  464 

Order  for  making  out  warrants  for  two  surgeons,    .             .             .             .  464 

Resolve  relative  to  William  Shillaber's  lading  a  vessel  with  flour  for  this 

colony,   .........  164 

Report  of  the  committee  relative  to  a  new  emission  of  bills  of  credit,       .  464 

Committee  to  agree  with  some  person  for  striking  off  the  bills,      .             .  465 

Report  on  the  petition  of  Daniel  Murray,    .....  465 

Walter  Spooner,  Esq,  appointed  to  swear  the  soldiers  in  Bristol,  .            .  165 
Report  of  the  committee  on  the  report  of  the  gentlemen  who  nave  been 

on  an  embassy  to  Ticonderoga,            .....  165 

Committee  to  consider  the  expense  of  procuring  spears  for  the  army,       .  466 

Committee  to  procure  a  steward  for  Gen.  Washington,     .           .           .  466 

Report  on  the  petition  of  Joseph  Mallet,     .....  167 

Committee  to  procure  store  houses  for  depositing  fish,       .           .           .  467 
Committee  to  consider  what  provision  is  made  for  supplying  the  arms 

w iih  clothing,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .467 

Committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  Col.  Ea  ton,  relative  to  the  payment  of 

the  money  for  the  advance  pay  to  his  soldiers,           .           .           .  167 

Orders  relative  to  supplying  the  table,  of  Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  16;; 
Report  of  the  commiitee  to  consider  what  compensation  should  be  made 

'"  '                try,            .......  468 

Letter  to  (',, i.  Baston  at  Ticonderoga,        .....  16." 

EL  port  -,i  the  committee  lo  consider  some  method  to  prevent  supplying 

our  enemies  with  provisions,     ......  16L) 


(  ONTE  nts.  \li 

Jn.i  7 — Report  of  ibe  commilloe  relative  to  dm  expense  of  providing  spears  for 
tin-  army,  .....••• 

Report  of  the  committee  to  inquire  what  provision  had  been  made  for 
shirts,  breeches,  &c.     •  •  •  •  • 

Report  relative  lo  supplying  ihe  island  of  Nantucket  with  provisions,      .  WO 

••    U — Warrants  ordered  ti                      I  forlhesu                       .            .            •  470 
•      nmitlee  lo             ■  what  should  be  done  relative  to  the  commissions  of 

the  committee  of  safety,  .  .  •  ■  •  .470 

Petition  relative  to  the  appointment  of  coramissai              ...  470 

i        mittee  on  a  petition  from  Frenchman's  Bay,  for  provisions,    .            .  471 

Commit                tmine  the  accounts  for  axes  and  shovels,             .           •  171 

Col.  Walker  desired  t>>  pay  the  money  in  his  hands  into  the  treasary,      .  171 
i                  to  consider  a  proposal  of  exempting  the  soldiers  from  postage 

on  leltci  .  .  .  .  .  •  •  .171 

1                   m  accounts  ol   M      i  Bliss  and  Doct.  Church,             .           •  171 

Commilti                       <rn  new  emission  of  notes,  .            .            .           .  171 

1  I    er  relative  lo  supp  I         W  ashington  with  a  steward  and  house- 

•  r.  .........  471 

ii  of  Ihe  committee  on  the  petition  of  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,           .  ITS 

0  •  r  for  paying  Matthew  Clark's  account  for  repairing  boats,  .  .  472 
Reports  on  the  accounts  of  Major  Bliss  and  Mr.  John  Cook,  .  .  172 
Kcport  on  ihe  subject  of  exempting  soldiers  from  postage,  .  .  17- 
R  ilve  relative  to  signing  the  m  .....  17- 
Major  Hawley  reported  a  resolve  relative  to  advance  pay  to  the  ofli<  i 

of  the  army,       ......  .  178 

Report  on  the  subject  of  stores  for  the  reception  of  fish,    . 

Resolve  relative  to  employing    Mr.   Revere  in  striking  off  the  new  emis- 
sion of  notes,    ........  173 

Committee  to  consider  an  establishment  for  four  master  armorers,  .  17! 

Committee  to  or  removing  the  poor  of  Boston,  .  .  174 

Jonathan  Hastings  appointed  postmaster  ol  I  e,    .  .  .  174 

Letter  to  the  Congress  ol   n    *  11   mpshire,  ....  171 

Ive  relative  lo  the  sale  of  spirituous  liquors  to  the  soldiers,     .  .  175 

Resolve  relative  to  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  Frenchman's  Bay  «iili 

provisions,         ........  175 

Resolve  explanatory  of  a  |  resolve  relative  to  the  refugees, 

••    9 — Letter  from  Mr.  John  Scollay  n  o  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Boston, 

ami  committee  thei  .  .  .  .  .  .476 

Committee  lo  considei  the  difficulties  in  the  way  of  supplying  Ihe  Indians 

at  Falmouth,  Casco  B;  ......         177 

Resolve  for  supplying  the  Penobscot  Indians  with  goods,  .  .  -177 

I;    iort  ol  the  committee  r«-l.it  1  \  e  to  procuring  lor  the  army  shirts,  breeches, 
\     .  and  committees  theref  ..... 

Resolve  for  paying   the  expeusi  D        I  buch's  journey  lo  Philadel- 

phia,     .........  17;» 

i        mittee  lo  provide  a  diuner  foi  ihe  clcrg) ,  on  Ihe  I9lh  instant, 

Committee  lo  get  the  resolves  foi  procuring  &c,  printi 

Resolve  relative  lo  the  poor  ol  Boston  and  Charlestown,  . 

1  ee  to  bring  hi  a  resolve  for  supplying  Ibe  Penobscot  Indians  with 
gunpowder.    Jul}  10— Report  thereof,  .  .  .  '  ■" 

ii    olve  relative  to  Daniel  Green,  a  prisoner,         .  .  •  •  '• '' 

10 — Order  relative  to  the  letter  ol  .1        S     Hay,  .  .  •   ' 

T 


xlii 


CONTENTS. 


July  10 — Letter  from  Gen.  Lee  relative  to  an  interview  with  Gen.  Burgoyne,  and 

committee  to  prepare  an  answer  thereto. 
Committee  to  examine  letters  from  London, 
Resolve  for  furnishing  Gen   Washington  with  ten  horses,  . 
Elbridge  Gerry  chosen  to  attend  Gen.  Lee  on  his  interview  with  Gen 

Burgoyne,  ...  .... 

Letter  from  Gen.  Washington,  relative  to  a  reenforcement  for  the  army, 

and  committee  to  consider  the  same   and   confer  with   him   upon  the 

subject,  ....... 

Letter  to  Gen.  Lee  respecting   his  proposed  interview  with  Gen.  Bur 

goynp., 

Committee  to  consider  the  circumstances  of  the  town  of  Hull, 
Committee  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  public  stock  of  powder, 
Committees  on  the  accounts  of  John  Gill,  Moses  Lammon  ai.d  Isaac  Bis 

sell,         ...  ..... 

Committee  of  supplies  directed  to  write  to  Charlcstown,  and  Walpole  in 

New  Hampshire;  relative  to  cannon  of  the  colony  there, 
Order  for  paying  account  of  Israel  Nichols, 
Resolve  respecting  the  safe  keeping  of  Daniel  Green,  a  prisoner, 
Bcporl  on  Capt.  Lane's  account,     ..... 
Resolve  for  paying  Simon  Hastings,  door  keeper  to  Congress, 
"  11 — Resolve  relative  to  the  donations  for  the  poor  of  Boston  and  Charles 

town,      ........ 

Report  of  the  committee  relative   to   the  circumstances  of  the  town  o 

Hull, 

Resolve  in  behalf  of  Capt.  Samuel  Williams, 

Allowance  of  rum  to  persons  cutting  grass  on  the  estates  of  the  refugees 
Committee  to  confer  with  Gen.  Washington  on  the  slate  of  the  army, 
Committee  to  devise  means  to  raise  a  temporary  reenforcement  of  the 

army,     ........ 

Committee  to  see  that  the  fish  for  the  use  of  the  army  arc  taken  care  of, 
Resolve  relative  to  the  whale  boats,  .... 

"  12 — Letter  to  Gov.  Trumbull  relative  to  a  vessel  laden  with  molasses  for  the 

army  in   Boston,  ...... 

Committee  to  make  out  warrants  for  surgeons, 

Resolve  recommending   all   able   bodied  men  who  have  left  the  sen  port 

low ns  io  return  to  defend  them,  .... 

<  mmillee  on  a  petition  fn  n   I  '    ble, 
Resolves  for  the  payrni               idry  accounts  for  axi    ,  &c, 
lb  port  oi  the  comm  Itei   ri  lalive  to  the  reenforcement  of  the  army, 
Committee  to  lake  charge  of  the  medical  stores,    . 
Report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  public 

:.  of  powder,  ... 

i ' millee  to  examine  fifteen  prisoners  taken  at  Long  Island, 

<  ' oilier   10  enlarge    llie   i  '  >m  lol  - -ion    of    till-   (  ollllniltee   Ol       afelj  . 

Ri  port  of  the  committee  relativi  I  i  the  f  Lei  n  pris !«,  . 

Committee  to  report  an  i  stablisl >nl  nl  sail  for  the  army, 

Resolve  I  roll,  and  lettei  to  him, 

Report  on  the  ai  count  ••!   Mr.  John  Gill,    .... 
I;,  port  ol  the  committee  appointed  to  de\  i  e  mi  tns  tor  mining  a  tempo 
rary  reenforcement  for  the  ann\  ..... 


481 
481 
481 

4S2 


483 
483 
483 

481 

484 
484 
484 
4S4 
484 

483 
486 

486 
486 

486 
487 
487 

487 
488 

488 
488 

489 
489 

'189 
489 
490 

490 

I'm 
I:mi 
491 

491 


C0NTENT8. 


\liii 


Ji  iv  l .'—  II-  amending  the  return  of  able  men  to  the  sea  port 

tow  ....... 

■■  13— Li  tier  from  Joseph  H  G       '•■  lo  a  rc- 

enfon  emenl  u>r  the  army,         ..... 
1  i  I  Carps  well,   .... 

'  i. it  ol  Mr.  Solomon   Lothrop,  for  enter 

laining  Gen.  Washington,         ..... 
i    immittee  I  r  some  n  supplying  the  recruiting  ol 

With  money  ;  and  report,  ..... 

Col.  Benjamin  Lincoln  appointed  president  <>i  •  Jongress  pro  tempore. 

.1  I,  and  report  of  the  committee  thereon, 

R  tying  Mr.  William  Barber  £100  for  the  use  of  CapL  No 

ble's  company,  ....... 

R  -  relative  t<>  the  accounts  of  Mr.  S.  Lothrop  and  Mr.  John  Gill, 

R<    olves  ci  mcerning  two  |  t  Long  Island, 

i  ,  relative  to  horses  taken  from  the  enemy 

i  enlisted 

. 
Committee  lo  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  not  to 

kill  their  sheep,  ...... 

>rt  of  ih«'  committi  in  establishment  of  salt  for  the  soldiers, 

l  ttive  to  the  horses  captured,     .... 

Ri  port  of  the  committee  for  the  protection  of  sheep, 
K.   olves  for  (be  payment  of  certain  accounts, 
Ri  solve  relative  lo  s<>l<liers  who  have  enlisted  iwice, 
Report  of  the  committee  a<  to  what  towns  the  len  prisoners  shall  be  sent 

lo, 

Committee  to  revise  aii'l  explain  the  commission  of  the  committee  o 
... 
it  of  the  committee,      ...... 

Committi  es  lo  examine  certain  prisoners  from  Hachias,  and  to  consider 

tlie  account  of  ihi  of  bringing  them  here. 

Reports  of  the  committi  es, 
\       of  the  thanks  <>i  <  longress  to  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon,  to  the  proprietors  of 

the  meeting-bouse,  and  to  the  president,  . 

Committee  of  supplies  authorized  to  furnish  supplies  lo  the  eastern  parts 

of  the  colony,    ........ 

ilve  relative  to  the  building  of  whale  boats  .  .  . 

■■  Iv — Committee  lo  consider  the  means  of  paying  Col.  Easton's  regiment  at 

I  ........ 

The  Provincial  Congress  dissolved,  . 


191 

193 

194 
194 

195 
195 

195 

195 
495 
496 

197 

497 

198 
198 

199 

500 

500,501 

501 
501 

501 

501 


Till)  COMM1  I  PEE  OF  8  ULTY    \\l>  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SLTI'LIES  OF 
THE  PROA  [NCI  \l.  CONGRESS. 


1774. 


Nov.  2 — John  F  clerk  of  the  committee  ol  .  .         505 

'  :  supplies  recommended  lo  procure  a  quantity  of  provisions 

\\         iter  and  « loncord,    ....         ■''"■", 
1    C — Committee  "I  supi  sed  lo  procure  all  the  ammunition  they  can, 


xliv 


CONTENTS. 


Nov. 8 — Mr.  Gill  desired  to  get  seven  large  cannon  from  Boston,     . 
Dec.  20 — Voted  that  the  committee  of  supplies  endeavor  to  procure  spades,  shov- 
els, and  other  warlike  implements,       ..... 
Committee  to  examine  the  public  stores,     ..... 
Committee  to  write  a  letter  to  Henry  Gardner,  directing  him  to  call  for 
immediate  payments  of  the  taxes,        ..... 

1775. 

Jan.  5 — The  last  vote,  relative  to  the  immediate  payment  of  the  taxes,  reconsid- 
ered,      ........ 

Mr.  Cheevcr  to  procure  cannon  and  carriages, 
<'  25 — Cannon,  &c.  to  be  deposited  in  Worcester  and  Concord,  . 

Committee  of  supplies  directed  to  procure  certain  military  implements 
and  stores,         ....... 

Committees  adjourn  to  Cambridge,  .... 

Feb.  3 — The  chairman  of  the  committee  of  supplies  directed  to  report  their  trans 
actions  to  the  Congress,  ..... 

"  13 — Voted  to  purchase  all  the  powder  that  can  be  obtained,     . 

Committee  to  procure  from  Col.  Robinson  certain  cannon,  &c.  belonging 
to  the  province,  and  deposit  the  same  at  Concord, 
"  21— Committees  meet  at  Charl  slow  n,    ..... 

Voted  to  procure  ten  tons  of  brimstone,      .... 

Committee  of  supplies  directed  to  purchase  all  kinds  of  warlike  stores  for 
an  army  of  15,000  men,  ..... 

The  powder  at  Concord  to  be  removed  to  Leicester, 
Committee  to  make  an  inventory  of  medical  stores  necessary  for  the  ar- 
my,         ....... 

"  22 — Votes  directing  the  committee  of  supplies  to  procure  bell  tents,  field  tents 
lead  balls,  cartridges,  and  certain  stores, 
Mr.  John  Pigeon  chosen  commissary  of  stores, 
Abraham  Watson  and  Moses  Gill,  committee  to  take  possession  and  see 

to  the  removal  of  certain  province  arms. 
Order  for  assembling-  the  Congress  .... 

"  23 — Committee  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  officers  of  the  militia,     . 
Committee  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  members  of  Congress,  . 
Order  for  distributing  the  field  pieces,         .... 

Committee  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  colonels  relative  thereto, 
Committee  to  inquire  into  the  slate  of  Major  Paddock's  company  of  ar 
ttllery,    ........ 

"24 — Artillery  companies  to  consist  of  thirty-two  privates, 
Committee  of  supplies  to  procure  certain  stores,     . 
Committee  to  inquire  when-  doctor's  chests  can  be  procun  d, 
Mr.  John  Goddard  appoiuted  wagon  master, 
Committee  relative  to  couriers,        ..... 

Eighl  field  pieces,  with  ammunition,  &c,  to  In-  deposited  al  Leicester, 
March  7 — Vole  authorizing  tin-  purchase  ol  medicinal  stores, 
Watch  to  be  kept  over  the  provincial  magazines,  . 
Adjourned  to  •  loncord,         ...... 

"23 — A  ton  of  bullets  to  be  lodged  at  Concord,  .... 

Letter  from  Plymouth  representing  the  unprotected  state  of  the  town, 
April  1 — The  stores  at  Concord  not  to  be  removed  without  orders  from  the  com 
mitlec  of  safety,  ...... 


506 

506 
506 

506 


507 
507 
507 

507 
508 

508 
508 

508 
509 
509 

509 
509 

509 

510 
510 

510 
510 
510 
511 
511 
511 

511 
511 
511 
612 

512 
512 
512 
512 
513 
513 
513 
513 

511 


CONTENTS. 


\lv 


Apkii.  .'< — Committee  of  supplies  to  furnish  an  exact  account  of  all  the  pn 

ami  stn:  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  ;.i  t 

'•  1 1 — Votes  relative  i<>  the  cannon  al  Concord  and  powder  al  Leicester, 

Col.  Thomas  Gardner  chosen  of  the  comm.tiei  sly,  .  .         .">li 

•17 — Officers  to  the  companies  of  artillery  appointed,     .... 

Vote  relative  lo  the  cannon,  and  an  artillery  company  .it  <  !oncord, 

Establishment  for  the  companies  of  artillery,         ....         .r>IJ 

Certain  warlike  implements  to  be  sent  to  Groton  and  Acton,         .  .         515 

kdjonrned  to  Menotomy,     .......         615 

"  18 — Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow  requested  t<>  attend  I  le  meeting  of  the  com- 
mute- at  Menolomy,    .......  516 

\  uii -s  relative  lo  the  removal  and  deposit  of  the  ammunition  and  provis- 
ions,      ......... 

ammunition  carts  to  be  provided,  .....  516 

The  companies  <>t  matrasses  stationed  in  the  .  .  516 

\    tes  for  the  purchase,  removal  and  deposit  of   ammunition,  warlike 

stores  and  implemi  ......         .">17 

The  medicinal  chests  ordered  lo  he  placed  in  certain  towns  for  safety,     .  517 

•    19 — Letter  i<>  <  Sol.  Barrett  relative  to  the  powder  at  Leicester,  .  .  518 

"20 — Circular  to  the  several  towns  for  assembling  an  army,        .  .  .         518 

Letter  to  the  colonies  of  New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut,  .  .         518 

Letter  from  Doct.iWarren  to  Gen.  Gage,  relative  to  the  removal  of  the 

inhabitants  from  Boston,  ......  519 

"21 — Form  of  enlistment  for  the  soldiers,  .....  519 

Resolve  for  enlisting  an  army  of  eight  thousand  men,  and  for  the  organi- 
zation thereof,    ........  520 

Voles  relative  to  removing  certain  Geld  pieces,  and  preparing  them  for  ac- 
tion,      .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .520 

Companies  to  consist  of  fifty  men,    ...... 

Order  for  the  removal  of  certain  provisions  from  Salem  lo  <  iambridge,     .  520 

The  general  officers  ordered  to  make  returns  of  officers  and  men,  .  ,r)j| 

"  22— The  stores  ordered  lo  he  removed  from  the  seaporl   towns.  .  .  521 

Commissary  general  directed  to  inspect  the  entrenching  tools,      .  .  521 

I    Iter  from  the  committee  of  safely  to  a  committee  of  the  inhabitants  of 

Boston,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .521 

i — Letter  to  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  .  .  .  .         521 

Resolve  relative  to  the  inhabitants  of  Maiden  and  <  Ihelsea  firing  upon  the 
British  seamen,  .......  522 

"it — Col   Freeman  directed  to  secure  the  whale  boats  al  Cape  Cod,    . 

R     olve  for  enlisting  troops  in  New  Hampshire,    .... 

Resolve  relative  lo  the  size  of  the  companies,        ....  622 

Escort  for  (he  members  of  the  Continental  Congress, 

"  26 — 1  iftei  d  pris (rs  lo  be  removed  from  Concord  to  Worcester,       .  .         622 

Congress  re mended  lo  make  an  establishment  for  armorers,  . 

R   lolve  relative  to  the  enlistments  into  ihe  army,  .  .  .         523 

'•  -7 — Capt.  Derby  d  i  proceed,  with  despatch)  -    I     London,      .  .  523 

Ri  ■  ommendation  to  appoint  two  majors  lo  each  regiment, 

Letter  to  the  colonies  of  Rhode  Island  and  C client.   . 

Order  for  preventing  intelligence  being  carried  to  the  British,       .  .         624 

1. 1  Hits  to  the  -•  lectmen  ■•'■  Boston,  ..... 

.: — Vote  relative  to  an  establishment  for  post  riders,    .... 
P        dent  Langdon  appointed   chaplain  to  the  army. 


xlvi 


CONTENTS. 


April  2S — The  commissary  general  directed  to  provide  quarters  for  troops  from 

Connecticut,     \  .  ..... 

\  otes  relative  to  giving1  out  enlisting  orders, 

Agreement  of  Gen.  Gage  with  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  relative  to  the: 

removal,  ....... 

Committee  thereon,  ...... 

"29 — Committee  upon  a  vote  of  the  Congress  relative  to  the  removal  of  thcinhab 

itants  of  Boston,  ...... 

Circular  to  the  several  towns  calling  for  recruits  for  the  army, 
\^  otes  relative  to  a  rceuforcement  of  the  army, 
Expresses  to  have  power  to  impress  horses, 
Vote  relative  to  the  removal  of  the  sick  into  the  hospital, 
The  commissary  ordered  to  provide  for  Col.  Arnold's  company, 
Gen.  Thomas  ordered  to  seize  Gov.  Hutchinson's  papers, 
Letters  from  Hon.  John  Hancock,  at  Worcester,    . 
Vote  relative  to  the  companies  at  Medford  and  Dartmouth, 
Mr.  Watson  ordered  to  make  inquiry  re'ative  to  the  colony  arms, 
Order  for  securing  the  cannon  in  case  of  an  excursion  of  the  king's  troops 
"  30 — Information  from  Col,  Arnold  relative  to  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga, 

Committee  to  form  a  plan  for  the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston 

Officers  to  grant  permits  to  citizens  to  enter  Boston, 

Resolve  authorizing  person-;  to  go  into  the  town  of  Boston, 

Order  to  Col   Samuel  Gerrish  relative  thereto, 

Andrew  Craigie  appointed  medical  commissary,    . 

Joseph  Pierce  Palmer  recommended  to  the  office  of  quarter  master  gen 

eral,       ........ 

Mat  1 — Resolve  for  making  the  paper  currency  of  the  colonies  of  Connecticut 

and  Rhode  Island  a  currency  in  this  colony,   . 
Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  authorized  to  have  free  access  to  the  prisoners,  for  ex 

amining  them,    ....... 

•'    2 — Committee  to  confer  with  Gen.  Ward  relative  to  Col.  Arnold's  attempt 

upo  i  T  eondi  roga,       ...... 

Vote  relative  to  a  number  of  recantations  from  Marblehcad, 
Order  for  paying  money  an  I  delivering  ammunition  to  Col.  Arnold, 
Two  companies  to  be  raised  in  Braintree  for  the  defence  of  the  coast  o 

said  town,  ....... 

Letter  from  (in.  Thomas  relative  to  the  seizure  of  Gov.  Hutchinson': 

pap  ....... 

Resolve  relative  to  the  removal  of  citizens  into  Boston  with  their  effects 
Votes  relative  to  Col.  Arnold's  expedition, 

imissary  general  directed  to  lake  care  of  the  stores  belonging  toGeu 

Brattle  and  others,        ...... 

I  and  company  of  Connecticut  relative  to  a  confer 

agents  with  Gen.  I ■  ... 

"    3 — Two  companies  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast  of  Ufa  di  a 

and  Chelsea,      ....... 

The  quarter  m  ister  general  directe  1  to  protect  the  property  of  the  rcfu 

Instructions  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold,  ■  .  .  . 

''    1 — Voir  authorizing  certain  i p  mie  i  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  sea 

il  of  Braintree,  Hingiiarn  and  Weymouth, 
Petition  of  the  selectmen  of  =ai<l  towns,     .... 


525 
525 

516 
526 

526 
526 
526 
527 
527 
527 
527 
527 
528 
528 
528 
529 
529 
529 
529 
529 
530 

530 

530 

530 

530 
531 
531 

531 

531 
532 

- 

532 

532 

533 

531 
531 

531 
535 


« -i».N  ti:n  i  -. 


xl 


VII 


Mat  1 — Petition  from  B  powderand  nnn<,      .... 

Resoh  c  relative  I  ng  the  powi  i  nt,  .  •  536 

Letter  lo  the  l  icul  relative  lo  Ihi 

lour  thousand  of  iheir  men,       ...... 

William  Cooper  appointed  clerk  lo  the  commill 

I        i  fire-arms  r.  ei  ived  for  llie 

Lett  r  to  the   nl  ab  I  inU  ol   Si  \  \    rk.       ..... 

I    tier  i"  the  I     md, 

Vote  relative  to  the  men  enlisted  into  the  army,    ....  537 

Vole  r.  lative  lo  ihe  removal  of  Ihe  n  I      mouth  to  the  camp 

at  Roxbur)  .........  537 

(  o  confer  with  the  council  of  war  relative  to   Ihe  arrival  of 

troops  from  England,    .......  538 

••    7 — Recommendati cling  ihe  nomination  of  surgeons, 

P  ngs  relative  to  damages  to  the  pi  .  .         G38 

Selectmen  ol  I  event  provisions  from  being   carried 

into  llie  town  of  Boston,  ......  538 

I      ter  in  the  committee  of  •  Albany,         ....  638 

"    9 — '  desired  lo  prepare  a  n<  «  commission  for  the  committee  of  safe- 

ty, ......... 

Order  for  ihe  immediate  re<  nfoi lent  of  the  army, 

A  court  of  inquiry,  for  ihe  trial  ol  ai  i,  recommendi  .  540 

"  10 — Vote  relative  to  ihe  defence  of  the  sea  coast  of  Coha  .  .  510 

Ri        ■    recommending  nent  of  master  carpenters  for  making 

u      e        Is  and  other  ve 
Co tunications  relative  t<>  certain  intended  movements  of  the  British 

troops,  and  order  thereon,         ...  ... 

Letters  to  the  y  foT  calling  in  the  troops  lothe  camps  at 

i  Roxbury,  .  .  .  .  .  .  •*>  1 1 

Li  ller  lo  ihe  president  of  the  P  I  e,    .  .'ill 

Ordi  °  and  secui  .  .  .  .  542 

I  with    llie.  0   repair   forthwith  to  Cam- 

gje,  . 
■•  ii — Mr.  William  Cooper,  Jr.  appointed  clerk  lo  Doct.  Warren, 
■■  I ! — Mr.  Charles  Miller  appointed  depulj  commis: 

Vote  for  suppl)  dj    Mr.  I     iah  Thomas  with  printing  paper, 

Report  of  a  joint  co littee  appointed  to  reconnoitre  ihe   highlands  in 

Cambridge  and  Charleslown,  ...... 

Ri  solve  relative  lo  ihe  seizure  of  the  officers  of  ihe  crown, 
"  IS— Gen.  Thomas  appointed  to  deliver  out  medicines  lo  ll  soldiers  ai 

l :  1 1  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .544 

Ri  solve  relative  to  a  number  of  men  enlisted  under  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  ->\i 

Ri        .  relative  i Thomas  N  a  negro, 

"  1 1 — The  co issaxy  ol  medical  •  lores  din  cled  lo  impress  beds  and  other  ne> 

i  ihe  ->iik,    .......         645 

Resolve  for  purchasing  a  quantity  of  tar,  ..... 

Ri   olvi   i      live  to  one  Josiah  Mania  suspecledoi  favoring  the  tyrannical 

ion,         ......  645 

i;  .  i-  i,i  ihe  live  stock  on  ihe  islands,    .... 

Committee  lo  procure  a  particular  account  of  the  ordnance  and  military 
■tons,    ......... 


xlviii 


CONTENTS. 


Mat  14 — Vole  relative  to  the  treatment  of  persons  escaping  from  their  imprison- 
ment in  the  town  of  Boston,      ......  545 

Resolve  for  dismissing  certain  men  of  Col.  Fellows'  and  Col.  Porter's  regi- 
ments,    .........  546 

"  15 — List  of  the  ordnance  and  military  stores  of  the  province,   .            .             .  547 

Vote  relative  to  the  Hampshire  companies  under  Col.  Stark,         .             .  547 

Order  for  imprisoning  Capt.  John  Walker  of  Worcester,               .             .  547 

Vole  relative  to  a  company  from  Maiden,  .....  548 

The  commissary  general  directed  to  furnish  nine  Indians  of  Col.  Porter's 

regiment  with  provisions,  for  their  return  home,           .             .             .  518 

Vote  giving  Lady  Frankland  liberty  to  pass  into  Boston,               .             .  548 

House  for  the  use  of  the  committee  of  safety,         ....  548 

Recommendation  to  Congress  relative  to  the  records  of  the  county  of 

Middlesex,         ........  549 

Mr.  John  Goddard  appointed  wagon  master,  and  empowered  to  impress 

wagons  and  cattle  for  the  public  service,          ....  549 

"  1G — Order  for  removing  a  prisoner,  who  is  a  paper  maker,  from  Worcester  to 

Milton,    .........  549 

Resolve  relative  to  the  whale  boats,             .....  550 

Establishment  for  ten  companies  of  matrosses,       ....  550 

"  17 — Resolves  relative  to  certain  ordnance  and  stores,    ....  550 

Committee  to  request  of  Congress  that  the  duty  of  the  committee  of  safe- 
ty may  be  precisely  stated,       ......  550 

Committee  to  see  that  the  college  walls  are  kept  in  repair,             .             .  551 
Resolve  relative  to  the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  into 

Boston,               ........  551 

Voles  relative  to  Capt.  Edward  How,  and  a  fraud  practised  upon  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee,               ......  551 

Resolve  for  preventing  intelligence  being  carried  into  the  town  of  Boston,  551 
"  19 — Colonels  Gerrish  and  Learned  recommended  to  Congress  to  be  commis- 
sioned,   .........  552 

Letter  to  the  several  colonels  for  the  returns  of  the  state  of  their  regi- 
ments,   .........  552 

Several  armorers  appointed,             ......  553 

Samuel  Barrett,  of  Boston,  recommended  by  the  committee  to  the  favor 

and  good  opinion  of  his  countrymen,  .....  553 

"20 — Resolve  relative  to  the  admission  of  slaves  into  the  army,            .           .  553 

* " . .  i .  .  i  -  -      ,,,  !:■■■■:     i !  l;  i  mint  ncommeiided  to  be  commissioned,             .  553 
Letter  to  Gen.  Preble  relative  to  the  enlistment  of  troops  in  the  county  of 

Cumberland,     ........  554 

•'  S3 — Resolve  relative  to  securing  the  stock  on  the  islands  and  sea  coasts,        .  551 
Order  to  the  innkeepers,  iVc.  tor  supplying  certain  agents  of  the  colony 

with  necessaries  u| their  journey,    .....  655 

Report  and  proceedings  relative  to  Doct.  Nathaniel  Bond,  of  Marble- 
head,      .........  555 

Letter  from   Hon.  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  declining  his  appointment  as  a 

member  of  the  committei  ol  safety,    .....  555 

State  of  the  New  England  army,  and  resolve  thereon,       .           .           .  556 

■•  H  —  Mode  of  making  returns  of  the  reg  menls,             ....  55G 

«  $5 — Express  riders  discharged  from  the  service  of  the  colony,             .           .  557 
Letter  from  the  committee  of  supplies  to  Congress  relative  to  the  dis- 

charge  of  their  dutii  i,              ......  557 


•   ONTENTS. 


\ll\ 


Mn  84— Recommendations  to  Congress  to  take  some  order  respecting  the  remo 

\.il  of  the  -iia-k  from  the  islands,         . 
The  commissar)  general  directed  to  furnish  certain  persons  ami  troops 
with  suppl  ies,    ....... 

— Several  of  the  colonels  ;>r<-  recommended  by  tlic  committee  to  the  <'"n 
ommissions,  ..... 

'•  J7 — Order  for  tecuring  animals  put  into  the  enclosures  of  Thomas  Oliver  and 
John  Vassal,     . 

Letter  t"  the  Provincial  Congress  relative  to  the  conduct  of  Major  Abijal 
Brow  11  ol  Wallham,      ...... 

!  —  V  ;,  im  it  r  of  guns  were  received  from  Grafton, 
•  29 — Proci  .  the  committee  in  relation  to  certain  charges  against  Rob 

I      iple,       ....... 

I      ti  r  from  Mr.  Temple,      ...... 

'        .  ommended  for  con,  .     . 

R  to  a  volume  of  Gov.  Hutchinson's  letters, 

i  certain  cannon  and  stores, 

I  mel  al  \\  aterlown  to  attend  the  election  sermon  of  the 

igdon,    ...... 

Ji  m.  I  —  [mmi  diate  returns  required  of  tlje  number  of  men  in  camp, 
•■    J — Col.  Nixon's  regiment  recomnv  commissioned,  . 

;'    3 — Col.  Gridley  required  to  make  return  of  the  artillery, 
5 — Col.  (ili>\cr"^  regiment  recommended  to  be  commission'''!, 
I;         e  relative  to  the  regiment  of  the  train, 

iiive  to  the  repair  of  fire-arms  by  the  armorers, 
■■  I   — i     I.Jo  n  Glo>    i  din    ted  to  remain  with  his  regiment  at  Marblehead, 
relative  to  the  wing  on  the  estates  ol"  the  refug 

ntlemen  commissioned,  ami  of  candidates  lor  commissions 
. 
■•  1 2 — 'I  I.  . 

"13 —  I         olonels  ordered  to  make  immediate  returns  of  the  stale  of  their  reg 
imen  ....... 

quantity  of  powder  in  the  possession  of  the  committee  o 
supp  ....... 

I I  and  determinations  of  the  committee  to  be  kept  in  profound  se 
crecy,     ........ 

I;  rel  tlive  to  Daniel   Idams,  a  lunatic, 

Resolve  relative  i"  the  destruction  of  the  property  of  the  refugees, 
I  lation  from  the  quarter  master  general,  respecting  a  great  wan 

of  tents  and  barracks,  ...... 

•■  I  i — Committee  t"  proceed  to  the  house  of  Tlioma-.  [reland,  of  Charlestown 
to  search  for  an  infamous  woman  named  Jackson, 
il  regiment  recommended  to  be  commissioi 

l        ni  Mr.  Nathaniel  Mulliken,  at  the  battle  i  ton, 

••  15 — Allow  hi 'i-  of  pj  in  the  army, 

Committee  to  confer  with  the  council  of  »,ir  ral  officers,  relative 

to  il:.  :  .:i  ni   Bunker  hill  and  Dorchester  neck, 

Resolve  I  'my, 

R  Bunker's  hill  and  1  lorchester 

to  inquire  whether  any  tents  <>r  houses  aro  to  be  obtained  for 
the  Uoo  ..... 

ii  <  '•■!.  Gridlej  -  regiment  of  the  Urain, 


557 
557 

559 
569 

559 

I 

I 

5C0 

561 

5G1 
561 
561 

561 

5C2 

503 

503 

505 
566 
566 

507 
568 


1  CONTENTS. 

Juke  17 — Colonels  David  and  Jonathan  Brewer  recommended  to  Congress  for  com- 
missions,           ........  570 

Letter  to  the  selectmen  of  the  towns  in  the  vicinity  of  Boston  relative  to 

powder,               ........  570 

Letter  relative  to  a  small  pox  hospital,        .....  570 

Circular  to  the  towns  relative  to  supplies  of  provisions  for  the  army,         .  570 
"  18 — Letter  to  the  commanding-  officers  of  the  militia  of  certain  towns,  for  the 

march  of  their  regiments,           ......  571 

Letter  countermanding  the  above  order.     .....  571 

"  19 — Mr.  William  Eustis  appointed  to  the  care  of  a  hospital,     .             .             .  571 

Order  for  providing  hospitals  for  the  army,              ....  571 

Nomination  of  officers  for  the  company  of  artificers,          .             .             .  572 
Resolve  for  procuring  the  names  of  persons  killed  or  wounded  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Lexington,            .......  572 

"  20 — Representation  to  the  Congress  respecting  John  Wiley,  nominated  to  the 

command  of  a  company  in  the  train,    .....  572 

"  21 — Col.  Woodbridge's  regiment  recommended  to  be  commissioned,  .             .  573 

Resolve  relative  to  the  horses  to  be  kept  in  the  public  stables,       .             .  573 
Congress  recommended  to  make  an  establishment  for  aid  do  camps  to  the 

generals,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .571 

-- — A  number  of  officers  recommended  to  be  commissioned,    .             .             .  574 
The  town  of  Medford  requested  to  supply  shovels  for  the  works  on  Win- 
ter hill,    574 

"  23 — The  colonels  requested  to  make  immediate  returns  of  the  state  of  their 

respective  regiments,    .......  574 

The  committee  recommend  the  appointment  of  two  supervisors  of  the 

camps,  .........  574 

Committee  to  view  the  encampment  on  Prospect  hill,         .             .             .  575 

Fire-arms  received  from  Attleborough  and  Rehoboth,        .            .             .  575 

"  24 — Orders  relative  to  the  horses  in  the  stable  of  John  Vassal,              .             .  57G 

Certain  fire-arms  received  and  delivered  out  by  the  committee,     .             .  576 
The  artificers  directed  to  carry  on  their  woiks  in  the  buildings  of  Mr. 

John  Pigeon,      ........  57G 

"  25 — Representation  to  Congress  relative  to  the  appointment  of  two  supervi- 
sors of  the  camps,        .......  577 

"  2G — An  account  of  fire-arms  collected  and  distributed  by  the  committee,          .  577,  57S 
The  officers  in  Col.  Little's  regiment  recommended  to  Congress  for  com- 
missions,           ........  577 

Doct.  John  Warren  appointed  to  the  oversight  of  the  hospital  in  Cam- 
bridge.   .........  578 

';  27 — Account  of  John  Chandler  Williams  as  a  rider  in  the  colony  service,       .  578 

Several  officers      I                         jiment  recommended  lo  Congress,    .  578 

of  fire-arm    rcci    b                          the  colony,          .  57'J 

'    .  — l;  he  Provim  al  Coi  alive  to  supplying  the  army  with 

rms,           ........  579 

Order  Ir Gen    Ward  lo  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  delivery  of  said 

arms,     .........  .v:o 

Protest  ol  the  commit!              it  the  above  general  order,           .           .  580 
Fire-arm                            reral  of  the  colonels  ii>r  the  use  of  their  regi> 

.    .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .           .  581 

!;  I  ii  I  Russi  II  Trevel,  arrested  for  alleged 

id  in  the  battle  ol  the  llihoi  June,  ....  581 


CONTENT-.  H 

Jink  30 — Re  '  prevent  I 

lading  of  the  small  pox, 
l:      ilve  relative  i>>  the  account!  of  |  •  i  lony, 

— Acc<  iints  of  fire-arms  •■  e  of  the  colony,  and  of  thost 

livered  to  certain  colonels  ol  i:  ... 

Col.  Palmer  directed  to  attend  (  to  procure  information  r<.-l.i • 

i  further  emission  <>f  bi  ':t,  .... 

1  uested  to  I  *!n',r  the  whale  boats  which 

h  ive  ! n  collected,     .  .  .  .  ...         583 

l  I  in  supply  bead  quarters  with  provisions,  .  583 

Ji  i  \  1 — Order  for  the  disposal  of  the  hay  under  the  care  ol   VIr.  Dai       9         r. 

I  ns  recen  ed  an  I  distributed  by  the  comm  u 

'•    .'> — Resolve  for  ii  in  property  belonging  to 

Thomas  Hutchinson  and  "ii.                 .....  585 

!        mmendalion  of  the  committee  in  favor  of  Henries  A                         .  586 

\          ■       \\  illiam  \\                                      r,    .  5:;,> 

M      Geoi  je  Armstrong, 

II  ■  r  for  filling  widow  \           s  ! '.irn  with  hay,      ....  58G 
I         >  fire-arms  distributed  and  received  b^  the  committee,          .            .580,587 

5 — Arc, .nuts  of  John  Bulfinch  and  otln  rs,  587 

'  '    ers  relative  io  the  hay  on  John  Vassal's  estate  in  Cambr  .  587 

•    6 — Mr.    Fisk   authorized   to  cut  a  quantity  of  hay  from   Jonathan   Sewall's 

farm, 588 

Rest  I vi   recommending  to  the  Provincial  Congress  to  issue  a  sum  not  ex- 
ceeding one  hundred  thousand  pounds,  in  bills  of  credit,         .  .  JJo 
Letter  to  Gen   Washington  relative  to  certain  horses  taken  on  Bunki 

hill 689 

Resolve  recommending  to  Congress  to  procure  ami   transmit  to  Great 

Britain  a  fair  and  impartial  account  of  the  battle  of  Chailestown,      .  589 

Ri  these    ure  of  every  crown  officer  within  the  uni- 

ted colonies,      ........ 

I     l        re-arms  received  and  delivered  by  the  committee,  .  .591' 

I  recommended  the  appointment  by  Congress  of  master 

workmen  for  the  blacksmiths,   ...... 

'■    7 — Account         Matthew  Clark  and  Isaac  Bissell  passed  upon  by  the  com- 
mittee, .........  590 

Tl tas  <  >rg  in  recommended  to  the  care  of  the  colony  horsi 

I.',    olve  for  the  suppression  of  retailers  of  spirituous  liquors, 
Letter  to  the  selectmen  of  R  i  one  Capt.  Jacob  Rogers, 

"    '•'■ — .Mr.  Jonathan  Hastings  recommended  to  Congress  for  postmaster  at  Cam- 
bridge ........ 

K.     ilve  r<  i  om  m  riding  an  establishment  for  foui  master  armorers, 
Instructions  to  the  officers  of  the  army  who  arc  to  go  upon  the  recruiting 
servii      ......... 

!.'•           i      •  ve  to  soldiers  enlisting  into  different  companies  in  the  army, 
Ri  lolve  for  fitting  up  the  h s  ol  John  \  issal,  for  the  residence  ol  Gen- 
eral Washington,          ....... 

"  10 — Letter  to  the  towns  required  to  furnish  clothing  for  the  army. 
•  1 1 — Resolves  for  sen  ling  Mi  ds'h  ur  \  iart,  a  Frenchman,  to  the  town  i     W 

cester,    ......... 

1     nmittee  to  draw  up  a  true  statement  of  the  battle  of  <  !h  irlestow  n, 
ve  relative  to  a  number  of  horses  taken  from  the  enemy, 


lii 


CONTENTS. 


July  11 — Resolve  relative  to  fifteen  prisoners  taken  at  Long-  Island,          .            .  595 
"  12 — Benjamin  Guillam  appointed  a  master  armorer.     Duties  of  said  office,     .  595 
"  13 — Thomas  Organ  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  colony  horses,         .            .  595 
Resolve  relative  to  ten  prisoners  taken  at  Machias,           .            .            .  596 
Resolve  relative  to  property  plundered  from  the  inhabitants  in  the  confu- 
sion occasioned  by  the  battle  of  Lexington  and  Charlestown,            .  596 
"  14 — Resolve  relative  to  the  appointment  of  Thomas  Organ  as  keeper  of  the 

colony  horses,     ........  597 

"  15 — Resolve  for  procuring  a  supply  of  medicines  for  the  army,  .  .  597 

Letter  to  Mr.  Commissary  Craigie  relative  thereto,  .  .  .  597 


CONVENTIONS  OF  THE  PEOPLE  IN  THE  COUNTIES  OF  MASSA- 
CHUSETTS. 

Convention  of  Suffolk  County. 
1774. 

Sept.  6 — The  convention  meets  at  Dedham  and  adjourns  to  Milton,  .  .  601 

"    9 — Meets  at  Milton.     Joseph  Palmer  chosen  moderator,  .  .  .  601 

Preamble  and  resolutions  reported  to,  and  passed  by  the  convention,       .  601 

Committee  appointed  to  wait  on  Governor  Gage,  ....  605 

"  12 — Address  of  the  committee  to  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  .  .  605 

His  excellency"s  answer,      .......  607 

Meeting  of  the  committee  of  the  delegates  of  the  count}',  .  .  607 

Address  of  the  committee  to  Governor  Gage  in  reply  to  his  answer  to  the 

committee,         ........  607 

"  13 — Governor  Gage  refuses  to  receive  the  address  of  the  committee  in  form,  609 

Resolve  of  the  committee  for  printing  said  address,  .  .  .  609 

The  committee  adjourned  without  day,       .....  609 

Convention  of  Middlesex  County. 
1774. 

Auo  30,  31 — The  committees  of  the  towns  and  districts  in  the  count}-  meet  in  con- 
vention at  Concord,       .......  609 

List  of  the  delegates,  .......  609 

James  Prescott  chosen  chairman,    ......  610 

Committee  to  lake  into  consideration  an  act  of  parliament  for  regulating 

the  government  of  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Pay,         .  .  610 

Report  of  the  committee,    .  .  •  .  .  .  (ill 

The  report  and  resolutions  accepted  by  the  convention,    .  .  .  614 

The  towns  and  districts  in  the  county  recommended  to  appoint  delegates 

to  the  Provincial  Congress,      ......  614 

A  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  the  convention  to  be  sent  to  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  and  to  the  town  clerk  of  oach  town  in  the  county,         .  614 
The  convention  dissolved,    .......  614 

Conn  nl'um  of  Essex  County. 
1771. 
Sept.  6,  7 — Delegates  from  every  town  in  the  county  meet  at  Ipswich,      .  .  615 

List  of  delegates,    ........         615 

Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.  chosen  chairman,        .....         615 

A  committee  chosen  t"  consider  and  report  on  the  late  act  of  parliament 

for  regulating  the  government  of  the  proviucc,  and  other  papers,      .         615 


CONTE  M\ 


liii 


S>  11    5,  7 — Resolutions  reported  by  ilic  committee,  ami  unanimously  accept 
I  ■  wait  nil  Wil 

the  pro\  ince,     ........ 

'■    9 — An  1 1  on.  William  Brown  to  the  committee  ap|  .wait 

upon  linn,  ........ 


1774. 


(      vention  of  Hampshirt  County. 


Si  ii  -'-'.  23 — <  'ommittei  •  ..i  nil  the  towns,  excepting  <  !harlemont  and  Southwick, 
meet  at  Northampton,  ....... 

Ebenezer  Hunt.  Jr.  chosen  clerk,  and  Timothy  Danielson,  chairman  of 
the  convention,  ....... 

K'  solutions  adopted  by  the  convention,       ..... 


Convention  of  Plymouth  County. 


Delegates  from  every  town  in  the  county  meet  nt  Plimpton  ami  adjourn 
t"  Plymouth,      ...... 

"  -'"•    '  n  meets  at  Plymouth,       .... 

List  of  •  ncc,       .... 

11       .1        -  Warren  chosen  chairman, 
1  bring  in  a  report  to  the  convention.  . 

Preamble  and  resolutions  reported  by  the  committee,  and  unanimously 
accepted  by  the  convention,      .... 


1 774. 


Convention  of  Bristol  County. 


>m  i    ...  I—  ( invention  meets  in  (he  court  bouse  in  Taunton, 
List  of  tow as  repn 

Zephaniah  Leonard  chosen  chairman, 
Resolutions  adopted  by  the  convention, 


Convention  of  Worcester  County. 


A  i  '.    9 — i  lommittee  of  correspondence  and  delegates  meet  in  Worcester, 

Ni is  of  the  members  of  the  convention, 

William  Young  elected  chairman,  and  William  Henshaw,  clerk, 

<  'ouimittee  t"  draw  up  resolves  t"  lay  before  the  convention, 

•■  10 — Same  committee  t"  write  a  letter  to  the  delegates  of  the  province  to  the 

1    mtinental  Congress,   . 

Letter  to  the  towns  not  represented  in  this  convention,  desiring  them  to 

lo  ii^  adjourned  meeting, 
Resolve-,  report!  d  to,  and  unanimously  adopted  by,  the  convention, 
Convention  adjourned  to  the  last  Tuesday  ol  August, 
"  30 — The  convention  met  and  adjourned  to  the  count}1  court  house, 

' " mittee  lo  consider  the  --t.it>-  of  public  affairs,  and  to  prepare  re 

for  tli"  '-"in  en  ...... 

"  31 — Resolutions  reported  by  the  committee  and  accepted, 

I  igs  relativejlo  an  apprehended  visit  of  the  royal  troops  lo  Wot 

■  r,      . 

Official  despatel  G  Gage  to  the  Karl  of  Dartmouth,  relative 

thereto,  ........ 

Me  ■  ores  of  defence  recommended  ' 
Voted  to  adjourn  to  the  sixth  ol  S  •  r. 


613 
619 


621 
I  81 

I  :l 
t'.JJ 


628 
628 

630 

I 
631 

633 


liv 


CONTENTS. 


Sept.  6 — Convention  met  at  the  house  of  Timothy  Bigelow. 

Proceeding's  in  relation  to  the  sitting;  of  the  courts  in  Worcester, 

Large  assembly  of  the[people,         .... 

Vote  relative  to  the  royalist  inhabitants  who  have  protested  against  the 

patriotic  resolutions  of  the  town,  .... 

.■Military  officers  recommended  to  resign  their  commissions, 
Towns  to  choose  officers,"and  to  make  other  military  arrangements, 
Address  of  the  justices  of  the  county  of  Worcester  to  Gov.  Gage, 
His  excellency's  answer,      ...... 

Votes  relative   o  the  justices  who  signed  the  address  to  Gov.  Gage, 
Declaration  signed  by  the  justices  that  they  will  stay  all  judicial  proceed 

ings  ol    h    courts,  .... 

Declaration  by  other  officers  of  the  court,  . 
Commit    e  to  draw  up  a  vote  relative  to  the  administration  of  justice  and 

protection  of  the  justices, 
"    7 — Recantation  of  ihe  justices  who  signed  the  address  to  Gov.  Gage, 

Resolve  authorizing  the  justices  who  were  in  office  on  the  last  day  of  June 

to  continue  to  discharge  the  dulif  s  of  their  offices, 
Voted  to  put  the  Jaws  in  execution  respecting  pedlers, 
Voted  that  the  Norfolk  exercise  be  adopted  by  the  militia 
Votes  relative  to  Mr.  Samuel  Paine,  clerk  of  the  courts, 
The  convention  adjourned  to  the  20th  instant, 
'•'    8 — Meeting  of  the  blacksmiths  of  the  county,  . 

Proceedings  and  resolutions  thereof, 
•'  20 — Committee  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  representatives  to  be  chosen, 

The  sheriff  directed  to  a  Ijourn  the  court  appointed  to  be  held  this  day, 
"  21 — Letter  of  apology  from  Mr.  Samuel  Paine, 

Committee  thereon,  and  report  relative  thereto, 

Declaration  of  Gardiner  Chandler,  Esq.,  apologizing  for  presenting  the 

address  to  Gov.  Gage, 
Lnhabitanls  of  the  countytrccommended  to  submit  all  cases  in  dispute  to 

arbitration.  •  uring  the  suspension  of  the  sittings  of  the  courts, 
Instructions  to  the  representatives  of  the  towns,     . 
The  towns  recommended  to  procure  ammunition  and  field  pieces, 
Resolve  relative  to  the  imports  from  Great  Britain, 
Committee  of  correspondence  for  the  county  appointed,    . 
Division  of  the  regiments  in  the  county.      .... 
Recommendation  to  the  towns  to  elect  military  officers  and  to  enlist  troops 
Vote  relative  to  persons  confined  in  jail  for  debt,    . 
Remomstrance  to  his  excellency  General  Gage,    . 
Adjourned  to  the  first  Tuesday  of  December. 
Dec.  6 — Note  from  Mr.  Secretary  Flucker,  relative  to  the  direction  of  the  above 

remonstrance,    ....... 

Answer  oi   Gov.  <  i 

Vote  recommending  the  raising  an  artillery  company, 

Committee  to  put  in  order  the  votes  of  this  convention, 

\  alive  to  the  payment  of  the  public  moneys  to  Harrison  Gray 

Esq ,     . 
Committee  relative  to  the  royalist  covenant  drawn  by  Gen.  Ruggles, 
Committee  to  inquire  why  the    officers  of  the   militia  have  not   resigned 

their  com  ...... 

Votes  relative  to  the  establishment  of  a  printing  office  in  the  county. 


635 

635 
635 

636 

g;; 

636 
636 
637 
637 

637 
638 

638 
633 

639 
639 
639 
639 
639 
G39 
640 
GIO 
640 
641 
Gil 

642 

642 
642 
643 
643 
643 
G43 
643 
644 
644 
646 

646 
616 
647 

G17 

647 

G17 

G17 
617 


CONTEN  rS. 
i '         —  I      tuned  ("  Jarni  u     -     I ' '  i 

in 

is  of  die  Continenlal 
ami  Provincial  I  ..... 

\  !,)  the  ch(  .i]iil\   l  r.  i ~ti rt  r.  . 

isumplion  on  and  covenanl  for  the  county, 

I;        Mi    I  isfa  invited  lo  preach  a  Berraon  ••  convention, 

rt  aud  resolvi  a  to  the  sale  ol  spirituous  liquors, 

1 1  .... 

lie  of  trade,  and  for  di 
i  on  and  i  ..... 

March  -'"— I  on  attended  a  sermon  bj  Rev.  Elisha  Fisk,   . 

U  »\.    U — Committee  t"  draw  up  a  remonstrance  to  the  Provincial  I 
live  to  the  qualifications  <>t  ii>  i. 

!nr  a  committee  relative  to  the  r  ght  of  voting, 
R     live  recommending  the  erection  of  a  paper  mill  in  the  county, 


1771. 


Convention  of  Berkshire  County. 


ji  i\    —Convention  mei  S      kbridgc,  .... 

Resolutions  of  the  convention,  ..... 
\                      .11. int  for  the  inhabitants  ofthe  counts,  to  prevent  the  con 

sumption  of  1 5  r i  t  i  - 1 1   n  ...... 

A  da)  ol  amended,  ..... 

The  poor  of  Boston  and  Charl  ed  to  the  charity  of  the 

inhabitants  of  the  county,  ...... 

Convention  of  Cwmberla  id  ('unity. 
1771. 

i.  Jl — Convention  met  at  Falmouth,       ...... 

List  of  the  « l «  ....... 

Pi  ■  ve  lo  William  Tyng,  Esq.,  sheriff  of  the  county, 

1  ■  frame  a  ntaining  the  sentiments  of  the  convention, 

—  Report  ol  lb<  committee,      ...... 

The  committee  of  Falmouth  empowered  to  notify  future  meetings  of  the 

convention,         ........ 


\  LRR A  I  I\  ES  OF  THE  EXCl  RSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS, 

April  19,  I 

R    olve  of  the  Provincial  Congress  for  publishing  the  narrative  ofthe  excursion 

and  ravages  of  the  king's  troops,  April  19,17]  er  with  depositions 

taken   by  <>r. !<r  «.l   Coi 
Narrative,  i.  ported  i.\  Doct.  Church,  chairman  of  a  committee  of  Congress, 
Depositions  taken  and  authenticated  bj  ordt  i  ol  I  ,  lo  prove  the  i.u'ts  rcla 

lit  .■  tu  sa  '1  action,    ....... 

List  of  the  Provincials  who  urn-  killed,  wounded  or  missing,  in  the  action  o 

April  19th,  and  the  towns  t"  which  ihrv  belonged, 
British  official  account  of  said  action,  ..... 

Intercepted  letters  i  action,  wiilten  bj  Bril  -h  officers  and  soldiers 

in  Boston,      ........ 

ments  ol  the  losses  sustained  by  the  inhabitants  from  the  ravages  of  t 

i-li  troops,  April  19,  17^...  ..... 

Accounts  of  damages  done  to  individuals,    ..... 


lv 

CIS 


GI8 
648 

G50 

G50 
651 

I     1 

651 


- 
C53 


655 
655 
655 
656 


l 
1 

682 

684 
686 


lvi 


CONTENTS. 


PAPERS  RELATING  TO  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

1775. 

April  30 — Letter  from  Benedict  Arnold  to  the  committee  of  safety,  staling  the  mil 
itary  stores  and  condition  of  Ticonderoga, 
Letter   of  [the  committee   of  safety  to  the  Congress  of  New  York,  in 
forming  them  of  the  proposition  to  seize  Ticonderoga, 
May  11 — Letter  of  Edward  Mott  to   the  Provincial  Congress,  containing  an  ac 
count  of  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga, 
Certificate  of  Col.  Easton  and  others,  relative  to  the  command  of  that 
fortress,  ........ 

Letter  of  Benedict  Arnold  to  the  committee  of  safety,  containing  an  ac 
count  of  his  expedition.  ..... 

"  1-1 — Letter  of  Benedict  Arnold   to  the  same,  giving  information  of  the  cap 
ture  of  Crown  Point,     ...... 

List  of  cannon,  mortars,  and  stores,  taken  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown 
Point.  May  11,  1775,      ...... 

"  19 — Letter  from  Benedict  Arnold  to  the  committee  of  safety  relative  to  the  cap 
ture  of  a  king's  sloop,   ...... 

"  23 — Letter  from  the  same  to  the  same,  stating  an  expedition  of  Col.  Allen,  and 

the  condition  and  supplies  of  Crown  Point, 
"  25 — Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  communicating  the 

measures  adopted  for  the  defence  of  the  northern  posts. 
"  22 — Letter  from  the  committee  of  New  York  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  regarding 
supplies,  ....... 

"  1G — Resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  relative  to  the  removal  of  the  can 
hod  and  stores  from  Ticonderoga,         .... 

"  23 — Letter  from  the  committee  of  Connecticut  to  the  general  assembly  of  that 

i  olony,  reporting  their  mission  to  New  York, 
"  26 — Letter  from  the  Congress  of  New  York  to  the  committee  of  safety, 

Letter  from  [Benedict  Arnold  to  the  committee  of  safety,  respecting  mil 
itary  stores  and  supplies,  ..... 

"  27 — Letter  from  the  General  Assembly  of  Connecticut  to  the  Provincial  Con 

gress,  stating  the  temporary  relief  afforded  by  that  colony, 
'■'  29 — Letter  of  Gov.  Trumbull   to  the  Provincial   Congress,  slating  the  rcen 
forcements   and   supplies  furnished  for  the  support  of  the  northern 
posts,      ........ 

:.') — Letter  from  the  Congress  of  New  York  to  the  assembly  of  Connecticut 
reporting  their  orders  for  removing  the  cannon  and  stores  from  Ti 
conderoga,        ........ 

"29 — Letter  lulu   Ben :t  Arnold  to  the  committee  of  safety,  remonstrating 

linst  such  removal,    ...... 

''  30 — Letter  from  James  Easton  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  explaining  bis  po 
:.  and  soliciting  an  appointment  t>>  command  a  regiment. 
Jink.  1 — Letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  respecting  the 
resolutions  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
"    C — Letter  from  Col.  James  Easton  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  upon  the  dis 

position  of  the  i  ins  and  their  Indians,    . 

"    1 — Proclamations  of  Cols.  Allen  and  Easton  to  the  French  people  of  Canada 
riendship,  ..... 


G91 

694 

G95 

G97 

G98 

G99 

700 

701 

702 

704 

705 

706 

707 
708 

708 

709 

709 

710 
711 

712 
714 
714 
715 


r  ON  Til  NTS. 


lvii 


Ji  i.y  6    Report  oi   ihe  committee  appointed  by  the  Provincial  I 

■    l  and  Crown  Point,  relating  to  Ihe  conduct  <>t' 

I         \  tin-  military  force,  store*,  and  condition  ol  Iho  711 

i:     mi  of  ihe  ordi  '     >wn  Point,      .  ■  •  •  '19 

R      rn  of  the  I  ...... 

Jink  23— Letter  from  the  committee  of  the  Provincial  Congress  to  Benedict  Ar- 
nold, accepting  Ih>  resignation  <■!'  command  at  those  fortresses,  ami 
requ  riii'.;  linn  to  render  bis  •■    •  •  •  •  •  ■  -  ' 

I    iter  ir..iii  the  same  c mittee  to  the  Continental  Congress,  on  ilic  im- 
portance "I  those  fortresses,     ...... 

ji  iv  .; — Letter  from  1 1 1 < -  same  committee  to  Gov.  Trumbull  on  same  subject,  and 
the  dismission  of  Col.  Arnold,  ...... 

Letter  from  the  same  committee  to  the  Congress  of  N       Jfi   k,  on  the 
same  subjects,    ........ 

1— Letter  from  the  (  f  New  Jfork  to  the  Committee  of  Safety,  ex- 

pressing reliance  on  tlie  direction  of  ihe  Continental  Congn  .  "-1 

Doings  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

M  iv  SO — 1. eiier  from  Col.  Arnold  received,  informing  of  preparations  to  recapture 
Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  and  requ  forcemeats, 

Resolve  on  the  letter  requesting  troops  from  Connecticut,  .  .  7-j 

Ji  m   I — Commissaries  at  Albany  foi  supplies  recommended  to  be  appointed  by 
Connecticut,      ........ 

"    8 — Committee  to  examiue  M.ijor  Skene,  lately  appointed  governor  of  Ticon- 

deroga  and  Crown  Point,  and  his  officers,        ....  725 

The  committee  directed  to  conceal  matters  of  a  private  nature,    . 
«  10— The  committee  report.    Gov.Skeneand  his  o 

•    I  1—1  elters  from  Massachusetts  r<  ad,  and  the  forces  of  Connecticut,  not  «'m- 
ployed  at  the  northern  p<"  trcbed  to  Boston, 

;  the  p.i\  of  the  forces  employed  in  the  reductiou  of  Crown 
Point  and  Ticonderoga,  ...  .  .         7J> 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  JOURNALS  <>F  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS 

RELATING  TO  MASSACH1  SETTS. 
1774. 
Si  i-i    1 1 — Resolutions  of  the  Middlesex  Convention  were  presented  and  read.     .         7J7 
'■  17 — The  resolutions  of  the  Suffolk  Convention,  with  the  address  to  Governor 
<  iage,  were  pn  rented,  ...... 

Re       •  ol  i  approving  the  opposition  to  ministerial  measures 

and  the  acts  of  parliament,  and  recommending  perseverance  in  the 

c rse  expressed  by  the  Suffolk  resolutions,    ....         7J7 

l:   tolve  thai  contributions  should  be  made  for  relieving  the  distresses  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Boston,        ...... 

The  resolves  to  be  sent  to  Boston,  and  to  be  published, 
•  >(  i   G — Letter  received  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Boston,  stating 
the  situation  of  the  town,  tl  ^  r< i  of  their  petitions  for  relief, 

and  praying  the  advice  of  Congress,    ..... 

"    7 — Mr.  Lynch,  Mr.  S.  Adams,  and  Mi    Pendleton,  appointed  a  committi 
prepare  a  letter  to  Gen.  G  .      ■  •  -  il>e  "pinions  of  Congn 

it 


lviii  CONTENTS. 

Oct.  C — Resolve  approving'  the  opposition  of  Massachusetts  to  the  acts  of  parlia- 
ment,     .........  729 

"  10 — Resolve  expressing  the  opinion  of  Congress  that  all  America  ought  to 
contribute  to  recompense  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  for  the  injury  they 
may  sustain  by  removal,  ......  729 

Resolve  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  to  submit  to 

the  suspension  of  the  administration  of  justice,  .  .  .  729 

Resolve  declaring  that  those  who  take  office  under  the  acts  of  parliament 

ought  to  be  held  in  detestation,  .....  730 

'•11 — Letter  to  Gen.  Gage,  relative  to  the  state  of  Boston,  .  .  .  731 

Answer  of  Gen.  Gage,  Oct.  20,        .  .  .  .  .  .731 

Resolve  advising  the  inhabitants  to  conduct  peaceably  towards  the  troops,  731 

Resolves  to  be  published,     .......  732 

Resolve  for  preparing  a  memoria  !to  the  people,  recommending  united  ob- 
servation of  the  measures  proposed  by  Congress,         .  .  .  732 
"  11 — Declaration  of  rights  and  statement  of  grievances,              .             .             .          732 
"  20 — Association  and  non-importation  covenant,               ....  735 

1775. 
May  11 — Resolutions  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts,  letters  and  ad- 
dress, communicated,  with  the  narrative  and  depositions  relating  to 
the  engagement  between  the  troops  and  inhabitants,  . 
Depositions  and  address  ordered  to  be  printed, 

Committee  on  the  state  of  America  to  consider  the  letter  of  the  Provin 
cial  Congress,     ....... 

June  2 — Doct.  Benjamin  Church,  delegate  from  Massachusetts,  confers  with  Con 
gress  on  the  defence  of  the  province,  .... 

Letter  from  the  .Provincial  Congress,  asking  explicit  advice  respecting 
taking  up  and  exercising  the  powers  of  civil  government, 
"    3 — The  letter  referred  to  a  committee,  .... 

"    7 — Report  of  the  committee  laid  on  the  table,  .... 

"    9 — Resolve,  reported  by  the  committee,  recommending  to  the  Provincial  Con 
gress  to  invite  the  people  to  choose  representatives  to  a  general  as 
sembly,  to  exercise  the  powers  of  government, 
11 — Letter  from  New  York  respecting  a  vessel  supposed  to  have  provisions 
for  the  army  and  navy  at  Boston,  referred  to  a  committee,     . 
"  27 — Letter  from  Massachusetts  received,  .... 


740 

741 

741 

714 

711 
7U 
711 

712 

712 
742 


MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

Proclamation  of  Gov.  Gage,  prohibiting  all  persons  from  complying,  in  any  de- 
gree, with  the  resolves  or  recommendations  of  the  Provincial  Congress, 
November  10, 1771,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .713 

Letter  "i  the  committee  "i  New  York  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  transmitting  ex- 
tract! of  letters  from  England,         ....  .  744 

Ert*   :ts  "i  letters  from  England,  relating  to  the  situation  of  public  affairs  and  the 

condition  ol  the  colonies,     .......         744 

Letter  from  Joseph  Hawlev  i<>  Thomas  Cushing,  relating  to  the  powers  of  the  com- 

urn'  ind  the  necessary  preparations  for  war.     Feb.  22, 1775,         748 

l.eiirr  from  Ihejnhabitanti  <>l  Montreal  t"  the  committee  of  safety,  on  the  state  of 

'  anada.    April  88, 1775,     .  .  .  .  .  .  751 


CONTENTS.  llX 

Letter  from  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bowdoifl  t.>  Ihe  eommittee  of  safety,  giving  informa- 

lion  of  ravages  on  (he  Elizabeth  Islands.    June  4,1775,    . 
Deposition  of  Elisha  Nye,  relating  to  ili<--  plundering  of  one  of  the  Elizabeth 

Islands,  by  Capt.  Linzey,    .......  "53 

Population  of  Massachusetts,  1776,    ....... 

Warlike  stores  in  Massachusetts,  1774,  ......         756 


\.  i  of  the  General  Conn  confirming  tlie  doings  of  each  Provincial  Congress,  and 
providing  thai  ihe  records  might  !••■  :;i\  en  m  evidence,  anil  for  their  preser- 
vation in  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  the  colony, 


J  OURNAL 


OF    THE 


FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


OF 


Massachusetts, 

( 'mm  mil  at  Salt  m.  Friday,  October  7,  177  1. — Adjourned  on  the  same  din/. 
Convened  at  Concord,  Tuesday,  October  II.  -Adjourned  Friday,  October  1  I. 
Convened  at  Cambridge^  Monday,  October  17. — Adjourned  Saturday,  October  29. 
Convened  at  Cambridge,  Wednesday,  November  ■-'•'{. — Dissolved  Saturday,  Dec.  10. 


FIRST  MEETING  OF  THE  MEMBERS 


OF    THE 


PROVINCIAL   CONGRESS. 


On  the  first  day  of  September,  1771,  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage, 
governor  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  sent  out  precepts  to  the  several  towns 
and  di-tricts  of  the  province,  commanding  the  Inhabitants  to  return 
representatives  to  the  greal  and  general  court,  ordered  to  he  con- 
vened  al  Salem,  on  the  fifth  day  of  October  then  next.  Alarmed  by 
the  preparations  for  resisting  usurpations  of  chartered  rights,  by  the 
bold  -pint  of  tlie  county  resolves,  and  the  patriotic  instructions  of 
the  people  to  their  delegates,  it  was  determined  by  the  royal  council 
to  countermand  the  summons  for  the  meeting  of  the  assembly,  and  to 
postpone  its  session.  The  following  proclamation  was  issued,  on  the 
twenty-eighth  day  of  September,  bj  Governor  Gage,  announcing  bis 
view  of  the  inexpediency  of  the  meeting  of  the  legislature  at  the  time 
appointed,  discharging  the  members  from  attendance,  and  declaring 
In-  intention  not  to  he  present  al  Salem. 

Province  01    Massachusetts   Bay. 

/»'//  ////  (ion  rnor. 

\   PROCLAM  \TION. 

W'm  re  as,  'Mi  the  lir-t  day  of  September  instant,  I  thought  lit  to  is- 
sue writ-  for  calling  a  great  ami  general  court,  or  assembly,  to  be  con- 
vened and  held  at  Salein,  m  the  count)  of  Essex,  Oil  the  fifth  da\  of 
October  next;    and  whereas,  from  the  manj   tumults  and  disorders 

which    have    since    taken    place,  the   e\traordinar\    resolves  which  have 

been   passed  in  man)  of  the  counties,  the  instructions  given   bj  the 
town  of  Boston,  and   -nine  other  town-,  to  their  representatives,  and 


4  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  7, 

the  present  disordered  and  unhappy  state  of  the  province,  it  appears  to 
me  highly  inexpedient  that  a  great  and  general  court  should  be  con- 
vened at  the  time  aforesaid ;  but  that  a  session  at  some  more  distant 
day  will  best  tend  to  promote  his  majesty's  service  and  the  good  of  the 
province;  I  have,  therefore,  thought  fit  to  declare  my  intention  not  to 
meet  the  said  general  court,  at  Salem,  on  the  said  fifth  day  of  October 
next.  And  I  do  hereby  excuse  and  discharge  all  such  persons  as  have 
been,  or  may  be  elected  and  deputed  representatives  to  serve  at  the 
same,  from  giving  their  attendance :  any  thing  in  the  aforesaid  writs 
contained  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding  :  whereof  all  concerned  are 
to  take  notice  and  govern  themselves  accordingly. 

And  the  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties,  their  under  sheriffs,  or 
deputies,  and  the  constables  of  the  several  towns  within  the  same,  are 
commanded  to  cause  this  proclamation  to  be  forthwith  published  and 
posted  within  their  precincts. 

Given  at  Boston,  the  twenty-eighth  day  of  September,  1774,  in  the 
fourteenth  year  of  the  reign  of  our  sovereign  lord,  George  the  third,  by 
the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Britain,  France  and  Ireland,  king,  defen- 
der of  the  faith,  &,c. 

THOMAS  GAGE. 
By  His  Excellency 's  command. 

Thomas  Flucker,  Secretary. 

God  save  the  king. 

Notwithstanding  the  executive  prohibition,  ninety1  of  the  representa- 
tives elected  in  pursuance  of  the  writs  for  calling  the  general  assem- 
bly, met  at  Salem,  on  Wednesday,  October,  5,  1774.  With  cautious 
courtesy  they  awaited  during  that  day  the  attendance  of  the  governor, 
or  other  constitutional  officer,  to  administer  the  usual  oaths.  When  it 
had  become  certain,  by  the  lapse  of  time,  that  the  presence  of  the 
chief  magistrate  could  no  longer  be  expected,  a  convention  was  organ- 
ized, on  Thursday.  The  Hon.  John  Hancock  was  chosen  chairman, 
and  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq.,  clerk.  A  committee  was  appointed  to 
consider  the  proclamation,  and  consult  on  the  measures  proper  to  be 
adopted.  Their  report  was  presented  on  Friday,  and  ihc  following 
resolution--  submitted,  which  were  accepted,  and  afterwards  published 
in  the  newspapers  of  the  time. 

(1.)  The  number  of  those  in  attendance  i-<  thn  <  tordon,  History  of  tko  American  Revolu 

tion,  vol.  l.  |  and  in  thi   /  QaieU     M  Us  Spy,  Boston  Gatttto,  Boston  Evt 

aporary  prints.  Some  historians  have  supposed  t  i  ■  •  ■  members  were  908 
or  288  ;  probably  counting  those  who  metal  Concord,  instead  of  those  who  assembled  a)  Salem. 
Many  of  the  towns  refused  to  otx  y  the  governor's  precept,  an«t  declined  electing  representatives  to 
tho  gmpral  court,  but  »pnt  delegates  to  1 1 > « -  Provincial  Congri 


177  1. 1  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


PrOI  IN'  i     OP    I  in     M  LSSACHUSBTTS    \'<\\ 

In  fin  Court  Mousi  nt  Salem,  October  7.  177  1 

Win  ki  is,  In-  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  did  issue  writs  bear- 
ing date  the  tir-t  of  September  last,  t"« >r  the  election  of  members  to 
serve  as  representatives  in  a  greal  and  general  court,  which  be  <  1 1  •  t 
•■  think  lit  and  appoint"  to  be  convened  and  holden  the  fifth  da)  of  Oc- 
tobei  instant,  at  the  court  house  in  this  place  :  And  whereas,  a  major- 
n\  of  members  duly  elected  in  consequence  of  said  writs,  <lnl  attend 
at  said  courl  bouse  the  time  appointed,  there  to  be  qualified  according 
to  charter  for  taking  Beats  and  acting  as  representatives  in  said  great 
and  genera]  court;  but  were  uot  me!  by  the  governor,'or  other  consti- 
tutional officer  <>r  officers  by  him  appointed  tor  administering  the  usual 
oaths,  and  qualifying  them  thereto:  Ami  whereas,  a  proclamation, 
bearing  date  the  28th  daj  of  September  last,  and  published  in  sundrj 
newspapers,  with  the  signature  of  his  excellency,  contains  many  re- 
flections on  this  province,  as  being  in  a  tumultuous  and  disorderly 
state  :  and  appears  to  have  been  considered  by  his  excellent}  as  a  con- 
stitutional discharge  of  all  such  persons  as  have  been  elected  in  con- 
sequence of  bis  excellency's  said  writs:  The  members  aforesaid  so 
attending,  having  considered  the  measures  which  his  excellency  has 
been  pleased  to  take  bj  his  said  proclamation,  and  finding  them  to  be 
unconstitutional,  unjust,  and  disrespectful  to  the  province,  think  it  their 
duty  to  pass  the  following  resolves  : 

Therefore,  /»'<  solved,  as  the  opinion  of  said  members  : 

I-t.  Thai  by  the  royal  charter  of  the  province,  the  governor,  for 
the  time  being,  is  expressly  obliged  to  convene,  "upon  every  last 
Wednesday  in  the  month  of  May,  every  year  forever,  and  at  such  other 
time-  as  he  shall  think  lit,  ami  appoint  a  greal  and  general  court." 
And,  therefore,  thai  as  his  excellency  had  thought  lit,  and  by  his  writ 
appointed  a  great  and  general  court  to  be  convened  on  the  fifth  da)  of 
Octoher  instant,  Ins  conduct  in  preventing  the  same  is  against  the  ex- 
words,  as  well  as  true  sense  and  meaning  of  the  charter,  and  un- 
constitutional; more  especially  as,  \>\  charter,  bis  excellency's  power 
'•  to  adjourn,  prorogue  and  dissolve  all  greal  and  genera]  courts,"  doth 
not  take  place  after  said  court-  .-hall  be  appointed,  until  thej  have  first 
■■  met  and  convened." 

2dly.  That  the  constitutional  government  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
province,  being,  bj  a  considerable  military  force  at  this  time  attempted 
to  be  superseded  and  annulled  ;  and  the  people,  under  the  most  alarm- 


6  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.    [Oct.  7, 1774. 

ing  and  just  apprehensions  of  slavery,  having,  in  their  laudable  en- 
deavors to  preserve  themselves  therefrom,  discovered,  upon  all  occa- 
sions, the  greatest  aversion  to  disorder  and  tumult,  it  must  be  evident 
to  all  attending  to  his  excellency's  said  proclamation,  that  his  represen- 
tations of  the  province  as  being  in  a  tumultuous  and  disordered  state, 
are  reflections  the  inhabitants  have  by  no  means  merited ;  and,  there- 
fore, that  they  are  highly  injurious  and  unkind. 

3dly.  That,  as  the  pretended  cause  of  his  excellency's  proclamation 
for  discharging  the  members  elected  by  the  province  in  pursuance  of 
his  writs,  has  for  a  considerable  time  existed,  his  excellency's  conduct 
in  choosing  to  issue  said  proclamation,  (had  it  been  in  other  respects 
unexceptionable,)  but  a  few  days  before  the  court  was  to  have  been 
convened,  and  thereby  unavoidably  putting  to  unnecessary  expense  and 
trouble  a  great  majority  of  members  from  the  extremities  of  the  prov- 
ince, is  a  measure  by  no  means  consistent  with  the  dignity  of  the 
province ;  and,  therefore,  it  ought  to  be  considered  as  a  disrespectful 
treatment  of  the  province,  and  as  an  opposition  to  that  reconciliation 
between  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies  so  ar-dently  wished  for  by  all 
the  friends  of  both. 

4thly.  That  some  of  the  causes  assigned  as  aforesaid  for  this  uncon- 
stitutional and  wanton  prevention  of  the  general  court,  have,  in  all 
good  governments,  been  considered  among  the  greatest  reasons  for 
convening  a  parliament  or  assembly ;  and,  therefore,  the  proclamation 
is  considered  as  a  further  proof,  not  only  of  his  excellency's  disaffec- 
tion towards  the  province,  but  of  the  necessity  of  its  most  vigorous 
and  immediate  exertions  for  preserving  the  freedom  and  constitution 
thereof. 

Upon  a  motion  made  and  seconded, 

Votrd,  That  the  members  aforesaid  do  now  resolve  themselves  into 
a  Provincial  Congress,  to  be  joined  by  such  other  persons  as  have  been 
or  shall  be  chosen  for  that  purpose,  to  take  into  consideration  the  dan- 
gerous and  alarming  situation  of  public  affairs  in  this  province,  and  to 
consull  and  determine  on  such  measures  as  they  shall  judge  will  tend 
t<>  promote  tin  true  interest  of  his  majesty,  and  the  peace,  welfare  and 
prosperity  of  tin'  province. 

BENJAMIN  LINCOLN.  Clark. 

The  subsequent  proceedings  of  the  Congress  thus  formed  are  de- 
tailed in  the  following  journal. 


JOURNAL. 


H'MiNi  race  of  the  proceedings  of  a  Provincial  Congress  of  Deputies 
of  ||  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  the  Province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  in  New  England,  convened  at  Salem,  on  Friday  the  seventh  day 

of  October,  A.   D.,  \~~  I  ;   with  a  list  of  persons   chosen    to   represent 

them  in  the  Bame, 

'COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK. 

Boston. — Hon.  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  Hon. 
John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph  Warren,  Doct.  Benjamin  Church, 
Mr.  Nathaniel  Appleton. 

Roxbury. — Capt.  William  Heath,  Mr.  Aaron  Davis. 

Dorchester. — Capt.  |jbLemuel||  Robinson. 

Mill,, n. — Capt.  David  ftawson,  Mr.  James  Boice. 

Brcdntree. — Ebenezer  Thayer,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joseph  Palmer,  John  Ad- 
ams, Esq. 

Weymouth. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Bailey. 

Hingham. — Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq. 

Cohasset. — .Mr.  [saac  Lincoln. 

Dedhatn. — Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Mr.  Abncr  Ellis. 

Medfield.—Mi.  Moses  Bullen,  Capt.  Seth  Clark. 

II  /•<  ni hum. — Mr.  Jabez  Fisher,  Mr.  Lemuel  Kollock. 

Brookline. — Capt.  Benjamin  White,  William  Thompson,  Esq.,  Mr. 
John  Goddard. 

Stoughtm  mill  *Stoughtoriham. — Mr.  Thomas  Crane,  .Mr.  John  With- 
ington,  Mr.  Job  Su  ift. 

a\\\       I        reiaofDelegatesfrom.il  b*jSamuel.|| 

(1.)  The  southern  perl  of  the  county  of  Worcester  end  the  whole  of  the  county  of  Norfolk  were 
originally  included  within  the  territorial  limits  of  Suffolk.    The  former  was  s<  parated  In  tl 

til"  mcorporal \       9,1*  II.     Bj  the  il  ituta  of  Hard)  96,  1798,  all  the  towns  mentioned 

in  the  t<xt  mi  hclonjjiny  to  the  county  of  Suffolk,  except  Boston  and  Chi  Isea,  were  united  t>>  form 
i  ■•.  ,.i  \,,ri',.ik.    This  ael  was  repealed  Jim.'  90,  1793,  so  far  as  il  r<  lated  to  Bingham  and 
Hull,  which  were  annexed  t"  the  county  "t  Plymouth,  June  18,  lt?03. 

3toughtonh  I  to  Sharon,  by  the  Legislature,  Februarj 


8  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  7, 

Walpole. — Mr.  Enoch  Ellis. 
Medicai/. — Capt.  Jonathan  Adams. 
Needham. — Capt.  Eleazer  Kingsbury. 
Bellingham. — Mr.  Luke  Holbrook. 
Hull.— [None.] 
Chelsea. — Mr.  Samuel  Watts. 

COUNTY  OF  ESSEX. 

Salem. — Mr.  John  Pickering,  Jun.,  Mr.  Jonathan  Ropes,  Jun. 
Danvers. — Doct.  Samuel  Holten. 
Ipswich. — Capt.  Michael  Farley,  Mr.  Daniel  Noyes. 
Newbury. — Hon.  Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq. 
Neicburyport. — Capt.  Jonathan  Greenleaf. 

Marblehcad. — Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  Azor  Orne,  Esq.,  Mr.  Elbridge 
Gerry. 

Lynn. — Ebenezer  Burrill,  Esq.,  Capt.  John  Mansfield. 

Andover. — Mr.  Moody  Bridges. 

Beverly. — Capt.  Josiah  Batchelder. 

Rowley. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Mighill. 

Salisbury. — Mr.  Samuel  Smith. 

Haverhill. — Samuel  White,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joseph  Haynes. 

Gloucester. — Capt.  Peter  Coffin. 

Topsjield. — Capt.  Samuel  Smith. 

Boiford. — Aaron  Wood,  Esq. 

Amesbury. — Isaac  Merrill,  Esq. 

Bradford. — Capt.  Daniel  Thurston. 

Wcnhatn. — Mr.  Benjamin  Fairfield. 

Manchester. — Mr.  Andrew  Woodbury. 

Mi  t hum. — Mr.  James  Ingles. 

Middleton. — Capt.  Archclaus  Fuller. 

COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX. 
Cambridge. — Hon.    John  Winthrop,  Esq.,   Capt.  Thomas  Gardner, 
Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  [Mr.  Francis  Dana.] 

Charlestown. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Gorham,  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  Doct. 
[saac  Poster,  David  Cheever,  Esq. 

Watertown. — ("apt.  Jonathan   Brown,   Mr.   John   Remington,    Mr. 
Samuel  Fisk. 

Wiihiini.  —  Mr.  Samuel  Wyman. 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  Q 

Concord. — ('apt.  James  Barrett,  Mr.  Samuel  Whitney,  Mr.  Ephraim 

\\  immI,  .Inn. 

\    /•/,;//. — Abraham   Fuller,   Esq.,   Mr.  John  Pigeon,   Mr.  Edward 
I  rarant. 

Heading.  —  Mr.  John  Temple,  Mr.  Benjamin  Brown. 
Marlborough. — Mr.    Peter    Bent,    Mr.    Edward    Ham.'-,  Mr.  George 
Brigham. 

BiUerica. — William  Stickney,  Esq.,  .Mr.  Ebenezer  Bridge. 

Framingham. — Joseph    Haven,    Esq.,   .Mr.  [William]   Brown,  Capt. 
Josiah  Stone. 

Lexington. — Mr.  Jonas  Stone. 

Chelmsford. —  Mr.   Simeon  Spaulding,  Mr.  Jonathan  William-  Aus- 
t in.  Mi    s  imuel  Perham. 

Sherburne. — ('apt.  Samuel  Bullard,  Mr.  Jonathan  Leland. 

Sudbury. — .Mr.  Thomas  Plimpton,  Capt.  Richard  Heard,  Mr.  James 
Mosman. 

Maiden. — Capt.  Ebenezer  Harnden,  Capt.  John  Dexter. 

Medford. — Mr.  Benjamin  Hall. 

Weston. — Samuel  IV  Savage,  Esq.,  Capt.  Braddyl  Smith,  Mr.  Josiah 
Smith. 

Hopkinton. — Capt.  Thomas  Mellen,  Capt.  Roger  Dench,  Mr.  James 
Mi  lien. 

Waltham. — Mr.  Jacob  Fim*l< >\\ . 

Groton. — Jam'-  Prescot,  Esq. 

Shirley — Capt.  Francis  Harris. 

PeppereU. — ('apt.  William  Prescot. 

Stow.  —  Henrj  Gardner,  Esq. 

Toumshend. — Mr.  Jonathan  Stow,  Capt.  Daniel  Taylor. 

Ashby. — Mr.  Jonathan  Locke,  Capt.  [Samuel]  Stone. 

stun, hum. — Capt.  Samurl  Sprague. 

Wilmington. — Mr.  Timothy  Walker. 

Vatick. — .Mr.  Hezekiab  Broad. 

Draeut. — Mr.  William  Hildreth. 

lit  (/ford. — Dear.  Joseph  Ballard,  John  Read,  Esq 

HoUiston. — Capt.  Abner  Perry. 

Tetohsbury.— Mr.  Jonathan  Brown. 

Icton. — Mr.  Josiah  Hayward,  Mr.  Francis  Faulkner,  Mr.  Ephraim 
Hapgood. 

Westford. — [Capt.]  Joseph  Reed,  Mr.  Zaccheus  Wright 

Littleton. — Mr.  Abel  Jewett,  Mr.  Robert  Harris. 

Dunstable. — John  Tyng,  Esq  ,  James  Tyng,  Esq 


10  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  7, 

Lincoln. — Capt.  Eleazer  Brooks,  Mr.  Samuel  Farrar,  Capt.  Abijah 
Pierce. 

iCOUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE. 

Springfield. — Doct.  Charles  Pynchon,  Capt.  George  Pynchon,  Mr. 
Jonathan  Hale,  Jun. 

Wilbraham. — Mr.  John  Bliss. 

Ludlow. — Mr.  Joseph  Miller. 

West  Springfield. — Mr.  Benjamin  Ely,  Doct.  Chauncy  Brewer. 

Northampton. — Seth  Pomeroy,  Esq.,  Hon.  Joseph  Hawley,  Esq. 

Southampton. — Mr.  Elias  Lyman. 

Hadley. — Mr.  Josiah  Pierce. 

South  Hadley. — Mr.  Noah  Goodman. 

Amherst. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Dickerson,  Jun. 

Granbij. — Mr.  Phineas  Smith. 

Hatfield. — Mr.  John  Dickerson. 

Wliateley. — [Mr.  Oliver  Graves.] 

Williamsburgh . — [None.  ] 

Deerfield. — Mr.  Samuel  Barnard,  Jun. 

Greenfield. — Mr.  Daniel  Nash. 

Shelburne. — Mr.  John  Taylor. 

Conicay. — Mr.  Thomas  French. 

Westfield  and  Southwick. — Capt.  John  Mosely,  Mr.  Elisha  Parks. 

Sunderland. — Mr.  Israel  Hubbard. 

Montague. — Deac.  Moses  Gunn. 

Brimfield. — Mr.  Timothy  Danielson. 

South  Brimfield. — Mr.  Daniel  Winchester. 

(1)  The  county  of  Hampshire,  as  established  May  7,  1002,  comprehended  the  western  towns  of 
Massarliu-'ti-.  A  small  portion  of  tho  ancient  county  was  separated  when  Worcester  was  estab- 
lished, April  2,  1731.  Anotli'r  partition  took  place  on  the  incorporation  of  Berkshire  county,  by 
the  act  of  thr  great  ami  general  court  of  tin-  province,  in  May  Kill.  The  old  count]  of  Hampshire 
was  subdivided  by  the  statute  of  Jane  24,  1811,  setting  off  the  northern  part  inti 
Franklin,  which  inclnded  Whateley,  Deerfield,  Greenfield,  Shelburne,  Conway,  Sunderland,  Mon 
tague,  Northfield,  New  Salem,  Colrain,  Warwick,  Charlemont,  Ashfield,  Shutesbnry,  Leverett 
and  Bernardston,  named  in  the  text,  ami  Buckland  incorporated  in  1779,  Wendell  incorporated  in 
1781,  Orange  incorporated  in  17u:t,  Etowe  .mil  Heath  both  incorporated  in  L785,  Hawley  incorpora- 
ted in  1792,  (oil  incorporati  il  in  1793,  and  Leyden  incorporatni  in  |so;i.  Thr  county  of  Hampden 
was  formed  from  thr  southern  town-  of   Hampshire,  bj  I   February  25,  1812. 

Within  its  boundarii  -  were  united,  Springfield,  Wilbraham,  Lndlow,  Weal  Springfield,  Westfield, 
Southwick,  Brimfii  hi.  South  Brimfield,  Uonson,  Granville,  Murraystield  ami  Palmer,  mentioned  in 

i,  with  Stanford  incorporated  in  1711,  Montgomery  incorporated  in  1792,  Tolland  incorpi 
in  1796,  and   Holland  incorporated  in   1810.    The  name  of  Murraysfield  was   altered  to  Chester, 
i  id  tint  of  South  Brimfield  changed  to  Wales,  February 20,  1828.     The  other 

oi  i in-  text,    i»n  '!•  'i  around  tin-  central  pin  of  thr  Old  County,  are 
within  tin-  present  county  of  Hampshire  Pel    unincorporated   '  1742,  and  Wesl 

hampton  incorporated  E  tnd  omitted  in  thr  list  of  municipal  corpora -  •  listing 

in  177  I. 


1771. j  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  11 

Monscn. — .Mr  Abel  Goodale. 
Vorthfield. — .Mr.  Phineas  Wright 
( irmifilli  — Timothy  Robinson,  Esq 
New  Salem. — Mr   William  Page,  Jun. 
Colrain. — Capt  Thomas  McGee. 
Belchertown. — Capt.  Samuel  Howe 
II Hi-,  — Mr.  Joseph  Poster. 
Murray  sfii  hi  — [.None.] 
Warwick. — Capt.  Samuel  Williams. 
Chorlemont, —  Mr.  Hugh  .Maxwell. 
Ashfield.— [None.] 
Worthington. — Capt.  Nahum  Eager 
Greenwich. — Mr.  John  Rea. 
Shutesbury. — [  None.  ] 
( 'In  ~ti  riii hi. — [  None.  ] 
Norwich. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Meacham. 
1  Edgt  comb. — [None,  j 
l.i n  rett. — [None.] 
Palmer. — .Mr.  David  Spear. 

COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth. — Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq.,  Mr.  Isaac  Lothrop. 
Si  it  in  it, . — Nathan  Crashing,  Esq.,  Mr.  Gideon  Vinal,  Mr.  Barnabas 
Little. 

Karshfield. —  Mr.  Nehemiah  Thomas, 

ffiddleborough. — Capt.  Ebenezer  Sprout 

Hanover. — Capt  Joseph  Cushing. 

Rochester. — Capt.  Ebenezer  White. 

Plympton. — Mr.  Samuel  Lucas. 

Pembroke. — Mr.  John  Turner,  Capt.  Seth  Hatch. 

Abington. — Capt.  Woodbridif    ISrown,  Doct.  David  Jones. 

Sridgewater. — Capt.  Edward  Mitchel,  Doct.  Richard  Perkins. 

Kingston. — John  Thomas,  Esq. 

I)// i/j/n-i/. — Mr.  George  Partridge. 

Halifax. — [  None.  | 

Wan  hum. — [None.] 


I     Bdgecomb  »  u  probablj  inadvertently  placed  among  the  towns  ..i  Hampshire,  initead  of  thoie 
nooln  count) .  in  Maine. 


12  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  7, 

BOUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

Barnstable. — Daniel  Davis,  Esq. 

Sandwich. — Mr.  Stephen  Nye. 

Yarmouth. — Capt.  Elisha  Bassett. 

Eastham  and  Welflcet. — Mr.  Naaman  Holbrook. 

Harwich. — Mr.  Benjamin  Freeman. 

Falmouth. — Mr.  Moses  Swift. 

Chatham. — Capt.  Joseph  Doane. 

Truro. — Mr.  Benjamin  Atkins. 

COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL. 

Taunton. — Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esq.,  Doct.  David  Cobb. 
Rehoboth. — Capt.  Thomas  Carpenter,  Timothy  Walker,  Esq. 
Swansey  and  QShawamet. — Col.   [Andrew]  Cole,  Capt.  Levi  Whea- 
ton,  [Col.  Jerathmiel  Bowers.] 

Dartmouth. — Benjamin  Aikin,  Esq. 
Norton  and  Mansfield. — Mr.  Eleazer  Clap, 
Attleborough. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Lane,  Capt.  John  Daggett. 
Dighton. — Elnathan  Walker,  Esq.,  Doct.  William  Baylies. 
Freetown. — [None.] 

Easton. — Mr.  Eliphalet  Leonard,  Capt.  Zephaniah  Keith. 
Raynham. — Mr.  Benjamin  King. 
Berkley. — [None.] 

COUNTY  OF  YORK. 

York. — Capt.  Daniel  Bragdon. 

Kittery. — Charles  Chauncey,  Esq.,  Edward  Cutt,  Esq. 

Wells. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Sayer. 

Bericick. — Capt.  William  Gerrish. 

Biddiford. — Mr.  [James]  Sullivan. 

2Pcppcrrellborough. — [None.] 

Lebanon. — [None.] 

Sandford. — [None.] 

Buxton. — [None.]4 

(1)  Prori itown,  incorporated  June  I  I,  1727,  belonged  to  Bamstabl rarity  in  1774< 

(2)  Thai  part  of  Swansey  known  as  "  the  Bhawi 't  pnrchasi  ,"  i"  c the  town  of  Somerset 

February  90,  !• 

(3)  The  name  "t"  Bai  ..|.i.ri  m«tnul  of  IVpiirrri'llborough,  Pi  binary  25,  1805. 

(4)  Another  town  li"!  been  i  itablished  in  York  county,  previous  to  the  session  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  called  Cape  Porpoise  n>  1753,  Arundel  from  Jane  5, 1718,  and  rXennebunk  Port  after  1830. 
The  northern  pari  of  the  counties  of  Vnrk  and  Cumberland,  uninhabited  in  17i  I,  was  incorporated 
bs  tbe  county  of  Oxford,  March  1,  1305. 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  IS 

COI  \T\   OF  1)1  KES 

/  Jgarton. — [  None.  ] 

Chibnark. — Joseph  Mayhew,  Esq. 

Tisbury. — .Mr.  Etanford  Smith. 

Coi  NT!    OF  NANTUCKET 

IShnbuin. — [None.] 

COUNTY  OF  WORCESTEB 

Worcester. — Mr.  Joshua  Bigelow,  Mr.  Ti thy  Bigelt 

Lancaster. — Capt.  Asa  Whitcomb,  Doct.  William  Dunsmore. 

Mendon. — Joseph  Dorr,  Esq.,  Mr.  Edward  ftawson. 

Brookfield. — Jedediah  Foster,  Esq.,  Capt.  Jeduthan  Baldwin,  Capt. 
Phinehas  I  'pliant. 

Oxford. — ('apt.  Ebenezer  Learned,  Doct.  Alexander  Campbell. 

Charlton. — Capt.  Jonathan  Tucker. 

Sutton. — ('apt.  1 1 « 1 1 1  \  King,  Mr.  Edward  Putnam. 

Leicester,  Spencer  and  Paxton. — '-'Col.  Thomas  Denny,  Capt.  Jo- 
Beph  Henshaw, 

Rutland. — Mr.  Daniel  Clap. 

Rutland  District? — Mr.  John  Mason. 

I    TIih  inwn  *  Nantucket  Juno  8, 1795. 

i  D  rly  c pelted  by  fatal  sickness  to  leave  his  seal   in  ' 

.  whi  r.   ii  Thi 

nod  bj  l> ih  r.iir.  in. ni  wai  supplii  d  i>>  the  election  of  Capt.  II.  nahaw,  1 1  IT"  1. 

Juno,  1774.    1  t  ol  incorporat  went 

from  '  re  branch  of  thi    legislature,  conferred  municipal  powers,  but   best 

U'h.  ii  id.  pari  hmenl  reached  the  council  chamber,  the  blank  w;i-  filled  by  the 
oxecutivo,  and  the  unwelcome  designation  of  Hutchinson  imposed  on  the  patriotii  The 

taken  to  remedj  such  heavy  civic  calamity,  are  recited  in  the  following  remarkable  pre- 
amble of  the  statute,  •  the  M  j  session  of  the  general  court,  in  1776,  strongly  expn 
the  popul  >r  sentiment  of  the  time  :  "  Whereas,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Hutchinson  have, 
r  petition,  r.  presented  to  this  court,  thai  in  June,  1774,  whon  the  <;ii>l  town  was  incorpora- 
G  I  Gage,  then  governor,  gave  a  the  name  of  Hutchinson,  in  honor  to,  and  i<>  perpi 
tho  memory  of  Thon  -  Hutchinson,  his  immediate  predecessor  in  the  chair  of  government,  whom 
they  justly  style  the  well  known  enemy  of  the  natui  tulated  rights  of  America  ;  that,  at  a 
town  meeting,  notified  for  thai  purpo                          unanimously,  to  petition,  and  accordingly  have 

petitioned  the  general  '-nun,  thai  the  n of  the  -  'id  town  migbl  !"•  alti  red  [to  Wilkes,]  and  that 

rit  mi  longer  l>--:i r  the  disgraceful  nan f  Hutchinson  :    And,  whereas,  there  is  a  moral  fitness 

that  traitors  and  parricides,  esp  b  as   have  remarkably  distinguished  themselves  in  thai 

odious  character,  and  have  long  labored  to  deprive  their  native  country  of  its  mosl  valuable  n^'lii~ 
ami  privileges,  and  '"  destr  onstitutional  guard  against  the  evils  of  an  all  enslaving  ■ 

lould  be  held  up  to  public  view  in  their  im.'  inkind,  and 

that  ilx  re  should  remain  no  other  memorials  of  them,  than  such  as  »ill  transmit  tlx-ir  names  with 

ity:     And,  whereas,  the  said  Thomas   Hutch  lion  ol 

ad  gratitude  to  this  his  nath itry  which  raised  him  firom  private  life  '"  the  h 

and  mosl  lucrative  offices  in  the  govern nt,  has  acted  toward  her  tl  rricide 

.1,  which  ■  cle  irU  manifested  i"  the  world  by  his  Ii  I 


14  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  7, 

Oakham. — Mr.  Jonathan  Bullard. 
Hubbardston. — Mr.  John  Clark. 

Westburough. — Capt.  Stephen  Maynard,  Doct.  James  Hawse. 
Northborough. — Mr.  Levi  Brigham. 

Shrewsbury. — Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Esq.,  Mr.  Phineas  Hayward. 
Lunenburgh  and  Fitchburgh. — Capt.  George  ||aKimball,||  Capt.  Abi- 
jah  Stearns,  Capt.  David  Goodridge. 
Uxbridge. — Capt.  Joseph  Reed. 
Harvard. — Mr.  Joseph  Wheeler. 

Bolton. — Capt.  Samuel  Baker,  Mr.  Ephraim  Fairbanks. 
Petersham. — Capt.  Ephraim  Doolittle. 
Southborough. — Capt.  Jonathan  Ward. 
Hardwick. — Capt.  Paul  Mandell,  Mr.  Stephen  Rice. 
^Western. — Mr.  Gershom  Makepeace. 
Sturbridge. — Capt.  Timothy  Parker. 
Leominster. — Thomas  Legate,  Esq.,  Mr.  Israel  Nichols 
Dudley. — Thomas  Cheney,  Esq. 
Upton. — Mr.  Abiel  Sadler. 
New  Brainfrce. — Capt.  James  Wood. 
Holden— Mr.  John  Child. 
Douglass. — Mr.  Samuel  Jennison. 
Grafton. — Capt.  John  Goulding. 
Royalston. — Mr.  Henry  Bond. 

Westminster. — Mr.  Nathan  Wood,  Mr.  Abner  Holden. 
Templeton. — Mr.  Jonathan  Baldwin. 
At  hoi. — Mr.  William  Bigelow. 

Princeton. — Mr.  Moses  Gill,  Capt.  Benjamin  Holden. 
Ashburnham. — Mr.  Jonathan  Taylor. 
Winchendon. — Mr.  Moses  Hale. 
^Woodstock.— [None.] 
Northbridge. — Mr.  Samuel  Baldwin. 

COUNTY  OF  CUMBERLAND. 

Falmouth  and  Cape  Elizabeth. — Enoch  Freeman,  Esq. 

a  HCampfx  11. 
nml  \i\  !ii    having  thus  acted,  it  h:i~  become  lit  and  just  that  every  honorable  memorial  of  him  should 
■  d  and i:"    Therefore,  it  cl  d,  that  the  town  of  BntohinBon  ihoald  no  lon- 

ger t»':ir  id  it  name,  bnl  thenceforth  should  be  called  l!;iriv. 

I     The  name  of  Western  »•:.-  altered  t.i  Warren,  March  18,  1834. 

(2)  Woodstock  is  erron isly  inserted  in  the  text.   The  inhabitants  of  that  town,  settled  in  1636, 

ttacbed  to  Suffolk,  afterwards  connected  with  Worcester  county,  seceded  from  the  jorisdio- 
I  Massachusetts,  in  1747 ;  in  1753  they  were  admitted  t<>  the  privileges  and  protection  of  Connec- 
ticut, nnd  nn  the  settlement  of  ber  boundary  line,  became,  and  have  remained  citizens  of  that  state. 


[774]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  15 

Scarborough. — Mr.  Samuel  March. 

North   Yarmouth. — Mr.  John  Lewis. 

Gorhatn. — Solomon  Lombard,  Esq 

Brunswick  and  HarpsweU. — Mr.  Samuel  Thompson. 

<  «  »i  \ tv  OF  LINCOLN  —[None.] 

CO!  vn    OF  BERKSHIRE. 
Sheffield,  Great  Harrington,  Egremont  and  Alford. — John  Fellows, 
Esq.,  Docl    W  illiam  Whiting. 
Stockbridgi  and  West  StocJebridge. — Mr.  Thomas  Williams. 
Tyringham. — Capt.  Giles  Jackson. 
Pittsfield. — John  Brown,  Esq. 
Richmond. — [  None.] 
Lenox. — Mr.  John  Patterson. 
/;  zket. — Mr.  Jonathan  Wadsworth. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Chairman,  when  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  was  elected. 
Benjamin  Lincoln.  Ksq.  was  chosen  clerk. 

I  pon  a  motion,    Voted,    That  the  Congress   be   adjourned   to  the 
iri    house   in||  Concord,     there   to   meet  on  Tuesday  next,  al    ten 

o'clock  in  the  forenoon.3|| 

Ti  i  sdat,  October  1 1,  1771.   V  M. 

The  Congress  mel  according  to  adjournment. 
I  pon  a  motion    Resolved,  Thai  the  Congress  be  adjourned  to  the 
meeting  house  in  Concord:    Being  mel    there,  upon  a  motion     the 

" 

I)  i  tin-  journal  over  the 

the  countii  ock,  Waldo,  Washington,  H 

1716,  <  ■ 

W,,..i.  :  '•'■  I  '■  Bowdoinhani 

i  (,am;  1765,  Bristol ;    1771,  Hallowell,  Winthrop,  Vassalborough,  Winslow;    1773, 

;  Gardnui  of  I'm-:- 

t    IT 

re  the  following  town*,  in  addition  !•>  those  enumerated  in  the  text,  incoi 

led  |in<  >r  to  1774,  in  the  h  name;    I  Id,  1771,  na I   Peru,  June  19, 

\.  ■■.    \;   rltx  roo  rh,   1759      I  lorough,  i 

G  1771,  i-  ill-. I  Winaor,  1778  ;   Otis,  171 

unit  the  town  of  Concord,  >i  lh(    mei  I 

r  il  court. 
•mil v  with  the  n 

•   held  in  the  old  court  bouse,  but  thai 

uljouroed  to  the  meeting  i e.    Two  nd  the 

other  at  thn 'clock,  were  hold  i  S       luck1*  Concord,  91. 


16  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  11, 

question  was  put,  whether  they  would  reconsider  their  vote  relative  to 
the  appointing  a  chairman,  and  then  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  presi- 
dent, by  written  votes,  and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Upon  a  motion,  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Heath,  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  and 
Hon.  Col.  Ward,  be  a  committee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a 
president. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  president,  and 
the  committee  having  counted  and  sorted  the  same,  reported  that  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  was  chosen. 

The  Congress  then  appointed  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq.,  secretary. 

Upon  a  motion,  Ordered,  That  Capt.  Barrett,  Doct.  Warren,  and 
Hon.  Col.  Ward,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson, 
and  desire  his  attendance  on  the  Congress,  that  the  business  might  be 
opened  with  prayer. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  report- 
ed that  they  had  attended  [to]  that  service,  and  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emer- 
son would  soon  attend  on  the  Congress  agreeable  to  their  desire. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Three  o'clock,  P.  M. — The  Congress  is  further  adjourned  to  half 
after  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  October  12,  1774,  A.  M. 

||a||  Upon  amotion,  Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Col.  Prescot,  Doct. 
Warren,  and  Doct.  Holten,  be  appointed  to  return  the  Congress  when 
necessary,  in  order  the  more  easily  to  ascertain  a  vote,  and  that  they 
observe  the  following  divisions,  viz  :  The  wall  pews  on  the  right  of  the 
desk  for  one  division ;  [those]  on  the  left  for  another ;  the  men's  seats 
and  the  pews  adjoining  them,  a  third;  and  the  women's  seats  and  the 
pews  adjoining  them,  the  fourth. 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put  whether  the  several  resolutions 
entered  into  by  the  counties  respectively,  be  now  read,  and  passed  in 
the  affirmative.     Thej  were  read  accordingly1 

Resolved,  Thai  a  doorkeeper  be  appointed. 

Resolved,  Thai  Capt.  Barrett  he  desired  to  appoint  some  suitable 
per-, n  for  a  doorkeeper:  he  appointed  accordingly,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Hunt 
for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  lion.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Hon.  Joseph  Hawley, 
Esq.,  Doct.  Warren,  lion.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Hon.  Col.  Ward,  Hon. 

»  ||<  '<«ii^r-  {reeablytoadjournment.il 

(1)  The  record*  of  the  county  convention*  no  far  ns  they  can  be  recovered  will  be  found  in  tin-  lp- 
pendix. 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  \: 

Col.  Warren,  Capt.  Heath,  Col.  Lee,  Doct  Church,  Doct.  Holten,  Mr 
(irrr\.  Col.  Tyng,  Capt.  Etoberson,  Major  Poster,  and  Mr.  Gorham,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  province,  and 
report  as  soon  as  maj  be. 

Tli. mi  ill.-  (c.n^r.--     adjourned  t<»  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Al'teinoou. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  October  13,  1774,  A  M. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  tin-  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Tli.'  . -0111111111, ii  ill.-  state  of  the  province,  report. •<!  the  following 

message  to  his  excellency.  The  same  was  considered  ami  accepted  by 
the  Congress  with  one  ""dissentient  only,  and  the  presidenl  was  ||cor- 
dered    to  attesl  the  same. 

May  it pleasi   your  Excellency: 

The  delegates  from  the  several  towns  in  the  province  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts  Bay,  having  convened  in  general  Congress,  beg  leave  to  ad- 
dress  your  excellency.  The  distressed  and  miserable  state  of  the 
province,  occasioned  by  the  intolerable  grievances  and  oppressions  to 
which  the  people  are  subjected,  and  the  danger  and  destruction  to 
which  they  are  exposed,  of  which  your  excellency  musl  he  sensible, 
and  the  want  of  a  general  assembly,  have  rendered  ii  indispensably 
1 1 ...  -  —  t  r >  to  collect  the  wisdom  of  the  province  by  their  delegates  in 
tin-  Congress,  to  concert  some  adequate  remedy  for  preventing  impend- 
ing ruin,  ami  providing  for  the  public  safety. 

It  is  with  the  utmOSl  concern  we  see  your  hostile  preparation-,  which 
have  spread  such  alarm  throughout  this  province  and  the  whole  conti- 
nent, a-  threaten-  to  involve  ns  in  all  the  confusion  and  horror-  of  a 
civil  war:  and  while  we  contemplate  an  event  BO  deeply  to  be  regretted 
by  ev.rv  good  man,  it  inii-t  occasion  the  surprise  and  a-toni-hnient  of 
all  mankind,  that  such  measures  are  pursued  against  a  people  whose 
love  of  order,  attachment  to  Britain,  and  loyalty  to  their  prince,  have 
ever  been  trulj  exemplary.  Your  excellency  nm-t  he  sensible  that  the 
sole  end  of  government  is  the  protection  and  security  of  the  people. 
Whenever,  therefore,  that  power,  which  was  originally  instituted  to  ef- 
fect these  important  ami  valuable  purposes,  is  employed  to  harass,  dis- 
tress, or  en-lave  the  people,  in  this  case  it  becomes  a  curse  rather  than 
a  blessing. 

v  ...  idjoiimment.il  b  ||di«ientient  voice.|| 


18  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  13, 

The  most  painful  apprehensions  are  excited  in  our  minds  by  the 
measures  now  pursuing.  The  rigorous  execution  of  the  Port  Bill,  with 
[increased]  severity,  must  eventually  reduce  the  capital  and  its  numer- 
ous dependencies  to  a  state  of  poverty  and  ruin.  The  acts  for  altering 
the  charter  and  the  administration  of  justice  in  the  colony,  are  mani- 
festly designed  to  abridge  this  people  of  their  rights,  and  to  license 
murders  ;  and,  if  carried  into  execution,  will  reduce  them  to  a  state  of 
slavery.  The  number  of  troops  in  the  capital,  increased  by  daily  ac- 
cessions drawn  from  the  whole  continent,  together  with  the  formidable 
and  hostile  preparations  which  you  are  now  making  on  Boston  Neck, 
in  our  opinion,  greatly  endanger  the  lives,  liberties  and  properties,  not 
only  of  our  brethren  in  the  town  of  Boston,  but  of  this  province  in  gen- 
eral. Permit  us  to  ask  your  excellency,  whether  an  inattentive  and 
unconcerned  acquiescence  [bin]  such  alarming,  such  menacing  mea- 
sures, would  not  evidence  a  state  of  insanity  ;  or,  whether  the  delaying 
to  take  every  possible  precaution  for  the  security  of  the  province,  would 
not  be  the  most  criminal  neglect  in  a  people  heretofore  rigidly  and  just- 
ly tenacious  of  their  ||ccon?titutional||  rights? 

Penetrated  with  the  most  poignant  concern,  and  ardently  solicitous 
to  preserve  union  and  harmony  between  Great  Britain  and  the  Colo- 
nies, so  indispensably  necessary  to  the  well  being  of  both,  we  entreat 
your  excellency  to  remove  that  brand  of  contention,  the  fortress  at  the 
entrance  of  Boston.  We  are  much  concerned  that  you  should  have 
been  induced  to  construct  it,  and  thereby  causelessly  excite  such  a 
spirit  of  resentment  and  indignation  as  now  generally  prevails. 

We  assure  you,  sir,  that  the  good  people  of  this  colony  never  have 
had  the  least  intention  to  do  .any  injury  to  his  majesty's  troops ;  but,  on 
the  contrary,  most  earnestly  desire  that  every  obstacle  to  treating  them 
as  fellow-subjects  maybe  immediately  removed ;  [''and  we]  are  con- 
strained to  tell  your  excellency,  that  the  minds  of  the  people  will  never  be 
relieved  till  those  hostile  works  are  demolished;  and  we  request  you, 
;i-  you  regard  liis  majesty's  honor  and  interest,  the  dignity  and  happi- 
ness of  the  empire,  and  the  peace  and  welfare  of  this  province,  that 
you  immediately  desisl  from  the  fortress  now  constructing  at  the  south 
entrance  into  the  town  of  Boston,  and  restore  the  pass  to  its  natural 
state. 

Upon  a  motion, 

Ordered,  That  ;i  fur  copy  <>f  the  foregoing  report  betaken  and  pre- 
sented to  hi-  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  and  that  a  committee  be 

b  [to]  e  ||conatitatod  d  [but.  | 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  I'.i 

appointed  to  wan  upon  him  earl]  to-morrow  morning  with  tin-  Bame. 
Accordingly,  Col.   Lee,   Hon.  Col.   Ward,  Col.  Orne,  Capt.  Gardner, 
Henrj   Gardner,   Esq.,   Mr   Devens,   Mr.  Gorham,  ('apt    Brown,  Col. 
Pomeroy,  Son.  Col.  Prescot,  Col.  Thayer,  Mr.  Williams,  Capt.  Heath, 
Capt.  I '  |  >  1 1 .- 1 1 1 1 .  Mr.  li.ir  in -,  ( 'apt.  Dnnlittlr,  M  r.  Lothrop,  Major  Thomp- 
son, Mr.  Palmer,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Capt. Thompson,  were  appointed. 
Hi  -..//•, il ,  That  when  this  Congress  shall   adjourn  over  tin-  sabbath, 
thai  it  be  adjourned  t>>  th»'  courl  house  in  Cambridge. 
Tlicii  the  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Friday,  ( October  1 1,  177 1.  \.  M. 

Hi  «,.//•, ,/,  Thai  the  message  t"  his  excellenc)  !>«'  printed  in  the  Bos- 
ton nru  3papers 

\  [journed  i"  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  the  following 
resolve,  which  was  read,  considered  and  accepted,  and  ordered  that 
it  be  printed  in  the  Boston  newspapers,  and  attested  by  the  secretary. 

Hi  sohn  <l.  That  the  several  constables  and  collector  <>t'  taxes  through- 
out the  province,  who  have  or  shall  have  an}  moneys  in  their  hands 
collected  on  province  assessments,  be  advised  nol  to  pa]  the  same,  or 
any  part  thereof,  to  the  Hon.  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  but  thai  such  consta- 
bles and  collectors,  as  also  3uch  constables  and  roll  en  or-  as  have  or  shall 
have  an]  founts  moneys  in  their  hands,  take  and  observe  such  orders 
and  directions  touching  the  same,  as  shall  he  iriven  them  by  the  sever- 
al town-  and  districts  b]  whom  thej  were  chosen.  And  that  the  sheriffs 
and  deput]  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties  in  the  province,  who  have 
in  their  bands  any  province  moneys,  be  also  advised  not  to  pay  the 
same  to  the  said  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  but  thai  they  retain  the  same  in 
their  hand-  respectively,  until  the  further  advice  of  a  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  order  from  a  constitutional  assembly  of  this  province.  And 
thai  the  present  assessors  of  the  several  town-  and  districts  in  the  pro- 
vince, be  advised  to  proceed  t<>  make  assessments  of  the  tax  granted  by 

the  greal  and  general  court  of  the  province  at  their  last  Ma]  sess 

and  thai  such  assessments  be  duly  paid  by  the  persons  assessed,  to  such 
person  or  persons  a- -hall  be  ordered  by  the  said  town-  and  districts 
respectively.  And  the  Congress  Btrongly  recommend  the  payment  of 
the  tax  accordingly. 

"he  Congress  then  adjourned  to  the  courl  house  in  Cambridge,  thi 
1,1  med  on  Mondat  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon. 


20  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  17, 

||Cambridge,||  Monday,  October  17,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  Congress  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  adjourned  to  the 
meeting  house  in  Cambridge. 

Upon  a  motion, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Gardner,  Mr  Watson,  and  Mr.  Cheever,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  and  desire  that  he 
would  attend  the  Congress  and  open  the  meeting  with  prayer. 

The  committee  reported,  that  they  had  waited  on  the  Rev.  Doct. 
Appleton,  and  delivered  the  message,  and  that  he  would  wait  on  the 
Congress  immediately. 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  application  be  made 
to  the  governor  of  the  college,  for  leave  for  the  Congress  to  sit  in  the 
new  chapel,  and  passed  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  the  seats  now  chosen  by  the  members  in  Congress, 
and  those  which  may  be  chosen  by  them  in  future  upon  their  first 
coming  into  the  same,  be  their  seats  during  the  session  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  be  returned  in  divisions  as  agreed  on 
at  Concord. 

Mr.  President  informed  the  Congress  that  he  had  in  his  hand  his 
excellency's  answer  to  our  message  to  him  of  the  thirteenth  instant, 
directed  to  Col.  Lee,  ||and  others  which  he  read  and  is  as  followeth  :|| 

To  Col.  Lee,  Hon.  Col.  Ward,  Col.  Orne,  Capl.  Gardner,  Henry  Gardner.  Esq  ,  Mr. 
Devcns,  Mr.  Gorham,  Capt.  Brown,  Col.  Pomeroy,  Hon.  Col.  Prescot,  Col.  Thayer,  Mr. 
Williams,  Capt.  Heath,  Capt.  Upham,  Mr.  Barnes,  Capt.  Doolittle,  Mr.  Lothrop,  Major 
Thompson,  Mr.  Palmer,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Capt.  Thompson,  said  to  be  a  committee  to 
wait  on  his  excellency  with  a  message. 

Gentlemen  :  The  previous  menaces  daily  thrown  out,  and  the  unu- 
sual warlike  preparations  throughout  the  country,  made  it  an  act  of 
duty  in  me  to  pursue  the  measures  I  have  taken  in  constructing  what 
you  call  a  fortress,  which,  unless  annoyed,  will  annoy  nobody. 

It  is  surely  highly  exasperating,  as  well  as  ungenerous,  even  to  hint 
that  the  lives,  liberties,  or  properties  of  any  persons,  except  avowed 
enemies,  are  in  danger  from  Britons ;  Britain  can  never  harbor  the 
black  design  of  wantonly  destroying,  or  enslaving,  any  people  on  earth. 
And  notwithstanding  the  enmity  shewn  the  king's  troops,  by  withhold- 
ing from  them  almost  every  necessary  for  their  preservation,  they  have 
not,  as  yet,  discovered  the  resentmrnt  which  might  justly  he  expected  to 
arise  from  such  hostile  treatment. 

No  person  can  he  more  solicitous  than  myself  to  procure  union  and 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  J. 

harmony  between  <irt-.it  Britain  ;in<l  her  colonies,  and  I  ardentlj  wish 
to  contribute  i"  the  completion  of  a  work  bo  salutarj  to  both  countries 
But  an  open  and  avowed  disobedience  to  all  her  authority,  ia  only  lud- 
ding  defiance  to  the  mother  country,  and  gives  little  hopes  of  bringing 
a  spirited  nation  to  that  Favorable  disposition,  which  a  more  decenl  and 
dutiful  conducl  mighl  effect. 

Whilst  you  complain  of  acts  of  parliamenl  thai  make  alterations  in 
your  charter,  and  put  you   in  some  degree  on  the  same  footing  with 
many  other  provinces,  you  will   not   forget   thai   1>\  your  assembling, 
you  are  yourselves  subverting  that  charter,  and  now  acting  in    direct 
violation  of  \our  own  constitution. 

It    i-  my  duty,  therefore,  however   irregular   your  application  is,  to 

warn  you  of  the  rock  you   are  upon,  and  to  require  you  to  desist  from 

such  illi'Lra|  and  unconstitutional  proceedings. 

THOMAS  GAGE. 
Pboi  im  i    Hoi  be,  I  tetober  17.  17?  I. 

Resolved,  That  his  excellency's  answer  be  committed  to  the  commit- 
tee on  the  Btate  of  the  province. 

Ordered,  That  the  letters  on  his  honor's  table,  said  to  he  wrote  by 
the  lG-\ .  Mr.  Peters,1  be  committed  to  the  committee  <>n  the  state  of  the 
pro\  ince. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

I     Bev.Samui    P  mat  M    iron,  in  Connecticut,  Oei  rl2, 1735,  of  Vale  College  1757, 

took  order*  and  assumed  the  charge  of  the  churches  of  his  native  town  and  of   Hartford  in   1762. 
He  reaided  in  Hebron  until  1774.     In  tlmt  yoar, public  indignation  was  itrongly  roused  by  communi- 
i"  royalist  newspapers  attributed  to  his  pen.     Hii  house  was  often  visited  by  commit- 
on   the  patriotic  in)  his  papers  searched,  and  liis  person  sometimes  treated  with 

••verity.    The  letters  mentioned  in  the  text  wer nl  from  Boston,  where  he  had  t.ik.-n  refuge,  to 

In-  friends  and  relatives:   they  were  intercepted,  and  submitted  to  1 1  •  -  -  Com" 
<  in  the  28th  "I"  September,  he  writ.--,  t.i  his  mother :    "  I  should  be  bappj  if  my  friends  and  rela- 
ii  bron  were  provided  for  at  these  bad  times  when  things  are  growing  «..r-.  . 
ire  coming  over  from  England  and  sundry  men  of  w;ir.     So  soon  as  tbej   come   HANGING 

rVOBK  willg i,  and  DESTR1  <  "l'l<  >N  will  attend  tir-i  the  sea  port  towns.    The  lintel  sprinkled 

im  the  lidepost  will  preserve  the  faithful." 

In  a  letter  to  Dr.  tad ity,  al  New  Y..rk,  .1  tted  at  Boston,  October  I,  l"7t,  be  writ 

••  The  riots  and  mobs  thai  have  attended  me  and  my  house,  sel  on  by  the  Governor  of  Connecticut, 
ompelled  me  to  take  up  my  abode  here  ;  and  the  clorgy  of  Connecticut   must  fall  •>  sacrifice 

with  the  several  chnrchea,  very  - i,  t"  the  rage  of  the   puritan  mobility,  if  I  rpent,  thai 

.i-ni.i  hound.". ..." Jndge  luchmuty  will  < l< >  nil  thai  i«  reasonable  for  the  neighboring 
charter.  Necessit]  calls  for  such  friendship,  as  the  bead  is  sick  and  heart  faint,  and  spiritual  iniqui- 
ty rides  in  high  places,  with  halbert  md  swords.  Sei  the  proclamation  I  sont  you  by  my 
nephew,  on  their  pious  sabbath  day,  the  It  l>  of  laal  month,  when  the  preachei  - 
the  pulpits,  site,  for  the  gun  and  drum  and  sel  off  for  Boston,  cursing  the  King  and  Lord  North, 
'■  G  igi  .  the  bishop*  and  their  cursed  curates,  and  the  church  of  England.  And  t".  >r  mj  telling 
the  church  people  not  to  tak<  np  arms,  &c,  it  being  high  ir.  ,  the  sons  of  libortj  have 
killed  one  of  my  church,  tern  the  red  t  ■■■■  id  on  the  6th  d 
mj  windows,  and  ran)  my  clothes,  even  n>\              ■-                  out,  down  with  ili.-rl.ur.-h. 


22  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  18, 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  absence  of  the  president,  the  secretary  have 
power  to  adjourn  the  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct. 
Appleton  this  morning  to  desire  his  attendance  on  the  Congress,  and 
[that  he  would]  open  the  meeting  with  prayer,  again  wait  on  him,  and 
return  him  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  for  his  attendance  ||on||  and 
prayer  with  them  this  morning  ;  and  desire  that  he  would  officiate  as 
their  chaplain  during  their  session  here. 

Adj  jurned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  October  18,  1774,  A.  M. 

W^W  Ordered,  That  the  galleries  be  now  cleared,  and  that  the  doors  of 
the  house  be  kept  shut,  during  the  debates  of  the  Congress,  until  the 
further  order  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  a  doorkeeper  be  appointed ;  and  that  the  members 
of  the  town  of  Cambridge  appoint  some  suitable  person  for  that  pur- 
pose.    Mr.  ||William||  Darling  was  appointed  accordingly. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

AAernoon. 

Moved,  That  the  Congress  now  determine  whether  they  will,  or  will 
not,  reply  to  his  excellency's  answer. 

After  some  debate  thereon,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  Con- 
gress will  make  a  reply  to  his  excellency's  answer,  and  it  passed  in  the 
affirmative. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Wkp.nesday,  October  19,  1774,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  see  that  the  galleries  be  now  cleared. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  reply  to  his 
excellency's  message.  The  same  was  read  and  ordered  to  be  recom- 
mitted. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Heath,  Major  Fellows,  Col.  Thomas,  Capt. 
Gardner,  and  Col.  Pomeroy,  be  a  committee  to  make  as  minute  an  in- 
quiry into  the  present  state  and  operations  of  the  army  as  may  be,  and 
report. 

a  ||Congress  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. || 

tin-  rags  <>f  popery,  ■'•  •■•  Their  rebellion  i-  obvious, and  treason  i~  common,  and  robbery  i*  tin'  daily 
devotion.  The  Lord  deliver  ua  from  anarchy.  The  bounds  of  New  York  may  directlj  i  ttend  to 
Connecticut  river ;  Boston  meet  them ;   New  Hampshire,  take  the  province  of  Maine  ;  and  Rhode 

I  llowed  up  '    '■'  it]  Praj    !"-•■  no  time,  nor  fear  worse  1 s  than  attend  n  ■" 

Mr.  Peters  went  to  E     !      '   in  1 1 tumn  of  1774 :   published  a  history  of  Connecticut  in  1781, 

which  hai  nol  idered  a  work  nthoritj  :    returned  to  America  in  1605:   wen)  to 

the  fill-  ■■'  Bt.   v   tl j  claiming  a  I  ir.--  territory  under  i  '..rv.-r.  in  I  -  IT  and  1818:   and  died  in  New 

\  ork,  April  19,  1831         d  90. 


1771.)  FIRST  PROA  l\<  l  \l.  CONGRESS 

Afli 
Ordered,  Thai  do  members  In-  called  out. 

The  committee  on  the  state  "t  the  province  reported  an  answer  i" 
bis  excellency's  message;    which,  having  been  read  ami  considered, 
in    'paragraphs,  ami  -<>  passed    was  ordered  i"  lie  <>n  the  table, 
kdjourned  nil  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Thursday,  October  20,  177  1.  \.  M. 
The  committee  appointed  to  make  inquiry  into  the  state  ami  opera- 
tions of  the  army  reported.     The  report,  after  being  read, was  ordered 

to  H i  the  table. 

Afternoon. 

R<  solved,  That   i  committee  he  appointed  t"  consider  u  hat  isneces- 
rj  to  !»■  now  done  for  the  defence  ami  safetj  of  the  province. 
Resolved,  Thai  the  committee  consist  of  thirteen,  m/.  :    two  in  the 

COUnt}   "t'  Suffolk,  and  one  in  each  other  county  [bwhich  lias]  returned 
members  to  tliis  ( !ongr<  3S 

Resolved,  Thai  each  county  appoinl  it-  own  member. 

The  members  of  tin-  several  counties  retired,  soon  returned,  and  re- 
ported that  they  had  made  choice  of  the  following  gentlemen  respec- 
ti\  rl\ ,  viz  : 

Suffolk. — Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  ami  ('apt.  Heath.  Middlesex. — 
('apt.  Gardner.  Essex. — Col.  Orne.  Hampshire. — Major  Hawley. 
Plymouth. — Col.  Thomas.  Barnstable.  —  Daniel  Davis,  Esq.  Bris- 
tol—Col  Walker.  York.— Edward  Cutt,  Esq.  Dukes. — Mr.  Smith. 
Worcester.  —  Hon.  Col.  Ward.  Cumberland. — .Major  Freeman.  Berk- 
shirt  . — Major  Fellow  s. 

Upon  a  motion.  Ordered,  Thai  the  gentlemen  appointed  b)  the 
era!  counties  respectively  be  a  committee  tor  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  i If  paymenl  ami  collecting  of  the  outstanding  rate-  ami  t  ixes; 
the  same      was     read,  and  ordered  to  he  recommitted. 

Upon  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  the  answer  to  hi-  excellency's  i 

remain  on  the  table. 

Then  adjourned  nil  nine  o'clock  to-morrow   morning 

Friday,  October 21,  177  1.  \.  M. 
Ordered,  That    Mr.  Gerry,  Col    Warren,  and  Col.  Lee,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  report  a  letter  to  the  selectmen,  overseers  of  the  poor,  com- 
mittee of  correspondence,  ami  committee  of  donations, for  the  town  ol 


24  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  21, 

Boston,  desiring  their  attendance  at  this  Congress,  to  consult  ||ameans|| 
for  the  preservation  of  the  town  of  Boston  at  this  alarming  crisis. 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  Congress  will  now 
assign  a  time  when  they  will  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of 
recommending  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  throughout  this  province, 
and  passed  in  the  affirmative ;  accordingly  three  o'clock  this  after- 
noon was   ||bassigned||  for  that  purpose. 

||Upon  a  motion  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  Congress  will 
now  assign  a  time  when  they  will  take  into  consideration  the  proprie- 
ty of  recommending  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  this  pro- 
vince, and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative.  Accordingly,  four  o'clock  this 
afternoon  is  assigned  for  that  purpose.  || 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put  whether  a  time  be  now  assign- 
ed to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  appointing  an  agent  or 
agents,  to  repair  to  the  government  of  Canada,  in  order  to  consult 
with  the  inhabitants  thereof,  and  settle  a  friendly  correspondence  and 
agreement  with  them,  and  passed  in  the  affirmative ;  accordingly,  five 
o'clock  this  afternoon  was  appointed  for  that  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  a  letter  to  the  selectmen  of  the 
town  of  Boston,  and  others,  reported  a  letter  accordingly,  which  was 
read  and  accepted,  and  the  president  ||cordered||  to  sign  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  gentlemen  wrote  to  and  expected  from  Boston, 
[be  requested  to]  bring  with  them  six  or  eight  of  Rivington's  late  news- 
papers. 

Tbe  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  reported  several  resolves 
relative  to  the  counsellors  and  others  who  have  acted  in  obedience  to 
the  late  act  of  parliament  for  altering  the  civil  constitution  of  this  gov- 
ernment, and  are  now  in  Boston.  The  same  being  read  and  consider- 
ed, were  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for  amendments  ;  which  were  ac- 
cordingly recommitted,  amended,  reported,  accepted,  and  ordered  to 
be  printed  in  all  the  Boston  newspapers,  and  are  as  follow,  viz  : 

Whereas,  sundry  persons  now  in  Boston,  have  as  mandamus  coun- 
sellors, or  in  other  capacities,  accepted  or  acted  under  commissions  or 
authority  derived  from  the  act  of  parliament  passed  last  session,  for 
changing  the  form  of  government  and  violating  the  charter  of  this  pro- 
vince ;  and  by  such  disgraceful,  such  detestable  conduct,  have  counter- 
acted not  only  the  sense  of  this  province,  but  of  the  United  American 
Colonics,  in  Grand  Congress  expressed  : 

Therefore,  "Resolved,  That  the  persons  aforesaid  who  shall  not  give 

n  ||mi  <•  ||reque8ted.| 


1774]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  96 

satisfaction  t<>  \\w<  injured  province  ;ukI  continent,  within  t -n  days  from 
the  publication  of  tins  resolve,  bj  causing  to  be  published  in  all  the 
Boston  newspapers,  acknowledgments  of  their  formef  misconduct,  and 
renunciations  <>t'  the  cuiiiiiii~-p.ii-  and  authork]  mentioned,  oughl  to 
be  considered  as  infamous  betrayers  <>f  their  countrj  ;  and  that  a  com- 
mittee of  Congress  lie  ordered  to  cause  their  names  to  he  published 
repeatedly,  that  the  inhabitants  of  tin-  province,  by  having  them  enter- 
ed on  the  record-  of  each  town,  as  rebels  Bgainsl  the  state,  may  send 
them  down  t"  posterity  with  the  infamy  they  deserve;    and  that  other 

part-    of  America    may    have    an  opportunity   <>f  Stigmatizing    them    in 

Mich  way  as  -hall  effectually  answer  a  similar  purpose. 

Resolved,  Thai  it  he  and  hereby  is  recommended  to  the  good  people 
of  this  province,  so  far  to  forgive  such  of  tin-  obnoxious  persons  afore- 
said, who  shall  have  given  the  satisfaction   required  in  the  preceding 

resolve,  BS  not  to  molest  them  for  their  past  iiii-conduct. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Thompson,  .Mr  Devens,  and  .Mr.  Watson,  be 
a  committee  to  cause  the  names  of  sundry  persons  now  in  Boston,  hav- 
ing as  mandamus  counsellors,  or  in  other  capacities,  accepted  or  acted 
under  commission  or  authority  derived  from  the  act  of  parliament  passed 
la-t  session,  for  changing  the  form  of  government  and  violating  the 
charter  of  tin-  province,  to  he  published  repeatedly,  in  case  they  shall 
not,  within  ten  days,  give  satisfaction  to  this  injured  province,  by  caus- 
ing to  he  published  in  all  the  Boston  new-paper-,  acknowledgments  of 

their  misconduct,  and  renuiiciat ion-  of  the  commissions    and  authority 

aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Appleton,  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr.  Legate. 
and  Major  Thompson,  he  a  committee  to  report  a  non  consumption 
agreement  relative  to  Mritish  ami  India  goods. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Palmer,  Gapt.  Doolittle,  Capt.  Greenleaf,  Doct. 
Poster,  and  Col.  Danielson,  he  a  committee  to  report  a  resolve  recom- 
mending  the  total  disuse  of  India  teas. 

Then  adjourned  till  three  o'clock    this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Mr.    President    informed    the   Congress    that    he  had    m  hi-    hand-    a 

number  of  EUvington's  newspapers;  Whereupon 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  (ferry,  Capt.  Farley,  and  I)o«t.  Church,  he  a 
Committee  to  look  over  the  same:  and  if  any  thing  therein  should  ap- 
pear to  have  been  written   with  a  design  to  injure  tin-  province,  that 

they   report    It   to  the  (  'oll.rre.-S.1 

(1)  Riring ton's  .Yew   York  Oaiateer,  or  the  Connecticut,  Hudson's  Rtrer,  Neic  Jersey,  and  Qm 
:    -'Hi/  .lilrrrtisrr,  «||    pnblbhod    in    the    cltj    "I'   Vu     Vi.rk.       Il  riiiiiim-iir.-il  April   39,   177:1  . 


26  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  21, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Major  Fuller,  Col.  Prescott,  Mr.  Hall,  Mr. 
Gardner  of  Stow,  Mr.  Davis,  and  Capt.  Upham,  be  a  committee  to  wait 
on  the  gentlemen  selectmen,  and  others,  expected  from  Boston,  and 
conduct  them  to  this  body. 

The  gentlemen  selectmen,  overseers  of  the  poor,  committee  of  cor- 
respondence, and  committee  of  donations,  being  introduced,  a  free 
conversation  was  had  with  them  on  means  for  preserving  the  town  of 
Boston  at  this  alarming  crisis. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  the 
total  disuse  of  India  teas  in  this  province,  reported.  The  report  was 
read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

Whereas,  the  unnecessary  and  extravagant  consumption  of  East 
India  teas  in  time  past,  has  much  contributed  to  the  political  destruc- 
tion of  this  province  ;  and  as  tea  has  been  the  mean  by  which  a  cor- 
rupt administration  have  attempted  to  tax,  enslave,  and  ruin  us  :  There- 
fore, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  do  earnestly  recommend  to  the  people 
of  this  province  an  abhorrence  and  detestation  of  all  kinds  of  East 
India  teas,  as  the  baneful  vehicle  of  a  corrupt  and  venal  administration, 
for  the  purpose  of  introducing  despotism  and  slavery  into  this  once 
happy  country ;  and  that  every  individual  in  this  province  ought  totally 
to  disuse  the  same.  And  it  is  also  recommended,  that  every  town  and 
district,  appoint  a  committee  to  post  up  in  some  public  place  the  names 
of  all  such  in  their  respective  towns  and  districts,  who  shall  sell  or 
consume  so  extravagant  and  unnecessary  an  article  of  luxury. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  necessary  to  be  done 
for  the  defence  and  safety  of  this  province,  reported.  The  report  was 
read,  and  ordered  that  the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  till  to-mor- 
row morning. 

||The  Congress  then||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  nine  o'clock. 

was  devoted  to  the  support  of  the  principles  of  the  British  administration  ;  had  extensive  circula- 
tion iiiixiii^'  the  royalists  of  the  principal  towns  of  the  colonies  ;  and  received  the  patronage  of  gov- 
ernment. It  was  continued  until  Novemher  27,  1775,  when  a  troop  of  armed  men  from  Connecti- 
cut surrounded  the  printing  house,  broke  the  press,  destroyed  the  cases,  scattered  the  forms,  and 
carried  away  a  large  quantity  of  type  to  melt  into  bullets. 

James  Rivington,  the  publisher,  horn  ni  London,  arrived  in  America  ill  17C0,  and  commenced  bu- 

lineai  ai  a  I ksellei   in  Philadelphia.     Be  pursued  the  same  trade  in  Boston  and  in  New  York, 

without  success,  and  in  1773  became  printer.    After  the  disaster  which  terminated  the  existence  of 

the  GazateCT,  he  procured  new  apparatus,  was  appointed  the  king's  printer  for  New  York,  and  re- 
established  bis  newspaper.  His  editorial  labors  ceased  in  178,'t.  He  resumed  the  occupation  of 
bookseller,  and  died  in  July,  1S0J,  aged  «eventy  eight  years. — See  Thomas's  History  of  Printing, 
vol.  II,  pages  111,319. 

The  newspapers  exhibited  to  the  Congress,  had  a  decided  tone  of  loyal  sentiment,  but  contained 
no  reflections  peculiarly  injurious  to  the  character  or  feelings  of  the  people  of  the  province. 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  37 

Batdrday,  October  £2,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  tin-  report  of  the  com- 
mittee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  necessarj  to  be  done  for  the  de- 
fence  and  Bafety  of  this  province;  and  ordered  the  same  to  be  recom- 
mitted for  amendments. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  Hon.  John  Winthrop,  Esq.,  Mr.  Wheeler,  and 
Mr.  I. .Milliard,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to 
the  people  of  this  province  that  thej  observe  a  day  of  public  thanks- 
giving throughout  the  same;  and  that  they  sit  immediately. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  Bending  agents 
to  Canada  be  referred  to  the  aexl  meeting  of  this  1  tongress. 

Onl, ml.  That  Mr.  Cushing,  of  Scituate,  Capt  Doolittle,  Mr.  Wil- 
liam.-, and  Mr.  Palmer,  be  joined  to  the  c utter  appointed  to  pre- 
pare a  non-consumption  agreement  relative  to  British  and  India  goods; 
and  that  the  committee  sit  forthwith. 

Moved,  Thai  a  committee  be  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative 
to  the  king's  troops  providing  themselves  with  straw.  Alter  a  long 
debate  had     'upon  the  matter||  the  question  was  ordered  to  subside. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to  the 
people  of  this  province  to  observe  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  through- 
out the  same,  reported:  which  report  was  read,  amended,  and  accept- 
ed, and  is  as  folloueth,  \  iz  : 

Prom  a  consideration  of  the  continuance  of  the  gospel  among  as, 
and  the  smiles  of  Divine  Providence  upon  as  with  regard  to  the  seasons 
of  the  year,  and  the  general  health  which  ha-  been  enjoyed  :  and  in 
particular,  from  a  consideration  of  the  union  which  so  remarkably 
prevail-,  not  only  in  this  province,  but  throughout  the  continent,  at 
this  alarming  crisis,  it  is  resolved,  a-  the  sense  of  this  Congress,  that 
it  l-  highly  proper  thai  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  should  be  observed 
throughout  tins  province;  and  n  is  accordingly  recommended  to  the 
several  religious  assemblies  in  the  province,  thai  Thursday,  the  fifteenth 
day  of  December  next,  be  observed  as  a  day  of  thanksgiving,  to  render 
thanks  to  Almighty  God  lor  all  the  blessings  ue  enjoj  ;  and,  at  the 
,-ame  time,  we  think  it  incumbent  on  this  people  to  humble  themselves 

before  (iod,  on    account  of  then   -in-,  for  which    lie  hath  been  pleased, 

m  In-  righteous  judgment,  i<>  Buffer  so  great  a  calamity  to  befall  us  as 
the  present  controvers]  between  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies;  as 
also  to  implore  the  Divine  blessing  upon  us,  that,  by  tin-  assistance  of 
In-  grace,  we  may  be  enabled  t<>  reform  whatever  is  amiss  among  us ; 

that  mi  (iod  may  be  pleased   to  continue    to  us  the  blessing-    we  enjoy, 

a  |jtlicri-on.|| 


28  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  23, 

and  remove  the  tokens  of  his  displeasure,  by  causing  harmony  and 
union  to  be  restored  between  Great  Britain  and  these  colonies,  that  we 
may  again  rejoice  in  the  smiles  of  our  sovereign,  and  in  possession  of 
those  privileges  which  have  been  transmitted  to  us,  and  have  the  hope- 
ful prospect  that  they  shall  be  handed  down  ||entire||  to  posterity  under 
the  protestant  succession  in  the  illustrious  house  of  Hanover. 

Afternoon. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  neces- 
sary to  be  done  for  the  defence  and  safety  of  the  province,  being 
amended,  was  again  read,  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for  further 
amendment ;   and  was  committed  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  the  ||aresolve||  recommending  that  a  day  of  thanks- 
giving be  observed  throughout  this  province,  be  printed,  and  a  copy 
thereof  sent  to  all  the  religious  assemblies  in  this  province;  and  that 
the  president  sign  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Appleton,  Doct.  Foster,  and  Mr.  Devens,  be  a 
committee  to  agree  with  Messrs.  Edes  and  Gill,  to  print  the  resolve 
entered  into  by  this  Congress,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
province  to  observe  a  day  of  public  thanksgiving  ;  and  that  they  send 
a  copy  thereof  to  all  the  religious  assemblies  therein. 

||Then  the  Congress  adjourned  till  Monday  next,  [at]  ten  o'clock  in 
the  forenoon. 

Monday,  October  24,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  necessa- 
ry to  be  done  for  the  defence  and  safety  of  the  province,  being  amend- 
ed, was  taken  into  consideration,  and  a  long  debate  had  thereon. 

||The  Congress||  adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Afternoon. 

||b||  Ordered,  That  Col.  Lee,  Mr.  Palmer,  Capt.  Batchelder,  Capt.  Keith, 
and  Col.  Orne,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  and  report  to  this  Con- 
gress the  most  proper  time  for  this  province  to  provide  a  stock  of  pow- 
der, ordnance,  and  ordnance  stores;  and  that  they  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  non  consump- 
tion agreement,  ||csit||  forthwith. 

Resolved,  That  the  debates  had  in  Congress  this  afternoon,  and  that 
all  those  which  may  be  had  ||therein||  in  future,  be  kept  secret  by  the 
members  thereof,  until  leave  shall  be  had  from  the  Congress  to  disclose 
the  same. 

n  ||order.ll  h  llCongre.**  mot  pursuant  to  adjournment. ||  c  ||rt>port.|| 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  39 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Blue  wail  upon  the  committee  appointed  t<.  con- 
sider of  the  most  propei  time  for  this  province   to  provide  themsefo 
uuli  powder, ordnance,  &c      Be  waited  on  the  committee  according- 
ly, and  reported  that  they  would  ||abe  in  |  Congress  in  a  few  minnt 
The  committee  came  in  accordingly,  and  reported,  as  their  opinion, 
lii.u  nmr  was  the  proper  time  for  the  province  to  procure  a  stock  of 
powder,  ordnanct  ,  and  ordnance  -lores. 

||Then||  Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Lee,  Mr  Palmer,  Capt  Batchelder, 
Capl  Keith,  Col.  Orne,  Capt  Gardner,  Capt.  Heath,  Col.  Warren,  and 
Col.  Pomeroy,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  and  deter- 
mine whal  number  of  ordnance,  [and]  whal  quantity  of  powder,  and 
ordnance  stores  will  be  now  necessary  tor  the  province  Mock,  and  esti- 
mate the  expense  thereof 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  necessary  to  be  done  for  the  de- 
fence  and  safet]  of  the  province,  and  ordered  it  to  be  recommitted  for 
further  amendments,  and  thai  Capt.  Roberson,  Major  Foster,  Capt. 
Bragdon  and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  added  to  the  committee. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Tuesday,  October  25,  177  1.   \  M. 

||b|| Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  appointed  to  report  a  non  con-mnp- 
tion  agreement,  -it  forthw  ith. 

Mr.  Wheeler  brought  into  Congress  a  letter  directed  to  Doct.  Ap- 
pleton,  purporting  the  propriety,  that  while  we  are  attempting  to  free 
ourselves  from  oui  presenl  embarrassments,  and  preserve  ourselves 
from  slavery,  thai  we  also  take  into  consideration  the  state  and  cir- 
cumstances of  the  negro  slaves  in  this  province.  The  same  was  read, 
and  it  was  moved  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  the  same  into 
consideration.  After  some  debate  thereon,  the  question  was  put, 
whether  the  matter  now  snb-ide,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered, Thai  Mr.  Patterson,  Mr.  Devens  and  Doct.  Bolten  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  all  the  stores  in  the  commissary 
general's  office. 

I'pon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  a  committee  be  ap- 
pointed to  lake  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  having  the  dona- 
tions which    >hall    be    made  to  the   pour  of  the  town  of  Boston,  Stored 

in  the  country,  and  passed  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  four  o'clock  tins  afternoon  be  assigned  to  take  into 

(i  ||attend  on  tlic.||  l»|l'  iljrtotnjouramwit.il 


30  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  25, 

consideration  the  state  of  the  executive  courts  throughout  this  prov- 
ince. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of 
all  the  stores  in  the  commissary  general's  office,  ||Rsit||  forthwith. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  be  directed  to  call  in  the  members. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  what  number 
of  ordnance,  [and]  what  quantity  of  powder  and  ordnance  stores  are 
now  necessary  for  the  province  stock,  and  estimate  the  expense  there- 
of, reported.  The  report  was  read,  considered  and  accepted ;  which 
is  as  followeth  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  and  determine 
what  number  of  ordnance,  [and  what]  quantity  of  powder  and  ordnance 
stores  will  be  necessary  for  the  province  stock  at  this  time,  and  estimate 
the  expense,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  schedule  of  articles  as  ne- 
cessary to  be  procured  at  this  time,  in  addition  to  what  we  are  already 
possessed  of,  with  the  estimate  of  expenses  attendant,  amounting  in  the 
whole  to  ten  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty-seven  pounds,  viz  : 

16  field  pieces,  3  pounders,  with  carriages,  irons,  &.c. ; 
wheels  for  ditto,  irons,  sponges,  ladles,  &,c,  a  £30,  .       ,£480  0  0 

4  ditto,  6  pounders,  with  ditto,  a  £38,         .  .  .  152  0  0 

Carriages,  irons,  &,c,  for  12  battering  cannon,  a  £30,  300  0  0 

4  mortars,  and  appurtenances,  viz  :  2  8-inch  and  2  13- 
inch,  a  £20, 80  0  0 

20  tons  grape  and  round  shot,  from  3  to  24  lb.,  a  £15,  300  0  0 

10  tons  bomb-shells,  a  <£20, 200  0  0 

5  tons  lead  balls,  a  £33,     .         .          .          .          .          .  165  0  0 

1,000  barrels  of  powder,  «  £8,            ....  8,000  0  0 

Contingent  charges,            ......  1,000  0  0 


£10,737  0  0 

In  addition  to  the  above  estimate, 

Ordered, That  there  be  procured  5,000  arms  and  bayo- 
nets, a  £  1, 10,000  0  0 

And  75,000  flints, 100  0  0 

||In  the  whole||         ....  £20,837  0  0 

Ordered,  Thai  ;ill  the  matters  which  shall  come  under  consideration 
before  this  Congress,  be  kept  secret,  and  that  they  be  not  disclosed  to 
any  but  the  members  thereof,  until  the  further  order  of  this  body. 

n  ||r<>port.|| 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  OONGRKSS  31 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  Lb  necessary  to  be  done 
tor  the  defence  and  safety  of  the  government,  reported.  The  retort 
»  as  read. 

Th. ii  tin-  ( "  •  •  1 1  _>■  r .  ■  -  -    adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

yVkditebdat,  October  26, 1774,  \.  ML 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the 
committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  n.c<--ar\  to  be  done  for  the 
defence  and  safety  of  the  province,  ami  ordered  that  it  be  read  and 
considered  ||bin||  paragraphs. 

||Theni|  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  be  directed  to  call  in  the  members. 

The  Congress  then  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  above  report, 
relative  to  what  is  necessary  to  be  done  for  the  defence  and  safety  of 
the  province,  and  ordered  that  it  be  recommitted  for  amendments; 
which  was  amended,  read  and  accepted,  almost  unanimously,  and  is  as 
follow. 'th,  viz  : 

Whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  present  unhappy  disputes  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  colonies,  a  formidable  body  of  troop-,  with  war- 
like preparations  of  every  sort,  arc  already  arrived  at,  and  others  des- 
tined for  the  metropolis  of  this  province;  and  the  express  design  of 
their  being  Bent,  is  to  execute  acts  of  the  British  parliament  utterly 
subversive  of  the  constitution  of  the  province:  and  whereas,  his  ex- 
cellenc]  General  Gage  bas  att<  mpted,  by  his  troops,  to  disperse  the  in- 
habitant- of  Salem,  whilst  assembled  to  consult  measures  for  preserv- 
ing their  freedom,  and  to  Bubjugate  the  province  to  arbitrary  govern- 
ment :  ami  proceeding  to  still  more  unjustifiable  and  alarming  lengths, 
has  fortified  against  the  country  the  capital  of  the  province,  and  thus 
greatly  endangered  the  lives,  liberties  and  properties  of  its  oppressed 
citizens;  invaded  private  property,  by  unlawfully  seizing  and  retaining 
large  quantities  of  ammunition  in  the  arsenal  at  Boston,  and  sundry 
pieces  of  ordnance  ||  in  the  same  town:  committed  to  the  custodj  of 
In-  troops,  the  arm-,  ammunition,  ordnance, ||  and  warlike  stores  of  all 
sorts,  provided  at  the  public  expense  for  the  use  of  the  province;  and 
by  all  possible  means  endeavored  to  place  the  province  entirely  in  a  de- 
fenceless state  :  at  the  Bame  time  having  neglected  and  altogether  disre- 
garded the  assurances  from  this  t  iongress  of  the  pacific  disposition  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  province,  and  entreaties  that   he  would  cease  from 

a  ||<  ••!  pni  uanl  to  idjournmi  b  ||by.|| 


32  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  26, 

measures  which  tended  to  prevent  a  restoration  of  harmony  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  colonies  : 

Wherefore,  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  notwithstanding 
nothing  but  slavery  ought  more  to  be  deprecated  than  hostilities  with 
Great  Britain ;  notwithstanding  the  province  has  not  the  most  distant 
design  of  attacking,  annoying  or  molesting  his  majesty's  troops  afore- 
said ;  but,  on  the  other  hand,  will  consider  and  treat  every  attempt  of 
the  kind,  as  well  as  all  measures  tending  to  prevent  a  reconci- 
liation between  ||aBritain||  and  the  colonies,  as  the  highest  degree  of 
enmity  to  the  province ;  nevertheless,  there  is  great  reason,  from  the 
consideration  aforesaid,  to  be  apprehensive  of  the  most  fatal  conse- 
quences, and  that  the  province  may  be  in  some  degree  provided  against 
the  same  ;  and  under  full  persuasion  that  the  measures  expressed  in 
the  following  resolves  are  perfectly  consistent  with  such  resolves  of  the 
Continental  Congress  as  have  been  communicated  to  us. 

Resolved,  That 

be  a  committee  of  safety,  to  continue  in  office  until  the  further  order 
of  this  or  some  other  Congress  or  house  of  representatives  of  the 
province ;  whose  business  it  shall  be,  most  carefully  and  diligently  to 
inspect  and  observe  all  and  every  such  person  and  persons  as  shall,  at 
any  time,  attempt  or  enterprise  the  destruction,  invasion,  detriment  or 
annoyance  of  this  province,  &x. ;  which  said  committee,  or  any  five 
of  them,  (provided  always,  that  not  more  than  one  of  the  said  five 
shall  be  an  inhabitant  of  the  town  of  Boston,)  shall  have  power,  and 
they  are  hereby  directed,  whenever  they  shall  judge  it  necessary  for 
the  safety  and  defence  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  and  their 
property,  against  such  person  or  persons  as  aforesaid,  to  alarm,  muster 
and  cause  to  be  assembled,  with  the  utmost  expedition,  and  completely 
armed,  accoutred,  and  supplied  with  provisions  sufficient  for  their  sup- 
port in  their  march  to  the  place  of  rendezvous,  such  and  so  many  of 
the  militia  of  this  province,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  ends 
aforesaid,  and  at  such  place  <>r  places  as  they  shall  judge  proper,  and 
them  to  discharge  as  soon  as  the  safety  of  the  province  shall  permit. 
And  this  body  do  most  earnestly  recommend  to  all  the  officers  and  sol- 
diers of  the  militia  in  this  province,  who  shall,  from  time  to  time,  dur- 
ing the  commission  of  the  said  committee,  receive  any  call  or  order 
from  the  said  committee,  to  pay  the  stri<-te>t  obedience  thereto,  as  they 
regard  the  liberties  and  lives  of  themselves  and  the  people  of  this 
province. 

n  liferent  Britain. || 


ITT  t .  J  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  98 

Also,  Resolved,  That 

or  tin-  major  part  of  them,  !>*■  a  committee,  in  case  of  any  such  master 
ami  assembling  of  the  militia  as  aforesaid,  to  make  such  provision  ae 
shall  be  necessarj  for  their  reception  and  support,  until  they  -hall  be 
discharged  by  order  of  the  said  committee  of  safety  :  and  also  suffi- 
cient provisions  to  Bupporl  them  in  their  return  to  their  respective 
homes;  and  shall  also,  without  delay,  purchase  and  provide,  upon  the 
credit  of  the  moneys  alreadj  granted  l»\  the  province,  not  paid  into  the 
treasury,  BO  man]  pieces  of  cannon  and  carriages  lor  the  >aine,  -mall 
arms,  such  quantities  of  ammunition  [and]  ordnance  stores  a-  they 
shall  judge   necessary,  nol   exceeding  the  value  of  twenty  thousand 

eighl  hundred  ami   thirtv— e\en    pounds,  to  he  deposited  in  such  secure 

places  a-  tin'  said  committee  of  safety  -hall  direct. 

Also,    Resolved,  That 

he  and  the\  hereby  are  appointed  officers  to  c maud,  lead  and  con- 
duct Buch  of  the  militia  as  shall  he  mustered  and  assembled  by  order 
of  the  -an!  committee  of  safety,  in  manner  and  for  the  purposes  afore- 
said, -o  1 1 1 1 1 _r  as  they  shall  be  retained  by  the  said  committee  of  safety, 
and  no  longer,  who  shall,  while  in  the  said  service,  command  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  above  named. 

Also,  Resolved,  That  all  the  said  officers  and  soldiers  who  may  be 
mustered  and  retained  in  service  by  the  above  said  committee  of  safe- 
ty, tor  tin  purposes  aforesaid,  shall  he  entitled  to  such  an  allowance 
from  tin-  province,  as  shall  he  adequate  to  their  services  from  the  time 
that  the)  -hall  inarch  from  their  respective  places  of  abode,  until  they 
shall  he  discharged  from  the  -aid  service,  and  reasonable  time  for  their 
return  home. 

Also,  Resolved,  That  it  he  recommended  to  the  several  companies 
of  militia  in  tin-  province,  who  have  not  already  chosen  ami  appointed 
officers,  that  thej  meel  forthwith  and  elect  ollicers  to  command  their 
respective  companies;  ami  that  the  officers  so  chosen  assemble  as  soon 

a-  maj   he  :    and  where  the    -aid    ollicers    -hall    judge    the    limit-  of  the 

present  regiments  too  extensive,  that  thej  divide  them,  and  settle  ami 

determine  their  limit-,  and  proceed  to  elect  field  officer-  to  command 
the  respective  regiments  SO  formed;  ami  that  the  field  officers  30  elect- 
ed, forthw  ith  endeavor  to  enlist  one  quarter,  at  the  least,  of  the  number 
of  tin-  respective  companies,  and  form  them  into  companies  of  fifty  pri- 
vates, at  the  least,  who  -hall  equip  ami  hold  themselves  in  readme--,  on 
tin-  shortest  notice  from  the  said  committee  of  Bafety,  to  march  to  the 
place  of  rendezvous ;  ami   that   each   and   every   c pain    -.1  formed 

i'""-'-    S    captain    ami    two    1  nut.  nam-  to  command  the au\    -uch 


34  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  [Oct.  27, 

emergent  and  necessary  service  as  they  may  be  called  to  by  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  aforesaid  ;  and  that  the  said  captains  and  subalterns 
so  elected,  form  the  said  companies  into  battalions,  to  consist  of  nine 
companies  each  :  and  that  the  said  captains  and  subalterns  of  each 
battalion  so  formed,  proceed  to  elect  field  officers  to  command  the 
same.  And  this  Congress  doth  most  earnestly  recommend  that  all  the 
aforesaid  elections  be  proceeded  in  and  made  with  due  deliberation 
and  ||agenerous||  regard  for  the  public  service. 

Also,  Resolved,  That,  as  the  security  of  the  lives,  liberties,  and 
properties  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  depends,  under  Provi- 
dence, on  their  knowledge  and  skill  in  the  art  military,  and  in  their 
being  properly  and  effectually  armed  and  equipped,  it  is  therefore  re- 
commended, that  they  immediately  provide  themselves  therewith ;  that 
they  use  their  utmost  diligence  to  perfect  themselves  in  military  skill  ; 
and  that,  if  any  of  the  inhabitants  are  not  provided  with  arms  and  am- 
munition according  to  law,  and  that,  if  any  town  or  district  within  the 
province,  is  not  provided  with  the  full  town  stock  of  arms  and  ammu- 
nition, according  to  law,  that  the  selectmen  of  such  town  or  district 
take  effectual  care,  without  delay,  to  provide  the.  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  blanks  in  the  foregoing  report  be  filled  up  to- 
morrow morning,  at  ten  o'clock  ;  and  that  the  committees  and  officers 
therein  recommended  be  chosen  by  ballot. 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare,  in  the  recess 
of  this  Congress,  a  well  digested  plan  for  the  regulating  and  disciplin- 
ing the  militia,  placing  them  in  every  respect  on  such  a  permanent 
footing  as  shall  render  them  effectual  for  the  preservation  and  defence 
of  the  good  people  of  this  province. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Heath,  Capt.  Gardner,  Mr.  Bigelow,  Col.  Orne, 
and  Col.  Thayer,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  what  exer- 
cise will  be  best  for  the  people  of  this  province  at  this  time  to  adopt, 
and  report  [thereon.] 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  October  27,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for. 

\\Ordered,  That  the  doorkeeper  be  directed  to  call  in  the  members.|| 
Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Doct.  Holten,  and  Col.  Lee,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  the  committees  and  officers  this 
day  to  be  elected. 

ii  Himtrii'ii 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  Cov.Kl.—  86 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  will  proceed  to  1 1 1 « -  choice  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  which  is  to  consist  of  nine  members,  viz :  three  in 
the  town  of  Boston,  and  six  in  the  country,  in  the  manner  following, 
\  i/.  they  will  give  1 1  n - 1 r  votes  tir-t,  tor  the  three  members  of  the  town 
of  Boston,  and  then  for  the  sis  in  the  country. 

The  Congress  accordingly  proceeded  to  Uring  in  tlieir  votes  tor  the 
three  members  of  the  town  >>\  Boston,  and  the  committee  appointed  to 
count  and  >ort  the  votes,  reported,  thai  the  following  gentlemen  were 

chosen,  Tiz:      Hon.    John    Hancock,    Ksq.,    Doct.    Warren,    and    Doct. 
( 'liurch. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  sis  gentle- 
men of  the  countrj  :  after  sorting  and  counting  the  Bame, the  commit- 
tee reported,  thai  the  following  were  chosen,  viz:  Mr.  Devens,  Capt 
Winn-  of  Brookline,  Mr.  Palmer,  Norton  duincy,  Esq.,  Mr.  Watson, 

and  ( !ol.  <  >rne. 

Afiernoou. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  tor  five  com- 
missaries :  and  the  committee  having  sorted  and  counted  the  votes,  re- 
ported that  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen,  viz :  Mr.  Cheever, 
Mr.  Gill,  Col.  Lee,  Mr.  Greenleaf,  Col.  Warren. 

I 'pon  a  motion  made  by  Col.  Warren,  thai  he  mighl  be  excused  from 
serving  on  the  committee  lor  -applies,  and  having  offered  his  reasons 
therefor,  the  question  was  put,  whether  he  he  excused  from  serving  on 
said  committee,  and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  th<  ir  votes  for  a  person  to 
Berve  in  the  place  of  Col.  Warren,  who  hath  been  excused,  and  after 
sorting  and  counting  the  Bame,  they  reported  that  Col.  Lincoln  was 
chosen. 

It  was  then  moved,  thai  the  Congress  proceed  to  the  choice  of  three 

ifeneral  officer-  :     and.   Hi  solved.  That  they  would    first  make  choice  of 

th<'  _ri-Ntlriii.ni  w  ho  should  ha\e  the  chief  command ;  ami  the  committee 
having  sorted  and  counted  the  votes,  reported  thai  the  Hon,  Jedediah 
Preble,  Esq.,  v»  as  chosen. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  the  second 
in  command,  and  the  committee  having  sorted  and  counted  the  votes, 
reported  thai  the  lion.  Axtemaa  Ward,  Esq.,  was  chosen. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  the  third  in 
command,  and  the  committee  haying  sorted  and  counted  the  votes,  re- 
ported that  ( Sol.  Pomeroy  w  as  chosen. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  commit- 
tee to  -it  m  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  agreeable  to  the  resolve  oi 


36  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  27, 

yesterday,  and  the  committee  having  sorted  and  counted  the  votes,  re- 
ported that  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen,  viz  : 

The  Hon.  Joseph  Hawley,  Esq.,  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Hon. 
Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Mr.  ||Elbridge||  Gerry,  Capt.  Heath,  Major  Fos- 
ter, Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq. 

Resolved,  That  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock,  the  Congress  will 
take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  appointing  a  receiver  general. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  be  enjoined  to  attend,  and  that  they  do 
not  absent  themselves  for  any  cause  saving  that  of  absolute  necessity. 

Resolved,  That  the  replication  to  his  excellency's  answer,  which  was 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  members  to  revise,  be  now  taken  up 
and  recommitted  for  some  amendments. 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  Hon.  Samuel  Dan- 
forth,  Esq.,1  be  desired  to  attend  this  Congress  upon  the  adjournment, 
and  passed  in  the  negative. 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  severally,  whether  the  Hon. 
James  Pitts,  Esq.,  Hon.   Artemas  Ward,  Esq.,  Hon.   Benjamin  Green- 

(1)  Twenty-eight  counsellors  had  been  chosen,  May  25, 1774,  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  general 
court,  agreeably  to  the  provisions  of  the  charter  of  William  and  Mary  : 

For  the  territory  formerly  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  eighteen  :  Samuel  Danforth,  John 
Erving,  James  Botedoin,  James  Pitts,  Samuel  Dexter,  Artemas  Ward,  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Caleb 
dishing,  Samuel  Phillips,  John  Winthrop,  Timothy  Danielson,  Benjamin  Austin,  Richard  Derby, 
Jun.,  William  Phillips,  Michael  Farley,  Jamts  Prescot,  John  Jldams,  Norton  Quincy  : 

For  the  territory  formerly  the  colony  of  New  Plymouth,  four  :  James  Otis,  William  Seaver,  Wal- 
ter Spooner,  Jerathmiel  Bowers. 

For  the  territory  formerly  the  province  of  Maine,  extending  from  Piscataqua  to  Kennebeck,  three  : 
Jeremiah  Powell,  Jedediah  Preble,  Enoch  Freeman  .- 

For  Sagadahock,  including  that  part  of  the  present  state  of  Maine  between  Kennebeck  and  New 
Brunswick,  one  :   Benjamin  Chadburn  : 

For  the  province  at  large,  two  :  George  Leonard,  Jun.,  Jedediah  Foster. 

When  the  Ii<t  was  presented  to  the  governor  for  his  approbation,  Gen.  Gage  exercised  the  prero- 
gative of  negative  reserved  by  the  charter,  and  rejected  thirteen  of  the  counsellors  elect.  The 
names  of  the  gentlemen  distinguished  bj  executive  disapprobation  are  printed  above  in  italics. 

By  the  act  of  Parliament  "  for  the  better  regulating  the  gover ent  of  the  province  of  the  Mi 

chusetts  l'.:i\,"  great  alterations  were  made  in  the  charter.  The  number  of  counsellors  was  increas- 
ed to  thirty-six :  the  right  of  choosing  these  officers  was  taken  away  from  the  representatives  of 
the  people,  and  the  power  of  selection  vested  in  the  crown,  after  the  first  day  of  August,  1774.  The 
gentlemen  named  below  were  appointed  by  the  king  to  lie  counsellors  by  writ  of  mandamus  : 

Thomas  Oliver,  Thomas  Flicker,  Peltr  Oliver,  Foster  Hutchinson,  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Jun., 
Harrison  Gray,  Samuel  Danforth,  John  Brving,  James  Russell,  Timothy  Rugglta,  Joseph  Lee, 
Isaac-  Win-Inn ,  Israel  William-,  George  Watson,  Nathaniel  Ray  Thomas,  Timoth)  Woodbridge, 
Willi  am  Vassal],  William  Breton,  Joseph  Green,  James  Boutineau,  Andrew  Olives,  Josiah  Edson, 
Iin  hit r&  Leehmere,  Joihua  Loring,  John  Worthington,  Timothy  Paine,  William  Pi ppi  m //,  Jere 
miah  Powell,  Jonathan  Simpson,  John  Murray,  Daniel  Leonard,  Thomas  I'almor,  Isaac  Royall, 
Robert  Hooper,   Mrijah  Willard,  John  Jun. 

The  people  assembled  in  large  bodies  and  compelled  many  of  the  mandamus  counsellors  to  resign 
the  obnoxious  office.  The  names  of  those  who  resisted  popular  sentiment,  bj  accepting  and  retain- 
ing the  appointmi  n  italics  in  the  ; 

The  II  -  n  -I  Danrbrth  had  been  iworn,  although  he  publicly  declared  his  determination  not 
to  act  under  his  commission. 


1774.]  FIRST  l'i:<»\  [NCI  \l.  <  ONGRESS  81 

leaf,  Esq. j  Hon.  Caleb  Cushing,  Esq.,  Hon.  Samuel  Phillips,  Esq.,  Hon 
Richard  Derby,  Esq.,  Hon.  James  Otis,  Esq.,  Il<>u.  William  Beaver, 
Esq.,  Hon.  Walter  Spooner,  Esq.,  Hon.  Benjamin  Chad  burn,  Esq., 
Hon.  Jedediah  Preble,  Esq.,  and  the  ll«»n.  George  Leonard,  Esq.,  be 
desired  to  attend  this  Congress  at  the  next  meeting  upon  the  adjourn- 
ment, ami  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  question  was  then  put,  whether  the  Hon.  John  Brving,  Esq., 
and  the  Hon.  Jeremiah  Powell,  Esq.,  be  desired  also  to  attend  this 
Congress,  upon  n<  being  evident  that  thej  had  u> >t  accepted,  and  upon 
their  having  given  full  assurances  that  thej  would  not  accept,  of  their 
commissions  as  mandamus  counsellors,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered,  That   Mr.  dishing,  Col.   Prescot,  and  Capt.  Greenleaf,  be 
immittee  to  brim?  in  a  resolve  inviting  the  counsellors  aforesaid  to 
attend  accordingly.  ||a|| 

Friday,  October  28,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  order  of  the  daj   was  moved  for. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  now  proceed  to  the  choice  ofareceiver 
general. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Doct.  Holten,  and  Col.  lac,  he  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  >ort  the  votes  for  a  receiver  general. 

© 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  vote-  tor  a  receiver 
genera]  ;  the  committee  having  counted  and  sorted  the  same,  reported 
that  the  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  was  chosen.  But  upon  a  motion 
bj  him  made,  thai  he  mighl  be  excused  from  serving  in  that  office,  and 
having  offered  his  reasons  t'"r  his  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether 
he  be  excused  accordingly,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

/,'   wived,  That  the  choice  of  a  receiver  general    he  put  off  till  three 

o'clock  tin-  afternoon. 

The  committee  on  the  -cue  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve,  rela- 
tive   to    the    removal    of  the    inhabitants    of    the    town    of   15. .-ton    from 

thence,  which  was  read. 

Afternoon. 

Upon  a  motion  made  by  Mr.  Greenleaf,  one  of  the  committee  for 
providing  -tore-,  that  he  mighl  he  excused  from  serving  in  that  office, 
and  having  offered  In-  reasons  tor  his  motion,  the  question  was  put, 
whether  he  he  excused  accorduiglv,  ami  it  passed  m  the  affirmative. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee recommending  the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
•n  from  thence.  Ordered  to  he  recommitted  and  that  the  com- 
mittee -it  forthwith. 

tdjoarnod  nil  »■•«  morrow  iimrninr,  nin        J 


38  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Oct.  28, 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  now  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  receiver 
general.  The  votes  being  carried  in,  and  the  committee  having  sorted 
and  counted  the  same,  reported  that  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  now  proceed,  according  to  their  order 
in  the  forenoon,  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  the  choice  of  a  person  to 
fill  up  the  committee  for  providing  stores,  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Green- 
leaf,  who  was  excused.  The  committee  having  counted  and  sorted  the 
same,  reported  that  Mr.  Benjamin  Hall  was  chosen. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  the  collecting  and  paying  the  outstanding  taxes,  which  was  read 
and  accepted ;  but,  upon  a  motion,  the  above  vote  was  reconsidered, 
and  the  report  was  committed  to  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Gerry,  and  Major 
Foster,  for  amendments,  which  ||abeing||  done,  was  again  considered 
and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Whereas,  the  moneys  heretofore  granted  and  ordered  to  be  assessed 
by  the  general  court  of  this  province,  and  not  paid  into  the  province 
treasury,  will  be  immediately  wanted  to  supply  the  unexpected  and 
pressing  ||bexigencies||  of  this  province,  in  its  present  distressed  cir- 
cumstances, and  it  having  been  recommended  by  this  Congress  that 
the  same  should  not  be  paid  to  the  Hon.  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  for  rea- 
sons most  obvious  ;  Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  appointed 
receiver  general  until  the  further  order  of  this  or  some  other  Congress, 
or  house  of  representatives  of  this  province,  whose  business  it  shall  be 
to  receive  all  such  moneys  as  shall  be  offered  to  be  paid  into  his  hands 
to  the  use  of  the  province  by  the  several  constables,  collectors,  or  other 
persons,  by  order  of  the  several  towns  or  districts,  and  to  give  his  re- 
ceipts for  the  same  ;  and  the  same  moneys  to  pay  out  to  the  committee 
of  supplies,  or  a  major  part  of  them,  already  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gr< as,  or  the  order  of  said  committee,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  for 
the  paymenl  of  such  disbursements  as  they  shall  find  to  be  necessary 
for  the  immediate  defence  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  province.  And  it 
is  hereby  recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  within  this 
province,  thai  they  immediately  call  town  and  district  meetings,  and 
give  directions  to  all  constables,  collectors,  and  other  persons  \\h<>  may 
have  any  part  of  the  province  jjctaxes||  of  such  towns  or  districts  in 
their  respective  hand-  or  possession,  in  consequence  of  any  late  order 

and   directions   of  any  towns  or  districts,  that    he  or   thc\   ii ediately 

pay  tlw  same  to  the  said  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  for  the  purpose  afore- 
said. 

a  ||wm.||  h  ||Hf>m:m  r  jjinnnpy  rolWtorl  by  tnxr«.|| 


m  L]  FIRST  PRO\  INC]  \l.  I  0NGRES8 

And  n  i-  also  recommended,  thai  the  Beveral  town-  and  districts  in 
said  directions,  signif]  and  expressly  eniraire,  t  • »  -nch  constables,  collec- 
tors, '>r  other  persons,  who  shall  have  their  Baid  moneys  in  their  hand-, 
thai  their  paying  the  Bame  in  manner  as  aforesaid,  and  producing  a  re- 
ceipl  therefor,  shall  ever  hereafter  operate  as  an  effectual  discharge  to 
such  persons  t'<>r  the  Bame.  And  ii  is  hereby  recommended,  thai  the 
like  order  be  observed  respecting  the  tax  ordered  by  the  great  and 
general  courl  al  their  Ias1  May  session. 

And  11  i-  herein  further  recommended,  to  all  sheriffs  who  may  have 
in  their  hands  an)  moneys  belonging  i"  the  province,  thai  the]  imme- 
diatel]  pa)  the  Bame  to  the  said  receiver  general,  for  the  purposes 
aforesaid,  taking  his  receipt  therefor. 

Ami  the  Baid  Henrj  Gardner,  Esq.,  the  receiver  general,  shall  be 
accountable  to  this  or  soi ther  Congress  or  house  of  representa- 
tives of  this  province,  for  whatever  he  shall  do  touching  the  premises. 
Ami  to  the  end  that  all  the  moneys  heretofore  assessed  in  pursuance  of 
.in \  li-niier  gr  mi-  and  <>rder-  of  the  great  ami  general  courl  or  assem- 
bly of  this  province,  and  hitherto  uncollected  by  the  several  eon-tables 
and  collectors,  to  whom  the  several  li-t-  of  assessments  thereof  were 
committed,  may  be  effectually  levied  and  collected,  and  al-o  to  the 
end,  that    all  the  moneys    granted,  and    ordered    to   be    assessed    l>\    the 

general  court  at  then-  session  in  Maj  last, which  have  been  assessed, or 
which  ma]  be  assessed,  ma]  he  al-o  speedily  and  punctuallj  collected, 
it  i-  earnestly  recommended  by  tin-  body,  to  the  several  constables  ami 
collector-  respectively,  who  have  such  assessments  in  their  hands, or  to 
whom  any  assessments  yel  to  he  made,  may  he  committed  bj  the  a— 

•  r-  of  anj   town-  or  district-,  tint   in  the  levying  and  collecting  the. 

ective  part  or  proportion  of  the  total  of  such  assessments,  therein 
Bet  down  to  the  several  persons  named  therein,  they  should  act  ami 
proceed  in  the  same    way  and  j  manner  as  is  expressed  ami  prescribed 

ill  the  form  of  a  warrant  given  and  contained  in  an  act  or  law  of  this 
province,  entitled  ••  an  act  prescribing  the  form  of  a  warrant  tor  col- 
lecting of  town  assessments,"  &c.  And  ii  is  also  hereb]  strongl]  re- 
commended to  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this 
province,  thai  they,  without  fail,  do  afford  to  their  respective  consta- 
bles ami  collector-  all  that   aid  and  assistance  which  shall    he  nece--ary 

liable  them  in  that  manner  to  lev]  the  content-  of  such  assessments, 
ami  that  thej  do  oblige  and  compel  the  said  constables  and  collectors 
to  comply  with  and  execute  the  directions  of  this  resolve,  inasmuch  as 
the  j >r» ■-.  i it  mo-t  alarming  situation  ami  circumstances  of  this  province 
do  make  it  absolutely  oecessarj  for  the  safet]  thereof 


40  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  28, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Appleton,  Mr.  Cushing,  and  Mr.  Palmer  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  a  non  consumption  agree- 
ment. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Cushing,  and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  an  equal  repre- 
sentation of  the  province  in  Congress  at  the  next  meeting  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  inviting  the  constitu- 
tional counsellors  of  this  province  to  attend  this  Congress  at  the  next 
meeting  thereof  upon  adjournment,  reported  ;  which  report  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  John  Erving,  Esq.,  Hon.  ||aJames||  Pitts, 
Esq.,  Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Esq.,  Hon.  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Esq., 
Hon.  Caleb  Cushing,  Esq.,  Hon.  Samuel  Phillips,  Esq.,  Hon.  Richard 
Derby,  Esq.,  Hon.  James  Otis,  Esq.,  Hon.  William  Seaver,  Esq.,  Hon. 
Walter  Spooner,  Esq.,  Hon.  Jeremiah  Powell,  Esq.,  Hon.  Benjamin 
Chadburn,  Esq.,  Hon.  Jedediah  Preble,  Esq.,  and  Hon.  George  Leo- 
nard, Esq.,  constitutional  members  of  his  majesty's  council  of  this 
colony,  by  the  royal  charter,  chosen  to  said  office  last  May  session,  be 
desired  to  give  their  attendance  at  the  next  meeting  of  this  Congress 
upon  adjournment,  that  this  body  may  have  the  benefit  of  their  advice 
upon  the  important  matters  that  may  then  come  under  consideration 
And  the  secretary  of  this  Congress  is  hereby  directed  to  transmit  to 
those  gentlemen  severally  a  copy  of  this  resolve. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  a  non- 
consumption  agreement,  reported.  The  report  was  read  and  ordered 
to  be  committed  for  amendments.  It  was  accordingly  amended,  read 
again,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Whereas,  ||the  people  of ||  this  province  have  not,  as  yet,  received 
from  the  Continental  Congress  such  explicit  directions  respecting  non- 
importation and  non  consumption  agreements  as  are  expected;  and 
whereas,  ihe  greatest  pari  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony  have  lately 
entered  into  non  importation  and  non  consumption  agreements,  the 
•rood  effects  <>!'  which  arc  very  conspicuous:     Therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  this  Congress   approve  of  the   said   agreements,  and 

earnest])    re< imend    t<>  all  the    inhabitants  of  this  colony,  strictly  to 

conform  to  the  same,  until  the  further  sense  of  the  continental  or  the  pro- 
vincial Congress  i-  made  public.  And  further,  this  Congress  highly 
applaud  the  conduct  of  those  patriotic  merchants,  who  have  generously 
refrained  from  importing  British  goods  since  the  commencement  of  the 

Samuel. || 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  11 

cruel  Boston  port  bill;  at  the  Bame  time  refleel  with  pain  on  the  con- 
duct of  th"-c  who  have  Bordidlj  preferred  their  private  interest  to  the 
Balvation  of  their  Buffering  country,  by  continuing  to  import  as  usual; 
ami  recommend  it  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  province,  thai  they  discour- 
age the  conduct  of  said  importers  by  refusing  t>>  purchase  any  articles 
u  batever  <>t'  them. 

[Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  report]  be  published. 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  inquire  into  the  atate  of  the  warlike 
stores  in  the  commissar]  general's  office,  reported ;  and  it  was  there- 
upon Ordered,  That  ('apt.  Heath,  Doct.   Warren,  and   Doct.  Church,  be 

a  committee  to  take  care  of,  and  lodge  in  some  safe  place  in  the  coun- 
try, the  warlike  -iurr-  now  in  the  cotninissan  ireneral's  office,  and  that 
the  matter  he  conducted  with  the  greatest  Becrecy. 

/.'  -<i/r,f/.  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  tow  rj  of  Wor- 
r  he  desired  to  take  proper  care  that  the  bayonets,  the  property  of 
tin-  province,  now  in  the  hands  of  Col.  Chandler,  be  removed  to  some 
-ale  place  at  a  distance  from  Ins  lion-. 

||The  ( !ongress  then||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  oine o'clock. 

Saturday,  October  29,  1774,  A.  M. 
The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  what   military 
exercise  is  best  for  the  people  of  tins  province  now  to  adopt,  reported; 

the  report  was  read  ami  ace. -pled,  and 

Ordered,  Thai  Major  Poster  brim/  in  a  resolve  accordingly;  who,  in 
obedience  to  the  above  order,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which 
was  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  he  published  in  the  Boston 
aewspapers. 

Resolved,  Thai  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  prov- 
ince, that  in  order  to  their  perfecting  themselves  m  the  military  art, 
they  proceed  in  the  method  ordered  by  his  majesty  in  the  year  17fiJ. 
n  being,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  best  calculated  for  appear- 
ance ami  defence. 

I  pon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  <  -  will  now 

i^o  into  the  consideration  of  the  propriety  of  keeping  the  records  of 
the  county  of  Suffolk  in  the  town  of  Boston,  and  passed  in  the  ailir- 
mative. 

\iier  a  \er\  considerable  debate  on  the  question,  it  was  ordered  that 

the  matter  now   subside. 

Hi  solvi  d,  That  the  consideration  of  the  Btate  of  the  exec  hum-  courts 
in  the  province  be  referred  to  the  next  meeting  of  tin-  Congress. 
Ordered,  Thai  Capt.  Gardner,  Mr.  Wheeler,  and   Ifi    Watson,  b 
6 


42  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  29, 

committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  with  the  thanks  of  this 
body  for  his  constant  attendance  on,  and  praying  with  them,  during 
their  session  in  the  town  of  Cambridge. 

Ordered,  That  the  payment  of  several  expenses  of  this  Congress 
be  referred  until  the  next  meeting  thereof. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  desired  to  write  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  showing  them  the  grounds  and  reasons  of  our 
proceedings,  and  enclose  them  a  copy  of  our  votes  and  resolutions. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Foster,  Doct.  Holten,  and  Mr.  Appleton,  be  a 
committee  to  look  over  the  resolves  and  orders  of  this  Congress,  and 
point  out  what  is  necessary  now  to  be  made  public. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  with 
the  thanks  of  this  Congress,  reported  that  they  had  attended  to  that 
service,  and  that  the  Doct.  informed  them  that  the  Congress  were  wel- 
come to  his  services,  and  that  he  wished  them  the  blessing  of  heaven. 

Resolved,  That  when  this  Congress  shall  adjourn  that  it  be  adjourn- 
ed to  the  23d  day  of  November  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon, 
then  to  meet  at  this  place. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  having  amended  the  re- 
plication to  his  excellency's  answer  to  our  message  to  him,  the  same 
being  read,  was  accepted  unanimously. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Heath,  Capt.  White,  Capt.  Gardner,  Mr. 
Cheever,  and  Mr.  Devens,  be  a  committee  to  wait  upon  his  excellency 
with  the  following  replication  to  his  excellency's  [answer.] 

May  it  please  your  Excellency  : 

The  province  having  been  repeatedly  alarmed  by  your  excellency's 
unusual  and  warlike  preparations  since  your  arrival  into  it,  and  having, 
by  this  Congress,  expressed  a  reasonable  expectation  that  you  would 
desist  from,  and  demolish  your  fortifications  on  Boston  neck,  it  must 
afford  matter  of  astonishment  not  only  to  the  province,  but  the  whole 
continent,  that  you  should  treat  our  importunate  applications  with 
manifest  insensibility  and  disregard. 

The  Congress  are  possessed  of  a  writing  with  your  signature,  which 
purports  itself  to  be  a  message  to  this  body,  although  addressed  to 
sundry  gentlemen  by  name,  who,  officiating  as  our  committee,  present- 
ed an  address  to  your  excellency.  We  are  surprised  at  your  saying, 
that  "what  we  call  a  fortress,  unless  annoyed,  will  annoy  nobody  ;" 
when,  from  youi  acquaintance  with  the  constitution  of  Britain,  and  of 
the  province  over  which  von  have  been  by  his  majesty  commissioned 
to  preside,  you  nm-t  know,  that  barely  keeping  a  standing  army  in  the 


1774.]  FIRST  IMtOVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  IS 

province,  in  time  of  peace,  without  consent  of  the  representatives,  is 
against  law,  and  mnal  be  considered  as  a  great  grievance  to  the  sub- 
ject— a  grievance  which  this  people  could  Dot,  with  a  due  regard  to 
tli.-ir  freedom,  endure,  was  there  i n >t  reason  to  hope  that  hie  majes- 
ty, upon  'being  undeceived,  would  order  redress.  Is  it  not  astonish- 
ing then,  frir,  that  you  should  have  irentured  to  assert  that  ;i  "  tortr.  m, 
l>\  whatever  name  jtoui  excellency  i-  pleased  to  call  it,  which  puts  it 
in  the  power  of  the  standing  army  which  you  command  to  cut  off  com- 
mnnication  between  the  country  and  the  capital  of  this  province ;  to 
imprison  the  many  thousand  inhabitants  of  tin-  town  of  Boston;  to  in- 
sult and  destroy  them  upon  the  least,  or  even  without  any  provocation, 
and  winch  is  evidently  a  continual  annoyance  to  that  oppressed  com- 
munity, "  unless  annoyed,  will  annoy  nobodj  .'" 

A  retrospect  of  your  excellency's  conduct,  since  your  late  residence 
m  tins  province,  we  conclude,  will  convince  you  of  that  truth,  the 
mere  hinting  of  which,  you  tell  us,  "  is  highly  exasperating  a-  well  as 
ungenerous."  We  presume  your  excellency  will  not  deny  that  you 
ha\e  exerted  yourself  to  execute  the  act-  made  to  subvert  the  con- 
stitution of  the  province,  although  your  excellency's  connections  with 
a  ministry  inimical  to  the  proi  ince,  and  your  being  surrounded  by  men 
of  the  worst  political  principles,  preclude  a  prospect  of  your  full]  ex- 
ercising toward-  this  province  \oiir  wonted  benevolence  and  humanity  : 
\et.  Bir,  we  pray  you  to  indulge  your  social  virtues  so  far  as  to  consid- 
er tin-  ie  .  feelings  of  this  people  under  the  hand  of  oppression. 
Have  not  invasions  of  private  property,  by  your  excellency,  been  re- 
■dlv  made  at   Boston  .'      Have  not  the   inhabitants  of  Salem,  whilst 

peaceably  assembled  for  concerting  measures  to  preserve  their  free- 

dom,  and  unprepared  to  defend  themselves,  been  in  imminent  danger 
from  your  troop-?  Have  you  not,  by  removing  the  ammunition  of  the 
province,  ami  by  all  other  means  in  vour  power,  endeavored  to  put  it 
iii  a  -t.ite  utterly  delete  :,  -  '  [lave  you  not  expressly  declared  that 
■■  !•  sent ut   illicit  justlj  be  expected"  from  your  troop-,  merely  in 

consequence  of  a  refusal  of  some  inhabitants  of  the  province  to  sup- 
ply them  with  property  undeniably  their  own  '.  Surelj  these  are  ques- 
tions founded   on    incontestible  facts,  which,  we  think,  must  prove  that 

while  the  "  avowed  enemies"  of  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies,  are 
protected  by  your  excellency,  the  lives,  liberties,  and  properties  of  the 
inhabitants  of  the  province,  who  are  real  friends  to  the  British  consti- 
tution, are  greatly  endangered,  whilst  under  the  control  of  your  stand- 
ing army. 

a  ||hi«  hcins-H 


44  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  '29, 

It  must  be  matter  of  grief  to  every  true  Briton,  that  the  honor  of 
British  troops  is  sullied  by  the  infamous  errand  on  which  they  are  sent 
to  America;  and  whilst,  in  the  unjust  cause,  on  which  you  are  engaged, 
menaces  will  never  produce  submission  from  the  people  of  this  prov- 
ince, your  excellency,  as  well  as  the  army,  can  only  preserve  your 
honor  by  refusing  to  submit  to  the  most  disgraceful  prostitution  of 
subserving  plans  so  injurious,  [and]  so  notoriously  iniquitous  and  cruel 
to  this  people. 

Your  excellency  professes  to  be  solicitous  for  "preserving  union  and 
harmony  between  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies ;"  and  we  sincerely 
hope  that  you  will  distinguish  yourself  by  exertions  for  this  purpose  : 
for,  should  you  be  an  instrument  of  involving  in  a  civil  war  this  op- 
pressed and  injured  land,  it  must  forever  deprive  you  of  that  tranquilli- 
ty which  finally  bids  adieu  to  those  whose  hands  have  been  polluted 
with  innocent  blood. 

Your  excellency  reminds  us  of  the  spirit  of  the  British  nation  ;  we 
partake,  we  rejoice  in  her  honors,  and  especially  revere  her  for  her 
great  national  virtues  ;  we  hope  she  never  will  veil  her  glory,  or  haz- 
ard success  by  exerting  that  spirit  in  support  of  tyranny. 

Your  excellency's  strange  misconception  of  facts,  is  not  less  conspic- 
uous in  the  close  of  your  message  than  in  many  other  parts  of  it. 
You  have  suggested  that  the  conduct  of  the  province,  for  supporting 
the  constitution,  is  an  instance  of  its  violation.  To  declare  the  truth, 
relative  to  this  matter,  must  be  a  full  vindication  of  our  conduct 
therein. 

The  powers  placed  in  your  excellency,  for  the  good  of  the  province, 
to  convene,  adjourn,  prorogue,  and  dissolve  the  general  court,  have 
been  perverted  to  ruin  and  enslave  the  province,  while  our  constitu- 
ents, the  loyal  subjects  of  his  majesty,  have  been  compelled,  for  the 
laudable  purposes  of  preserving  the  constitution,  and  therein  their 
freedom,  to  obtain  the  wisdom  of  the  province  in  a  way  which  is  not 
only  justifiable  by  reason,  but,  under  the  present  exigencies  of  the 
state,  directed  by  the  principles  of  the  constitution  itself;  warranted 
by  the  most  approved  precedent  and  examples,  and  ||asanctioned||  by 
the  British  nation,  at  the  revolution  ;  upon  the  strength  and  validity  of 
which  precedent  the  whole  British  constitution  now  stands,  his  present 
majesty  wears  his  crown,  and  all  subordinate  officers  hold  their  places. 
And  although  we  are  willing  to  put  the  most  favorable  construction  on 
the  warning  you  have  been  pleased  to  give  us  of  the  "  rock  on  which 

a  ||nanctified.|| 


1774.]  FIRST   PROVINCIAL  COIM.-RKSS  15 

we  are,"  we  beg  leave  to  inform  yon  that  our  constituents  do  not  ex- 
pect, that,  in  the  execution  <>t'  thai  important  trust  which  thej  have  re- 
posed in  us,  we  should  be  wholl j  guided  by  your  advice.  We  trust, 
sir,  that  we  shall  not  fail  in  our  duty  to  our  country  and  loyalty  to  our 
king,  or  m  a  proper  respect  to  your  excellency. 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  replication  to  his  excellency's  answer 
be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

Ordered,  That  .Major  Hawley,  Col.  Lee,  and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  extract  such  parts  of  the  resolves  which  passed  in  this  Con- 
gress, the  "-tiih  and  28th  current,  and  are  necessary  no\y  to  he  publish- 
ed :    w  ho  reported   as  followeth  : 

\\  bereas,  it  has  been  recommended  by  this  Congress,  that  the  moneys 
heretofore  granted  and  ordered  to  be  assessed  bj  the  general  court  of 
this  province,  and  nol  paid  into  the  province  treasury,  should  not  be 
paid  to  the  Hon.  Ham-on  d'ray,  Esq.,  for  reasons  most  ohvious: 

Therefore,  Hesolnd,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  of  Stow,  be,  and 
herebj  is,  appointed  receiver  general  until  the  further  order  of  this  or 
some  other  Congress  or  house  of  representatives  of  this  province, 
whose  business  it  .-hall  be  to  receive  all  such  moneys  as  shall  he  offer- 
ed to  be  paid  into  his  hands  to  the  use  of  the  province,  by  the  several 
constables,  collector-,  or  other  persons,  l>v  order  of  the  several  towns 
or  districts,  and  to  give  his  receipt  for  the  same.  And  it  is  herebj  re- 
commended to  the  several  town-  and  districts,  within  this  province, 
that  they  immediately  call  town  and  district  meetings,  and  give  direc- 
tion- to  all  constables,  collectors,  and  other  persons  who  may  have  any 
part  of  the  province  tax  of  SUCh  town  or  district  in  their  respective 
hands  or  possession,  m  consequence  of  any  late  order  and  directions 
of  anj  town  or  district,  that  he  <>r  they  immediatelj  pay  the  same  to 
the  said  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  for  the  purposes  aforesaid.  And  it  is 
also  recommended  thai  the  several  town-  and  districts,  in  said  direc- 
tion-, signify  and  expresslj  engage  to  such  constable,  collector,  or  other 
persons  as  shall  have  their  said  moneys  in  their  hands,  thai  their  pay- 
ing the  same  to  Henrj  Gardner,  Esq.,  aforesaid,  and  producing  his  re- 
ceipt therefor,  shall    ever    hereafter  operate  as  an  effectual  discharge  to 

such  persons  for  the  same.  And  ii  is  herebj  recommended,  thai  the 
like  order  I bserved  respecting  the  tax  ordered  by  the  greal  and  gen- 
eral court  at  their  lasl  Ma]  Bession.  And  it  is  further  recommended 
to  all  sheriffs  or  deputy  sheriffs,  or  coroners,  who  ma]  have  in  their 
hand-  any  moneys  belonging  to  the  province,  thai  they  immediately 
pa]  the  same  to  the  said  receiver  general,  taking  his  receipt  therefor. 
And  the  s:ud  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  the  receiver  general,  shall  l>< 


46  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Oct.  29, 

countable  to  this  or  some  other  Congress  or  house  of  representatives 
of  this  province. 

And  to  the  end  that  all  the  moneys  heretofore  assessed  in  pursuance 
of  any  former  grants  and  orders  of  the  great  and  general  court  or  as- 
sembly of  this  province,  and  hitherto  uncollected  by  the  several  con- 
stables and  collectors  to  whom  the  several  lists  of  assessment  thereof 
were  committed,  may  be  effectually  levied  and  collected ;  and  also  to 
the  end  that  all  the  moneys  granted  and  ordered  to  be  assessed  by 
the  general  court  at  their  session  in  May  last,  which  have  been  assess- 
ed, or  which  may  be  assessed,  may  be  also  speedily  and  punctually  col- 
lected, it  is  earnestly  recommended  by  this  body  to  the  several  consta- 
bles and  collectors,  respectively,  who  have  such  assessments  in  their 
hands,  or  to  whom  any  assessments  yet  to  be  made  may  be  committed 
by  the  assessors  of  any  towns  or  districts,  that,  in  levying  and  collect- 
ing the  respective  part  or  proportion  of  the  total  of  such  assessments 
therein  set  down  to  the  several  persons  named  therein,  they  should  act 
and  proceed  in  the  same  way  and  manner  as  is  expressed  and  provided 
in  the  form  of  a  warrant,  given  and  contained  in  ||aan||  act  or  law  of 
this  province,  entitled  "  an  act  prescribing  the  form  of  a  warrant  for 
collecting  of  town  assessments,"  &c. 

And  it  is  hereby  strongly  recommended  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
several  towns  and  districts  in  this  province,  that  they,  without  fail,  do 
afford  to  their  respective  constables  and  collectors  all  that  aid  and  as- 
sistance which  shall  be  necessary  to  enable  them  in  that  manner  to 
levy  the  contents  of  such  assessments ;  and  that  they  do  oblige  and 
compel  the  said  constables  and  collectors  to  comply  with  and  execute 
the  directions  of  this  resolve,  inasmuch  as  the  present  most  alarming 
situation  and  circumstances  of  this  province  do  make  it  absolutely 
necessary  for  the  safety  thereof. 

Whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  present  unhappy  disputes  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  colonies,  a  formidable  body  of  troops,  with  war- 
like preparations  of  every  sort,  are  already  arrived  at,  and  others  des- 
tined for  the  metropolis  of  this  province;  and  the  ||bexpressed||  design 
of  their  being  sent,  is  to  execute  acts  of  the  British  parliament  utterly 
subversive  of  the  constitution  of  the  province  ;  and  whereas,  his  ex- 
cellency General  Gage  has  attempted  by  his  troops  to  disperse  the  in- 
habitants of  Salem,  whilst  assembled  to  consult  measures  for  preserv- 
ing their  freedom,  and  to  subjugate  the  province  to  arbitrary  govern- 
ment;  and,  proceeding  to  still  more  unjustifiable  and  alarming  lengths, 
has  fortified  against  the  country  the  capital  of  the  province,  and  thus 

a  ||one.||  b  ||oxpress.|| 


1774.]  FIRST   I'KOYIV  I  \L  CONGRKSS.  17 

greatly  endangered  the  lives,  liberties  and  properties  of  its  oppressed 
citizens;  invaded  private  property  by  unlawfully  seizing  and  retaining 
large  quantities  <>!*  ammunition  in  the  arsenal  at  Boston,  and  sundry 
pieces  of  ordnance  in  the  same  town ;  committed  to  the  custody  of  his 
troops,  the  arms,  ammunition,  ordnance,  and  warlike  stores  of 
ill  sorts,  provided  at  the  public  expense,  for  the  use  of  the  province; 
and  by  all  possible  means  endeavored  to  place  the  province  entirely  in 
a  defenceless  state  ;  at  the  same  time  having  neglected  and  altogether 
disregarded  assurances  from  this  Congress  of  the  pacific  dispositions  of 
the  inhabitants  of  the  province,  and  entreaties  that  he  would  cease  from 
measures  which  tended  to  prevent  a  restoration  of  harmony  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  colonies: 

Wherefore  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  notwithstanding 
nothing  bul  slavery  ought  more  to  be  deprecated  than  hostilities  with 
Great  Britain,  notwithstanding  the  province  has  not  the  most  distant 
design  of  attacking,  annoying,  or  molesting  his  majesty's  troops,  afore- 
said, but,  on  the  other  hand,  will  consider  and  treat  ever)  attempt  of  the 
kind,  as  well  as  all  measures  tending  to  prevent  a  reconciliation  be- 
tween (ireat  Britain  and  the  colonies  as  the  highest  degree  of  enmity 
to  the  province,  nevertheless,  there  is  great  reason,  from  the  considera- 
tions aforesaid,  to  be  apprehensive  of  the  most  fatal  consequences ; 
and  that  the  province  may  be  in  some  degree  provided  against  the 
same,  and  under  lull  persuasion  that  the  measures  expressed  in  the  fol- 
lowing resolves  are  perfectly  consistent  with  such  resolves  of  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  as  have  been  communicated  to  us,  it  is 

Resolvxl,  and  hereby  recommended  to  the  several  companies  of  mili- 
tia in  tin-  proi  nice,  who  have  not  already  chosen  and  appointed  officers, 
that  they  meet  forthwith,  and  elect  officers  to  command  their  respective 
companies;  and  that  the  officers  so  chosen  assemble  as  soon  as  may 
be;  and  where  the  said  officers  shall  judge  the  limits  of  the  presenl 
regiments  too  extensive  that  they  divide  them,  and  settle  and  d<  termine 
their  limits,  and  proceed  to  elect  field  officers  to  command  their  respec- 
tive regiments  |so  formed  ;||  and  thai  the  field  officers,  so  elected,  forth- 
with endeavor  to  enlist  one  quarter,  at  least,  of  the  number  of  the  re- 
spective  companies,  and  form  them  into  companies  of  tiftv  privates,  at 
the  least,  who  shall  equip  and  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at 
the  shortest  notice;  and  that  each  and  ever]  company,  so  formed, 
choose  a  captain  and  two  lieutenants  to  command  them  on  any  neces- 
sary and  emergent  service,  and  that  the  said  captains  and  subalterns, 
SO  elected,  form  the  said  companies  into  battalion-,  to  COnsisI  of  nine 
companies  each,  and  that  the  captains  and  subalterns  of  each  battalion. 


48  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Nov.  23, 

so  formed,  proceed  to  elect  field  officers  to  command  the  same.  And 
the  Congress  doth  most  earnestly  recommend  that  all  the  aforesaid 
elections  be  proceeded  in  and  made  with  due  deliberation  and  ||a||  gen- 
erous regard  to  the  public  service. 

Also  Resolved,  That  the  security  of  the  lives,  liberties,  and  proper- 
ties 01  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  depends,  under  Providence,  on 
their  knowledge  and  skill  in  the  art  military,  and  in  their  being  proper- 
ly and  effectually  armed  and  equipped  ;  if  any  of  said  inhabitants  are 
not  provided  with  arms  and  ammunition,  according  to  law,  that  they 
immediately  provide  themselves  therewith,  and  that  they  use  their  ut- 
most diligence  to  perfect  themselves  in  military  skill;  and  that  if  any 
town  or  district  within  the  province  is  not  provided  with  the  full  town 
stock  of  arms  and  ammunition,  according  to  law,  the  selectmen  of 
such  town  or  district  take  effectual  care,  without  delay,  to  provide  the 
same. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston.  After 
the  same  was  read  and  some  debate  had  thereon,  the  question  (upon  a 
motion  made)  was  put,  whether  the  matter  now  subside,  and  it  passed 
in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  Cambridge  is  the 
most  eligible  place  for  the  committee  of  safety,  at  present,  to  sit  in. 

Resolved,  That  two  gentlemen  be  added  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Prescot,  Doct.  Holten,  and  Mr.  Gill,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  two  gentlemen  to  be  added  to 
the  committee  of  safety. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes.  After  count- 
ing  and  sorting  the  same,  the  committee  reported  that  Mr.  Pigeon  and 
Capt.  Heath  were  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  extract  of  the  resolves,  relative  to  the  militia, 
which  passed  this  day  be  printed,  and  a  copy  thereof  sent  to  all  the 
towns  and  districts  in  this  province. 

The  Congress  adjourned  till  the  23d  day  of  November  next,  at  ten 
o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  then  to  meet  in  this  place. 

Wednesday,  November  23,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  Congress  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  then  adjourned 
till  half  past  two  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 
The   Congress    being    apprehensive  that  the  Hon.  Walter  Spooner, 
Esq.j  had  not  received  the  resolve  passed  by  them,  inviting  the  mem- 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  49 

ben  of  In-  majesty's  constitutional  council  to  attend  the  Congress  on 
this  day,  Resolved  thai  he  be  again  wrote  to,  desiring  his  attendance 
here  immediately,  and  that  a  messenger  be  despatched  therewith  with- 
out dela\ 

Resolved,  Thai  the  gentlemen  who  were  members  of  the  late  Conti- 
nental,  and  are  of  this  Provincial  Congress,  be  joined  to  the  committee 
«m  the  state  of  the  province.1 

Resolved,  That  John  Adam-,  Esq.,  be  desired  to  favor  this  Congress 
with  Ins  presence,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Resolved,  That  Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esq.,  be  desired  to  attend  this 
Congress,  as  soon  as  possible. 

Then  the  Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Thursday,  November  24,  1774,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  from  this  province 
who  were  members  of  the  continental  Congress,  be  desired  to  report 
the  proceedings  of  said  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Gardner,  Col.  Presrot,  and  Doct.  Holten,  be  a 
committee  to  wail  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  and  desire  that  he 
would  officiate  as  chaplain  to  this  Congress,  during  their  session  in 
this  town. 

The  committee  waited  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton  accordingly, 
and  reported  thai  they  had  delivered  the  message,  and  that  the  Doctor 
would  officiate  as  chaplain,  agreeably  to  the  desire  of  the  Con- 
gre  - 

The  chairman  of  the  committer  appointed  by  this  province  to  meet 
in  Continental  Congres>,  reported,  that  they  had  attended  that  service; 
that  the  Congress  had  taken  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  colo 
ni'-,  [and]  that  he  had  a  journal  of  their  whole  proceedings,  which  he 
would  lay  on  the  table.2 

[\i. «>/>•<</,  That  the  doings  of  the  Continental  Congress  be  now  read, 
which  were  rend  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  the  slate  of  rights,  state  of  grievances,  and  the  as- 

(1)  lion.  James   Bowd Hon.  Thomu  Cashing,  Mr.  Samuel    Ulams,  tohn  Adami,  Esq.,  and 

Robert  Treat  Pa ,  Esq.,  witi'  i-I.ti.-.i  in  the  bouse  of  representatives  ol   Massachusetts,  Jane 

17,17".:  >  the  Continental   Congress,  which  conve I  at  Philadelphia,  September  5th, 

and  was  dissolved  October  96,  1774.  These  gentlemen,  with  the  exception  of  James  Bowdoin, 
were  retained  as  members  of  the  Provinci  >l  Congri 

9   The  journal  of  the  proi dings  of  the  Continental  Congress  was  printed   immediate]] 

tin-  dissolution  of  that  body,  in  October,  1774,  b]  William  and  Th as  Bradford,  al  Philadelphia, 

in  an  octavo  p.unpulot  of  139  pa 


50  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Nov.  25, 

sociation,  as  stated  by  the  Continental  Congress,  be  committed.1     The 
same  was  accordingly  committed  to  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Hon.  Mr. 
Dexter,  Doct.  Warren,  Col.  Lee,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Warren,  and  Doct. 
Church,  who  are  to  consider  thereof  and  report. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  petition  from  the  officers  of  the  minute  men,  in  the  northwest 
part  of  the  county  of  Worcester,  [was]  read  and  committed  to  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  province.2 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  sit  in  the  recess  to  pre- 
pare a  plan  for  the  defence  and  safety  of  the  government,  be  directed 
to  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  publish  the  names  of  the 
mandamus  counsellors,  and  others,  now  in  the  town  of  Boston,  be  di- 
rected to  sit  forthwith  and  prepare  a  report. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Friday,  November  25,  1774,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Holten,  Col.  Foster,  and  Col.  Roberson,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  what  number  of  the  constitutional  counsellors 
are  now  in  town. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  from  the  town  of  Worcester  apply  to 
Col.  Chandler,  and  receive  from  him  the  bayonets  he  has  in  his  hands 
and  is  now  ready  to  deliver  ;3  and  inquire  what  sum  or  sums  of  money 
have  been  paid  to  him  by  the  treasurer,  for  the  purpose  of  procuring 
bayonets ;  how  many  were  procured  by  him,  and  to  whom  they  were 
delivered,  and  the  state  of  his  account  relative  to  the  money  by  him 
received  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  this  resolve  be  given  to  the  members  afore- 
said. 

Resolved,  That  Doct.  Holten,  Col.  Foster,  Col.  Roberson,  Capt. 
Baldwin,  and  Mr.  dishing,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  such  gentlemen 
of  his  majesty's  constitutional  council  of  this  province,  who  are  now 
in  town  at  the  request  of  this  Congress,  and   acquaint   them   that  this 

(1)  The  declaration  of  rights  and  statement  of  grievances,  wore  adopted  by  the  Continental  Con- 
11     "'xt  M,  177-1  :     the  |d:iti  of  mi    nssocinl  ion    for  carrying    into  effect    the    Don  Consumption, 
non  importation(  and  non  exportation   agreement*,   having   In  in   repotted   and   considered,  was  ac- 
cepted and  subscribed  hy  I  he  meinlii >is,  October  20,  1771. 

(9)  The  militia  of  Worcester  county  requested  that  the  Congress  would  establish  the  military 
drill  called  tie  .Yorfolk  eierciic,  instead  of  that  system  prescribed  for  the  discipline  of  his  majes- 
ty's troops  in  1764. 

(3)  About  ono  hundred  bayonets  were  in  the  keeping  of  Col.  Chandler. 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  ,1 

( \ ingress  respectfully  ;ic knowledge  their  cheerful   attendance,  !>ut  will 

nut  be  ready  to  offer    anv  matter-    for  their    advice,  until    a  quorum    of 
that  honorable    l'<>ar<l    >hall    appear,  and   which  i-   -uuii  expected  ;     and 

thai  in  the  mean  tune  a  seal  i-  provided  for  them  in  this  bouse,  if  thej 

shall  Bee  can-.'  to  he  pre-ent. 

Resohed,  That  it  he  the  rule  of  this  Congress  at  present,  that  the] 
-ii  m  the  forepart  of  the  day,  and  thai  they  adjourn  over  the  afternoon, 
in  order  to  give  tune  for  the  committees  tO  -it   and  perfect  the  huHie 

with  which  thej  arc  severally  charged. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thomas,  ('apt.  Gardner,  and  Mr    Watson,  he  a 

committee    to  inquire    whether    a  more  convenient    place   than   that  in 
which  the  ( loogresl  now   -it<,  can  he  procured  for  them  to  meet  in. 

Resohed,  Thai  every  member  of  tin-  Congress  be  enjoined  to  give 
constant  attendance  during  the  session  thereof;  and  in  case  any  should 
be  under  a  necessity  of  absence,  that  they  signify  the  same  to  the  Cou- 
Lrn iss,  in  order  to  their  obtaining  leave  to  withdraw. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o  clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  November  2G,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  members  of  bis  majesty's 
council  now  in  town,  reported,  that  they  had  attended  that  service  ;  had 
seen  the  lion.  Mr.  Cushing,  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Seaver,  and  had  deliv- 
ered to  them  the  message  with  which  they  were  charged;  they  being 
the  only  members  in  town. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  wait  on  the  other  gentlemen  of 
In-  majesty's  council,  invited  by  tin-  Congress  to  attend  here,  as  they 
come  into  town,  and  inform  them  of  the  resolve  of  tin-  ConffTi  36 

Ordered,  That  ('apt.  Heath,  Mr.  Adams,  Col.  Doolittle,  Col.  Pome- 
roy,  and  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  be  a  committee  to  devise  some  means  of 
keeping  up  a  correspondence  between  this  province,  Montreal  and 
Quebec,  and  of  gaining  very  frequent  intelligence  from  thence  of  their 
ino\  ementa 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  see  if  some  more  convenient 

place  could  he  procured  for  the  Congress,  than  that  in  which  thev  now 
Bit,  reported,  thai  the  new  chapel  can  be  had,  and  that  it  i>  the  mosl 
convenient  place  that  they  can  obtain. 

Ordered,  That  this  matter  now  subside. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Hon  Major  Hawley,  and  the  Hon.  Mr 
Cushing,  be  a  committee  to  draw  the  form  of  an  order  with  respeel  to 
the  treasurer's  giving  bonds,  and  report. 

Ordered,  That    Mr.    Wheeler,  Mr.    Adams,    Hon.    Mr.  Cushing.  and 


52  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Nov.  28, 

Doct.  Church,  be  added  to  the   committee   appointed  to  publish   the 
names  of  the  mandamus  counsellors,  and  others,  now  in  Boston. 
Adjourned  till  Monday  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Monday,  November  28,  1774,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Palmer,  Mr.  Cushing,  Col.  Gerish,  Mr.  Bigelow, 
Major  Fuller,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Col.  Pomeroy,  be  a  committee  to 
take  into  consideration  the  state  of  the  manufactures,  and  how  they 
may  be  improved  in  this  province. 

||Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  November  29,  1774,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Henshaw,  Mr.  Palmer,  Mr.  Gorham,  Mr.  Lothrop, 
and  Mr.  Pigeon,  be  a  committee  to  make  as  just  an  estimate  as  may  be 
of  the  loss  and  damage  of  every  kind  ||aaccrued||  to  the  province  by 
the  operation  of  the  Boston  port  bill  and  the  act  for  altering  the  civil 
government,  from  their  commencement  to  this  time. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Foster,  Mr.  Gorham,  and  Col.  Orne,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  state  the  amount  of  the  sums  which  have  been  extorted  from 
us  since  the  year  1763,  by  the  operation  of  certain  acts  of  the  British 
parliament. 

Resolved,  That  a  messenger  be  despatched  to  the  town  of  Salem,  in 
order  to  gain  what  intelligence  can  be  had  by  the  last  vessels  from  Lon- 
don, and  that  the  messenger  bring  with  him  the  Essex  paper  to  this 
Congress ;  and  that  Mr.  Bigelow  be  desired  to  take  upon  him  the 
above  service. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Devens  be  desired  to  go  to  Boston  and  inquire 
what  advice  came  by  the  last  vessels  from  London. 

Resolved,  That  when  this  Congress  shall  adjourn,  that  it  be  adjourn- 
ed to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  ||bwhich  was  then  adjourned  ac- 
cordingly. || 

Afternoon. 

Mr.  Devens  reported  that,  in  obedience  to  the  order  of  the  Con- 
gress, he  had  been  to  the  town  of  Boston  ;  that  the  letters  from  Lon- 
don by  the  last  ships  had  not  come  to  hand  ;  that  Doct.  Church  was  in 
Boston,  and  would  bring  them  to  the  Congress  as  soon  as  they  should 
arrive. 

Resolved,  That  to-morrow,  at  eleven  o'clock,  the  Congress  will  take 
into  consideration  the  expediency  of  appointing  members   to  attend  a 

a  ||occasioned.l|  b  ||Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. || 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVEN  l  \l.  CONGRESS 

Continental  Congress,  to  !><•  beld  at  Philadelphia,  agreeably  to  the  re- 
commendation of  the  lasl  Continental  Congress. 
Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning 

W'kiinksday,  November  30,  177  1,  A.  ML 

The  order  of  the  da]  was  moved  for. 

The  expediencj  of  appointing  members  to  attend  a  Continental 
( "i  »n l.ti ■-- .  was  considered :  Thereupon, 

Resolved,  unanimously,  as  the  opinion  of  this  body,  that   members 

be  appointed  to  attend  a  Continental  Congress,  proposed  to  be  beld  al 
Philadelphia,  on  the  tenth  daj  of  Ma)  next,  agreeabl]  to  the  recom- 
mendation <>t"  the  late  Continental  Congress. 

Resolved,  Thai  five  members  be  appointed. 

Resolved,  Thai  to-morrow,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  be  as- 
signed to  come  to  the  choice  of  delegates  to  attend  the-  Continental 
( Songress,  proposed  to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  on  the  10th  day  of  May 
oext, 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Winthrop,  Mr.  Sullivan,  and  Doct. 
Foster,  bring  in  a  resolve  expressing  the  thanks  of  this  body  to  the 
other  colonies,  for  their  generous  donations  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 

town  of   Boston,  now  laboring  under    the  oppression  of  ceil  iin  acts    of 
the  British  parliament. 

\\Resolved,  That  the  same  committee  prepare  a  brief,  to  !><•  cir- 
culated throughout  the  several  town-  in  tins  province,  to  promote 
donations    tor    the    persons    suffering,   in    the    town-   of    Boston    and 

Charlestown,  under  the  operation  of  certain  act-  of  the  British  par- 
liament 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  letters  from  Doct.  Franklin  to  Mr.  Cushinu, 
which  have  been  now  read,  he  committed    to  the  provincial    committee 

of  correspondence.1 

||Then  the  Congress  1 1  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten 
o'clock. 


i    i  Ire 1  bj  Doct.  Franklin  to  tlie  Hon.  Thomu  Cashing,  bearing  d        D 

9,  I774.1 ,   January  5,  March  9,  April  :i,  Maj  6,  June  9,  J»n.-  I,  Jul)  7.  Jul]  95,   logusl  I 

bei   19,  November  I,   1773  I   nuarj  5,  1774;  have  been  published  in  the  ci  of  the 

writing*  of  the  patriot  and  philosopher.      \-  noi 1°  the  commi  -  preserved  b]   the  • 

kiln's  writings,  correspond  with  the  ti whon  those  mentioned  in  I  Bre  laid  be- 

is  probable  that  the  letters  entrusted  t"  the  committ  bare 

perished  with  the  other  papers  on  theii  Bli  i. 


54  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  1, 

Thursday,  December  1,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  expressing  the  thanks 
of  this  body  to  the  other  colonies,  for  their  generous  donations  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston,  reported.  The  report  was  recom- 
mitted for  amendments. 

The  same  committee  reported  a  brief  to  be  circulated  through  the 
several  towns,  to  promote  donations  to  the  towns  of  Boston  and  Charles- 
town  ;   also  recommitted  for  amendments. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of 
rights,  the  state  of  grievances,  and  the  association,  as  stated  by  the 
Continental  Congress,  reported.  The  report  was  then  taken  into  con- 
sideration, [and]  the  further  consideration  thereof  [was]  referred  to 
three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

\\Rcsolvcd,  That  the  choice  of  delegates,  which  was  to  have  been  at 
three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  be  deferred  till  three  o'clock  to-morrow 
afternoon.  1 1 

||Then  adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. || 

Afternoon. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee, agreeably  to  their  resolve  in  the  forenoon ;  after  some  debate 
thereon,  it  was  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for  an  amendment. 

The  resolve  expressing  the  thanks  of  this  body  to  the  other  colonies, 
for  their  donations  to  the  town  of  Boston,  &c,  as  amended,  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth : 

Whereas,  by  the  rigorous  operation  of  the  Boston  Port  Bill,  the 
metropolis  of  this  province,  and  the  neighboring  town  of  Charlestown, 
have  been  brought  into  the  most  distressful  state,  many  of  the  inhabit- 
ants being  deprived  of  the  means  of  procuring  their  subsistence,  and 
reduced  to  the  cruel  alternative  of  quitting  their  habitations,  or  of  per- 
ishing in  tliem  by  famine,  if  they  had  not  been  supported  by  the  free 
and  generous  contributions  of  our  sister  colonies,  even  from  the  re- 
motest |>;irt  of  this  continent  : 

Resolved,  That  the  grateful  acknowledgments  of  this  Congress  be 
returned  to  the  several  colonies,  for  having  so  deeply  interested  them- 
selves in  behalf  of  said  towns,  under  their  present  sufferings  in  the 
common  cause  ;  and  that  the  Congress  consider  these  donations,  not 
merelv  as  unexampled  acts  of  benevolence  to  this  province  in  general, 
which  baa  also  greatly  Buffered,  and  of  charity  to  those  towns  in  par- 
ticular, but  as  convincing  proofs  of  the  firm  attachment  of  all  the  colo- 
nies to  the  glorious  cause  of  American  liberty,  and  of  their  fixed  de- 


L774]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

t tTiimiaf i< >n  in  support  tlicm    in  the  noble    -land    the)   arc  now     making 

for  the  liberties  of  themselves  ind  of  all  America. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  brief,  reported  their  draught, 
amended:  Ordered,  to  !><•  recommitted  lor  a  revision,  and  fox  such 
further  amendments  as  thej  shall  think  pr< >[i<r. 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Devens  applj  to  the  aecretar\  fur  a  li-t  of  coun- 
sellors  appointed  l>\  mandamus ;  ami  in  case  he  Bhould  be  refused  such 
list,  he  i-  desired  to  take  with  him  a  aotarj  public,  and  in  In-  presence 
again  desire  t )  1 « -  same  and  tender  the  secretary  In-  fee. 
Thru  I  adjourned  till  to-morrow  murium:,  ten  o'clock. 

Friday.  December 2,  177  1,  \.  M. 

The  doorkeeper  [was]  directed  to  call  in  the  members,  and  iii  call 
nmie  out  till  the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported.  The  report 
[was]  taken  into  consideration. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  referred  till  four 
o'clock  this  afternoon. 1 1*| | 

Afternoon. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Holten,  ('apt.  dishing,  ami  Duct.  Church,  he 
a  committee  to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  five  members  to  be  chosen 
to  represent  this  province  at  an  American  Congress,  to  be  held  at 
Philadelphia,  at  or  before  the  tenth  daj  of  Maj  next. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  biing  io  their  vote-  for  \\\r  gentle- 
men to  be  delegated  for  the  purpose  aforesaid.  The  committee  hav- 
ing counted  and  sorted  the  same,  reported  that  the  Hon.  John  Han- 
cock, Hon.  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq.,  -Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams, 
ami  Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esquires,  were  chosen. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  made  in  the  fore- 
noon,  [was]  resumed:  sometime  [was]  -pent  thereon,  then,  ordered,  that 
the  further  consideration  thereof  be  referred  till  nine  o'clock  to-mor- 
row morning. 

Ordered,  That  the  vote  which  passed  yesterday,  expressing  the 
thanks  of  this  body  to  the  other  colonies  for  their  donations  made  to 
the  towns  of  Boston  and  Charleston  n,  he  published  in  all  the  Boston 
newspapers  ;  and  that  it  he  attested  by  the  president 

Resolved,  That    the   committee   appointed  to  publish  the  name-  of 

the  mandamus  counsellors  who  have  been  .-worn  ami  bare  not  resigned. 
n  ||To  which  time  tl  ndi  adjoumed.|| 


56  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  3, 

be  desired  to  send  a  messenger  to  Mr.  Hall,  printer,  in  Salem,  and  in- 
quire of  him  whether  he  hath  a  list  of  the  counsellors  appointed  by 
mandamus,  which  he  received  from  the  secretary's  office  ;  and  if  he 
hath  a  list  so  received,  to  desire  him  to  favor  this  Congress   therewith. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  state  of  rights,  the  state  of  grievances,  and  the  association,  as  sta- 
ted by  the  Continental  Congress,  being  amended,  was  read,  and  a  con- 
sideration thereof  went  into. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  referred  till  to- 
morrow morning,  ten  o'clock. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morn- 
ing. 

Saturday,  December  3,  1774,  A.  M. 

The  Congress  then  went  into  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  agreeably  to  their  order  of  yes- 
terday. After  a  long  debate  thereon,  it  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  ta- 
ble, and  that  the  committee  have  leave  to  sit  again. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  Monday  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in 
the  forenoon. 

Monday,  December  5,  1774,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Winthrop,  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr  Pickering,  Mr. 
Bridge,  and  Mr.  Cheever,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  address  to  the 
clergy  of  this  province,  desiring  them  to  exhort  their  people  to  carry 
into  execution  the  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  rights,  state  of 
grievances,  and  the  association,  as  stated  by  the  Continental  Congress, 
and  it  was  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

Resolved,  That  the  proceedings  of  the  American  Continental  Con- 
gress, held  at  Philadelphia  on  the  fifth  of  September  last,  and  reported 
by  the  honorable  delegates  from  this  colony,  have,  with  the  delibera- 
tion due  to  their  high  importance,  been  considered  by  us ;  and  the 
American  bill  of  rights  therein  contained,  appears  to  be  formed  with 
the  greatest  ability  and  judgment :  to  be  founded  on  the  immutable 
laws  of  nature  and  reason,  the  principles  of  the  English  constitution, 
and  the  respective  charters  and  constitutions  of  the  colonies ;  and  to  be 
worthy  of  their  most  vigorous  support,  as  essentially  necessary  to  lib- 
erty :  likewise  the  ruinous  and  iniquitous  measures,  which,  in  violation 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  51 

of  their  rights,  at  present  convulse  and  threaten  destruction  to  Ameri- 
ca, ||  ||  appear  to  be  clearly  pointed  out,  and  judicious  plans  adopted  for 
defeating  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  most  grateful  acknowledgments  are  due  to  the 
trulv  honorable  and  patriotic  members  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
for  their  wise  and  ahle  exertions  in  the  cause  of  American  liberty; 
and  this  Congress,  in  their  own  names,  and  in  behalf  of  this  colony, 
do  hereby,  with  the  utmost  sincerity,  express  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Hon.  Thomas  Cushing, 
Esqrs.,  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  and  Robert  Treat  Paine, 
K-'|i-v,  <>r  any  three  of  them,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  and 
authorized  to  represent  tins  colony  on  the  tenth  of  May  next,  or  sooner, 
if  necessary,  at  the  American  Congress  to-be  held  at  Philadelphia, 
with  full  power,  with  the  delegates  from  the  other  American  colonies, 
to  concert,  direct,  and  order  such  further  measures  as  shall  to  them 
appear  to  be  best  calculated  for  the  recovery  and  establishment  of 
American  rights  and  liberties,  and  for  restoring  harmony  between 
Great  Britain  and  the  colonies. 

And  whereas,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  salutary  asso- 
ciation of  the  Continental  Congress  be  effectually  executed,  and  the 
plan-  of  toes  to  America  defeated;  who,  aided  by  tyrannical  power,  in- 
tend to  import  goods,  ware-,  and  merchandize  prohibited  by  the  as- 
sociation, which  may  clandestinely  be  vended,  as  goods  imported  be- 
fore the  first  of  December  in-tant,  by  assistance  of  such  merchants 
and  trader-  as  to  tins  intent  shall  basely  prostitute  themselves;  and  it 
will  be  extremely  difficult  to  distinguish  between  goods  imported  be- 
fore the  said  first  of  December,  and  such  as  after  said  day  shall,  in  vi- 
olation of  the  association,  be  imported  and  secretly  dispersed  through- 
out the  colon]  and  whereas,  it  is  expressly  recommended  by  the  Con- 
tinental Congress  "  to  the  Provincial  Conventions,  and  to  the  commit- 
tee- in  the  respective  colonies,  to  establish  mch  further  regulations  as 
they  may  think  proper,  for  carrying  into  execution  the  association;" 

Resolved,  That  from  and  after  the  tenth  day  of  October  next,  it  will 
be  indispensabl]  necessary,  thai  all  goods,  wares,  or  merchandize,  di- 
rectly or  indirectly  imported  from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland;  molasses, 
syrups,  panel,-,  coffee,  or  pimento,  from  the  British  plantations,  or 
from  Dominica:  wines  from  Madeira  or  the  Western  l-lands,  and  for- 
eign  indigo,  Bhould  cease  to  he  -old  or  purchased  in  this  colony,  not- 
withstanding thej  shall  have  been  imported  before  the  first  of  Decem- 
ber aforesaid,  unless  the  acts  and  parts  of  acts  of  parliament,  (partic- 

a  Himl. 

8 


58  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  5, 

ularly  enumerated  in  a  paragraph  of  the  American  Congress's  Associa- 
tion, subsequent  to  the  fourteenth  article,)  shall  be  then  repealed :  and 
it  is  hereby  strongly  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  and 
districts  in  this  colony,  that  from  and  after  the  said  tenth  of  Octo- 
ber, they  cease  to  sell  or  purchase,  and  prevent  from  being  exposed  to 
sale  within  their  respective  limits,  any  goods,  wares,  or  merchandize, 
&c,  above  enumerated,  which  shall  at  any  time  have  been  imported 
into  America,  whether  before  or  after  the  first  of  December  aforesaid, 
unless  said  acts  of  parliament  shall  then  be  repealed.  And  it  is  like- 
wise strongly  recommended  to  the  committee  of  inspection,  (which 
ought  immediately  to  be  chosen,  agreeably  to  the  said  association,  by 
each  town  and  district  in  the  colony  not  having  already  appointed  such 
committees,)  that  they  exert  themselves  in  causing  the  association,  as 
thereby  directed,  to  be  ||astrictly||  executed  ;  and  that  after  the  said 
tenth  day  of  October,  (unless  the  acts  of  parliament  aforesaid  are  re- 
pealed,) they  apply  to  all  the  merchants  and  traders  in  their  respective 
towns  and  districts,  and  take  a  full  inventory  of  all  goods,  wares,  and 
merchandize  aforesaid  in  their  possession,  whether  they  shall  have 
been  imported  before  or  after  the  first  of  December  aforesaid,  requir- 
ing them  to  offer  no  more  for  sale,  until  said  acts  ||b||  shall  be  repealed. 
And  if  any  merchants,  traders,  or  others,  shall  refuse  to  have  an  in- 
ventory taken,  or  shall  offer  for  sale  after  the  said  tenth  of  October, 
any  such  goods,  wares,  or  merchandize,  it  is  expressly  recommended 
to  the  committees  aforesaid,  that  they  take  the  goods  into  their  posses- 
sion, to  be  stored  at  the  risk  of  the  proper  owners,  until  the  repeal  of 
the  acts  aforesaid,  and  publish  the  names  of  such  refractory  merchants, 
traders,  or  purchasers,  that  they  may  meet  with  the  merits  of  enemies 
to  their  country.  And  the  towns  and  districts  throughout  the  prov- 
ince are  also  advised  that  they  by  no  means  fail  vigorously  to  assist 
and  support  their  committees  in  discharging  this  as  well  as  other  du- 
ties of  their  offices,  and  to  cause  this  resolution  to  be  executed  by  ev- 
ery measure  which  they  sh;ill  think  necessary. 

Jit mlml,  That  John  Adams,  Esq.  be  joined  to  the  committee  on 
the  state  of  the  province. 

Rc^iilriil,  Thai  t he  above  report  made  by  the  committee  appointed 
to  take  into  consideration  the  state  of  rights,  &c,  as  reported  by  the 
Continental  Con^n-.-.-,  be  published  in  all  the  newspapers  in  the  prov- 
ince, and  that  it  he  signed  by  the  president  and  attested  by  the  secre- 
tary ;  and  also,  that  copies  thereof  be  sent  to  all  the  towns  and  districts 
in  the  province. 

a  ||fully.||  b  ||of  purliumont.|| 


1774.]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  relating  to  a  brief  be  reconsidered,  and  that 
it  be  in  order  to  be  revised. 
||Then  the  Congress    adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Ti  i  boat,  December  6,  17?  1,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  hum  consideration  the  stale  of  the 
manufactures  in  i In-  province,  reported  ;  the  report  was  recommitted 
for  -'Hue  additions. 

The  committee  appointed  t"  devise  means  of  keeping  up  a  corres- 
pondence  between  this  province,  Montreal  and  Quebec,  and  of  gain- 
ing frequent  intelligence  from  thence  of  their  movements,  reported, 
that  a  committee  !>'•  appointed  to  correspond  with  the  inhabitants  of 
Canada.  Accordingly,  1 1 1<-  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Col.  Pomeroy,  -Mr. 
Broun,  Mr  Samuel  Adams,  Doct  Warren,  Hon.  Mr.  Hancock,  and 
Doct   Church,  wire  appointed  a  committee  for  thai  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  brief  to  be  circulated  through 
the  several  towns  in  this  pros  ince,  to  promote  donations  for  the  per- 
Bons  suffering  in  the  towns  of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  under  the  op- 
eration of  certain  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  having  amended  the 
same,  reported  :   the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follow  eth  : 

The  operation  of  the  cruel  and  iniquitous  Boston  port  bill,  thai  in- 
strument  of  ministerial  vengeance,  having  reduced  our  once  bappy 
capital  and  the  neighboring  town  of  Charlestown,  from   affluence  and 

e  to  extreme  distress;  manj  of  their  inhabitants  being  deprived  of 
even  the  means  of  procuring  the  nece-saries  of  life;  from  all  which 
they  have  most  aoblj  refused  to  purchase  an  exemption,  l>\  surrender- 
ing the  rights  of  American-:  and  although  the  charitable  donation- 
from  the  other  colonic-  and  se\eral  towns  in  this  province,  have,  in  a 
■ I  measure,  relieved  their  immediate  necessities,  while  their  appro- 
bation has  animated  them  to  persevere  in  patient  Buffeting  lor  the  pub- 
lic good,  set  a-  the  severity  of  winter  i-  now  approaching,  which  niu-t 
add  greatlj  to  their  misery  ;  and  there  has  Keen  no  general  collection 
for  them  m  thi-  colony,  we  hold  ourselves  obliged,  in  justice,  to  con- 
tribute to  their  support  :  while  they,  under  such  n  weight  of  oppre» 

-ion,  are  supporting  our  riirht s  and  privileg. 

It  is  therefore  Resohedt  Thai  it  be  recommended  be  our  constitu- 
ents, the  inhabitant-  of  the  other  town-,  districts,  and    parishes,  within 

tin-  province,  that  thej  further  contribute  liberallj  to  alleviate  the  bur- 
den of  those  person-,  who  are  the  mote  immediate  objects  of  ministe- 
rial resentment,  and  are  Buffering  in  the  common  cause  of  then  oeun- 
tr\     seriously  considering  how  much  the  liberty,  and  consequently  the 


60  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  6, 

happiness,  of  ourselves  and  posterity  depend,  under  God,  on  the  firm- 
ness and  resolution  of  those  worthy  patriots. 

And  it  is  Ordered,  That  Doct.  Foster,  Mr.  Devens,  and  Mr.  Chee- 
ver,  be  a  committee  to  transmit  printed  copies  of  the  above  resolve  to 
the  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  the  several  towns,  districts,  and  parishes, 
in  this  province,  who  are  desired  to  read  the  same  to  their  several  con- 
gregations, in  order  that  their  contributions  of  such  necessaries  of  life 
as  they  can  spare,  may  be  forwarded  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  clergy,  hav- 
ing amended  the  same,  again  reported  ;  the  report  was  read  and  ac- 
cepted, and  ordered  that  copies  thereof  be  sent  to  all  the  ministers  of 
the  gospel  in  the  province  ;   ||  which  ||  is  as  followeth  : 

Reverend  Sirs: — When  we  contemplate  the  friendship  and  assist- 
ance our  ancestors,  the  first  settlers  of  this  province,  (while  over- 
whelmed with  distress)  received  from  the  pious  pastors  of  the  churches 
of  Christ,  who,  to  enjoy  the  rights  of  conscience,  fled  with  them  into 
this  land,  then  a  savage  wilderness,  we  find  ourselves  filled  with  the 
most  grateful  sensations.  And  we  cannot  but  acknowledge  the  good- 
ness of  heaven  in  constantly  supplying  us  with  preachers  of  the  gos- 
pel, whose  concern  has  been  the  temporal  and  spiritual  happiness  of 
this  people. 

In  a  day  like  this,  when  all  the  friends  of  civil  and  religious  liberty 
are  exerting  themselves  to  deliver  this  country  from  its  present  calami- 
ties, we  cannot  but  place  great  hopes  in  an  order  of  men  who  have 
ever  distinguished  themselves  in  their  country's  cause;  and  do  there- 
fore recommend  to  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  in  the  several  towns 
and  other  places  in  this  colony,  that  they  assist  us  in  avoiding  that 
dreadful  slavery  with  which  we  are  now  threatened,  by  advising  the 
people  of  their  several  congregations,  as  they  wish  their  prosperity,  to 
abide  by,  and  strictly  adhere  to,  the  resolutions  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  as  the  most  peaceable  and  probable  method  of  preventing 
confusion  and  bloodshed,  and  of  restoring  that  harmony  between 
Great  Britain  and  these  colonies,  on  which  we  wish  might  be  estab- 
lished, not  only  the  rights  and  liberties  of  America,  but  the  opulence 
and  lasting  happiness  of  the  whole  British  empire. 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  address  be  presented  to  all  the  minis- 
ters of  the  gospel  in  the  province. 

|jThe  Congress  then||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  names  of  the  following  persons  be  published  re- 
peatedly, they  having  been  appointed   counsellors  of  this   province  by 


1771.)  FIRST  PRO\  [NC1AL  (  <>\(ii:i'.ss  ,\\ 

mandamus,  and  have  aol  published  a  renunciation  of  their  comrnis- 
Bion,  \i/. :  Thomas  Plucker,  Poster  Hutchinson,  Harrison  Gray,  Wil- 
liam Browne,  James  Bouteneau,  Joshua  Loring,  William  Pepperrell, 
John  Erving,  Jr.,  Peter  Oliver,  Richard  Lechmere,  .l<>-iali  Bdson,  N  - 
thanie]  Kay  Thomas,  Timoth]  Ruggles,  John  Murray,  and  Daniel 
l.i  onard,  Esquires. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  l  December  7,  177 1.  \.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.    Barrett.  Mr.  Bridge,  and   Major   Fuller,  be  a 
committee  to  colled   the   several  expenses  thai  have  accrued  to  the 
Congress  in  this  and  the  former  b<  ssiou  tin  rent',  and  thej  are  dm 
to  -it  forthvt  ith. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan,  Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Palmer,  Col.  Lee, 
and  tin-  Hon.  Col.  Ward,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration 
and  determine  what  recompense  the  delegates,  who,  from  tin-  province 
attended  the  Continental  Congress  ;ii  Philadelphia,  in  September  last, 
.shall  be  allowed  lbr  their  services  and  expenses. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Orne,  Hon.  Mr.  Cushing,  and  Hon.  Major  Haw- 
lev,  be  a  committee  to  hring  in  a  resolve,  directing  the  Hon.  James 
Russell,  Esq.,  imposl  officer,  to  paj  the  moneys  now  m  his  hand-  to 
Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  'and  no1  to  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.;||  the  commit- 
tee are  directed  to  -it  immediatel \ . 

Ordered,  Thai  John  Adam-,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Adam-,  and  Col. 
Danielson,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  relative  to  the  taking 
the  number  of  inhabitants,  and  the  quantity  of  exports  and  imports  of 
merchandize  and  of  the  manufactures  of  all  kind-  in  this  colony;  and 
the  committee  was  directed  to  sil  immediately.  The  ||above||  commit- 
tee having  attended  thai  service,  reported  as  followeth,  viz: 

Resolved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed,  consisting  of  one  gentle- 
man from  each  county,  and  our  from    each    maritime   town  of  this  Col- 

ony,  to  prepare  from  the  best  authentic  evidence  winch  can  be  pro- 
cured, a  true  state  of  the  number  of  the  inhabitants,  and  of  the  quan- 
tities of  export-  and  import-  of  Mood-,  wan-,  and  merchandize, 
and  of  the  manufactures  of  all  kind-,  within  the  colony,  [to]  be  used 
|.\  our  delegates  ||"at|]  the  Continental  Congress,  to  be  held  at  Phila- 
delphia, on  or  before  the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  as  they  shall  think 
proper  \ml  the  members  of  this  committee  lor  each  count]  be  nom- 
inated In  the  members  of  this  Congress  for  said  county,  and  the  mem- 


a  ll.n. 


62  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  8, 

ber  for  each  maritime  town  be  nominated  by  the  representatives  of 
such  town. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  counties  be  ready  to  report  their  nomina- 
tions at  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Sullivan  be  desired  to  forward  to  the  Hon.  Jede- 
diah  Preble,  Esq.,  a  resolve  of  this  Congress  appointing  him  a  general 
officer.||a|| 

Afternoon. 

The  several  counties  and  maritime  towns  nominated  their  members 
for  the  committee  according  to  the  resolve  in  the  forenoon,  who  were 
accepted  by  the  Congress,  and  are  as  follow,  viz  : 

County  of  Suffolk,  Mr.  Palmer;  Boston,  Doct.  Warren;  Essex, 
Col.  Gerrish  ;  Lynn,  Capt.  Mansfield  ;  Marblehead,  Col.  Orne  ;  Salem, 
Hon.  Mr.  Derby;  Beverly,  Capt.  Batchelder  ;  Manchester,  Mr.  Wood- 
bury ;  Gloucester,  Capt.  Coffin ;  Ipswich,  Capt.  Farley ;  Netvburyport, 
Capt.  Greenleaf;  Haverhill,  Samuel  White,  Esq.;  Danvers,  Doct. 
Holten  ;  Middlesex,  Col.  Prescot ;  Charlestown,  Mr.  Gorham  ;  Med- 
ford,  Mr.  Hall  ;  Hampshire,  Hon.  Major  Hawley  ;  Plymouth,  Doct. 
Perkins  ;  Town  of  Plymouth,  Mr.  Lothrop  :  Kingston,  Col.  Thomas ; 
Duxbury,  Mr.  Partridge;  Scituate,  Nathan  dishing,  Esq.;  Barnsta- 
ble, Daniel  Davis,  Esq. ;  Sandwich,  Capt.  Nye  ;  Eastham,  Mr.  Hol- 
brook;  Bristol,  Doct.  Cobb;  Dartmouth,  Benjamin  Aiken,  Esq.  ; 
Frcetoicn,  Mr.  Durfee ;  York,  Mr.  Sullivan  :  Kittery,  Charles  Chaun- 
cy,  Esq.  ;l  [Wells,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Sayer  ;  Dukes  County,  Joseph  May- 
hew,  Esq.  ;  Tisbury,  Mr.  Ranford  Smith  ;  Worcester,  Jedediah  Fos- 
ter, Esq.  ;  Cumberland,  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.;  Scarborough,  Mr. 
Samuel  March;  North  Yarmouth,  Mr.  John  Lewis;  Harpsirell,  Mr. 
Samuel  Thompson  ;    Berkshire,  Jolin   Fellows,  Esq.  ;    Lincoln,  Mr. 

Langdon.j 

[Thursday,  December,  8,  1774,  A.  M.] 

[The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  state  of  the  manufactures  of  the  province  being  amended,  was  read, 
accepted,  and  i-  ;i-  follows  :] 

[As  the  happiness  of  particular  families  arises  in  a  great  degree, 
from  theil  being  more  or  less  dependent  upon  others;  and  as  the  less 
occasion  they  have  for  any  article  belonging  to  others,  the  more  inde- 
pendent, and   consequently  the  happier  they  are;    so  the   happiness  of 

a  ||Adjourned  t<>  tbr< 'clock  this  afternoon. || 

(1)  A  leaf  has,  unhappily,  beeD  lost  from  the  original  journal  of  the  Provincial  Congress.  The 
defective  list  of  members  of  the  committee  In-  been  partiallv  restored  from  the  fragment  of  a 
memorandum  in  the  band  yniting  of  ll<>n.  Jedediah  Poster.  The  report,  to  the  fourth  resolution,  i* 

supplied  from  the  Mi«<iucliuu'tts  Spy,  December  99,  177-1. 


L774]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  08 

every  political  bodj  of  men  upon  earth  is  in  lie  estimated,  m  a  Real 
measure,  upon  their  greater  or  less  dependence  upon  anj  other  political 
bodies;  and  from  hen,!'  arises  a  forcible  argument,  why  ever]  state 
ought  td  regulate  their  internal  policy  in  such  a  manner  aa  to  furnish 
themselves,  within  their  nun  body,  with  ever]  necessary  article  fur 
subsistence  and  defence,  otherwise  their  political  existence  will  depend 
ilium  dtlier-  who  may  take  advantage  of  such  weakness  and  reduce 
them  t<»  the  lowest  state  of  vassalage  and  slavery.  For  preventing  bo 
great  an  evil,  more  to  be  dreaded  than  death  itself,  it  must  be  the  wis- 
dom of  tln<  colony  at  all  times,  more  especially  at  this  tune,  when  the 
hand  of  power  is  lashing  as  with  the  scorpions  of  despotism,  to  en- 
courage agriculture,  manufactures,  and  economy,  so  as  t.i  render  this 
state  as  independent  of  every  other  Btate  as  the  nature  of  "nr  country 
will  admit  :  from  the  consideration  thereof,  and  trusting  thai  the  virtue 
lit"  the  people  of  this  colon}  is  such,  that  the  following  resolutions  of 
tln>  Congress,  which  must  be  productive  of  the  greatest  good,  will  by 
them  be  effectually  carried  into  execution,  and  it  is  therefore  Resolved:] 
1st.  That  we  do  recommend  to  the  people  the  improvement  of  their 
breed  of  sheep,  and  the  greatest  possible  increase  of  the  same;  and 
also  the  preferable  use  of  our  own  woollen  manufactures :  and  to  man- 
ufacturers that  the]  ask  only 'reasonable  price-  for  their  goods;  and 
especially  a  very  careful  sorting  of  the  wool,  «i  that  it  may  be  manu- 
factured to  the  greatest  advantage,  and  as  much  as  ma]  he  into  the 
besl  g Is.] 

[2d.    We  do  also  recommend  to  the  people   the  raising  of  hemp    and 

Sax;  and  as  large  quantities  of  flaxseed,  more  than  may  be  wanted  for 
sowing,  ma\  he  produced,  ue  would  also  farther  recommend  the  man- 
ufacturing the  same  into  oil.] 

[3d.  We  do  likewise  recommend  the  making  of  nails,  which  we  ap- 
prehend must  meet  with  the  strongest  encouragement  from  the  public, 
and  be  of  lasting  benefit  both  to  the  manufacturer  and  the  public] 

Ith.  The  making  of  steel,  and  the  preferable  use  of  the  same,  we 
do  also  recommend  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony. 

5th.  We  do  in  like  manner  recommend  the  making  tin  plate,  as  an 
article  well  worth  th<    itt<  ntion  of  thi<  people. 

6th.  As  fire  arms  have  been  manufactured  in  several  parts  of  this 
colony,  we  do  recommend  the  use  of  such  in  preference  to  any  import- 
ed; and  we  do  recommend  the  making  gun-locks,  and  furniture,  and 
other  lock-,  with  other  article-  m  the  iron  way. 

7th    We  do  also  earnestly  recommend   the  making  of  saltpetn 


64  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  8, 

an  article  of  vast  importance,  to  be  encouraged  as  may  be  directed 
hereafter. 

8th.  That  gun  powder  is  also  an  article  of  such  importance,  that  every 
man  among  us  who  loves  his  country,  must  wish  the  establishment  of 
manufactories  for  that  purpose  ;  and  as  there  are  the  ruins  of  several 
powder  mills,  and  sundry  persons  among  us  who  are  acquainted  with 
that  business,  we  do  heartily  recommend  its  encouragement  by  repair- 
ing one  or  more  of  said  mills,  or  erecting  others,  and  renewing  said 
business  as  soon  as  possible. 

9th.  That  as  several  paper  mills  are  now  usefully  employed,  we  do 
likewise  recommend  a  preferable  use  of  our  own  manufactures  in  this 
way  ;  and  a  careful  saving  and  collecting  of  rags,  &c.  And,  also,  that 
the  manufacturers  give  a  generous  price  for  such  rags,  &,c. 

10th.  That  it  will  be  the  interest  as  well  as  the  duty  of  this  body, 
or  of  such  as  may  succeed  us,  to  make  such  effectual  provision  for  the 
further  manufacturing  of  the  several  sorts  of  glass,  as  that  the  same 
may  be  carried  on  to  the  mutual  benefit  of  the  undertaker  and  the 
public,  and  firmly  established  in  this  colony. 

11th.  Whereas  buttons,  of  excellent  qualities,  and  of  various  sorts, 
are  manufactured  among  us,  we  do  earnestly  recommend  the  general 
use  of  the  same,  so  that  the  manufactories  may  be  extended  to  the  ad- 
vantage of  the  people  and  the  manufacturers. 

12th.  And  whereas  salt  is  an  article  of  vast  consumption  within  this 
colony,  and  in  its  fisheries,  we  do  heartily  recommend  the  making  the 
same  in  the  several  ways  wherein  it  is  made  in  several  parts  of  Europe, 
especially  in  the  method  used  in  that  part  of  France  where  they  make 
bay  salt. 

13th.  We  do  likewise  recommend  an  encouragement  of  horn  smiths 
in  all  their  various  branches,  as  what  will  be  of  public  utility. 

14th.  We  do  also  recommend  the  establishment  of  one  or  more 
manufactories  for  making  wool-combers'  combs,  as  an  article  necessa- 
ry in  our  woollen  manufactures. 

15th.  We  do  in  like  manner  heartily  recommend  the  preferable  use 
of  the  stockings  and  other  hosier]  |'wove||  among  ourselves,  so  as  to 
enlarge  the  manufactories  thereof,  in  Buch  a  manner  as  to  encourage 
the  manufacturers  and  serve  the  country. 

16th,  As  madder  is  an  article  of  irn-at  importance  in  the  dyer's  busi- 
ness, and  which  may  be  easily  raised  and  cured  among  ourselves,  we 
do  therefore  earnest!]  recommend  the  raising  and  curing  the  same. 


1774]  FIRST  PR<>\  INd  VI.  <<  >\<;ri;ss. 

17th.  In  order  the  more  effectually  to  carry  these  resolutions  into 
effect,  we  do  earnestl]  recommend  thai  a  societj  or  societies  be  estab- 
lished for  the  purposes  of  introducing  and  establishing  rach  arte  and 
manufactures  ae  ma)  be  useful  to  tin-  people, and  are  aol  yet  introduc- 
ed, and  the  more  effectuall]  establishing  Buch  as  we  already  have 
among  us. 

I -in  We  do  recommend  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  to  make 
use  of  mir  iiwn  manufactures,  and  those  of  our  Bister  colonies,  in  pre- 
ference to  all  other  manufactures. 

I  icrnooD. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  t<»r. 

/,'  olved,  Thai  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Wheeler,  and  Doct.  Holten,  be  a 
committee  to  count  and  -<>rt  the  votes  for  two  general  officers,  and  that 
the  Congress  vote  for  the  officers  separately. 

The  Congress  thru  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  general 
officer;  the  committee  having  sorted  and  counted  the  same,  reported 
that  Col.  Thomas  was  chosen. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  one  other 
general  officer ;  the  committee  having  counted  and  sorted  the  same, 
reported  that  Col.  William  Heath  was  chosen. 

IITlifii  the    Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Friday,  December  '.».  177  1,   \.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  siitliciencv  of  the  bond- 
men procured  by  the  receiver  general,  reported  that  the)  bad  attended 
[to]  thai  service,  and  that  the  gentlemen  he  had  engaged  as  ln~  'bond- 
men were  m  their  opinion  ;i  \er\  ample  security  for  the  sum  men- 
tioned. 

Ordered,  Thai  .Mr.  Sullivan,  Mi.  Pickering,  and  Mr.  Sayer,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relating  to  an  address  from  the  Baptists 
to  tin:-  ( 'onffresa 

Ordered,  [That]  the  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  public 
moneys,  now  in  the  hands  of  the  constables  and  others,  which  was  or- 
dered to  lie  on  the  table,  be  qow  taken  up;  winch  was  taken  up  ac- 
cordingly, and  passed,  and  i-  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress,  at  their  session  in  October  last,  taking  into 
con-id, -ration  the  alarming  state  of  this  colony,  were,  upon  the  most 
mature  deliberation,  fully  com  need,  that  to  provide  against  the  danger 
to  which  it  was  then  exposed  by  a  standing  army  illegally  posted  in 
Boston,  and  from  time  to  time  reinforced  for  the  purposes  of  subvert- 
ing our  ancienl  constitution  and  the  libertii  a  of  all  North  America,  u 

a  ||iecurity  were  amp!)  iaffici< 


66  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  9, 

was  indispensably  necessary  that  a  considerable  sum  of  money  should 
be  immediately  laid  out  for  the  just  defence  of  this  people  ;  and  where- 
as, by  a  resolve  of  the  Congress,  bearing  date  the  28th  of  said  Octo- 
ber, and  published  in  the  newspapers,  it  was,  among  other  things,  ear- 
nestly recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts,  that  they  would 
cause  to  be  paid  into  the  hands  of  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  all  the  pro- 
vince moneys  due  from  them  respectively,  to  supply  the  said  pressing 
exigencies  of  the  colony  ;  and  whereas,  the  danger  ||awhich||  then 
threatened  the  province  is  still  continued  and  daily  increasing  : 

It  is  Resolved,  and  hereby  most  earnestly  recommended  to  all 
the  inhabitants  of  the  towns  and  districts  aforesaid,  as  they  regard 
their  own  safety  and  the  preservation  of  their  inestimable  rights  and 
liberties,  that  they  cause  the  moneys  aforesaid  to  be  paid  forthwith  to 
the  said  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  who  has  given  bonds  with  sufficient 
sureties,  to  the  satisfaction  of  this  Congress  ;  and  that  they  cause  their 
respective  proportion  of  the  tax  granted  by  the  general  court  in  June 
last,  and  all  other  the  province  moneys  due  from  them  respectively,  to 
be  supplied  in  some  way  that  shall  be  more  expeditious  than  the  usual 
mode  of  collecting  the  taxes,  in  order  to  prevent  any  delay  in  provid- 
ing against  the  imminent  dangers  above  mentioned.  And  the  members 
of  the  Congress  are  hereby  desired  to  ||buse||  their  utmost  industry  for 
having  this  resolve  speedily  and  punctually  complied  with  ;  and  the 
sheriffs  and  deputy  sheriffs  of  the  several  counties,  to  pay  the  province 
moneys  in  their  respective  hands  as  has  been  already  recommended. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Orne,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Col.  dishing,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  purporting  the  sense  of  this  Congress 
of  the  Continental  Congress's  association,  as  now  voted,  relative  to 
goods,  wares,  and  merchandize,  landed  in  England  and  Ireland,  as  well 
as  those  which  are  manufactured  in  England  and  Ireland  ;  who  report- 
ed as  followeth  ;  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  sent  to 
the  committee  at  Marblehead,  and  published  in  the  newspapers: 

"Resolved,  That  it  is  the  clear  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  the  first 
article  in  the  association  of  the  Continental  Congress,  extends  to  all 
goods,  wares,  and  merchandize,  of  the  growth,  production,  or  manu- 
facture, of  any  part  of  Europe,  or  any  other  part  of  the  world,  import- 
ed from  Great  Britum  or  Ireland,  in  case  they  have  been  entered  and 
cleared  in  any  part  of  either  of  those  kingdoms,  :i-  fully  as  to  goods, 
wares,  and  merchandize,  of  the  growth,  production  and  manufacture  of 
Great  Britain  or  Ireland,  and  that  the  said    first  article   ought  to  be  so 

a  llthat.ll  b  ||cxert.|| 


1774]  FIRST  PROVINCE  \l.  CONGRESS.  61 

constraed  by  all  concerned,  and  in  that  universal  sense  carried  strict!] 
into  execution 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Heath,  Col.  Gerrish, Col. Gardner,  Capt  Fuller, 
Col.  Thomas,  Col.  <  >rn« ■ .  and  Col.  Barnes,  I"-  a  committee  to  take  into 
consideration  a  plan  of  military  exercise,  proposed  bj  ('apt.  Timo- 
thy Pickering. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  petition  of  the  officers  in  the  northwesterlj   part 

of  the  count]  of  Worcester,  be  committed  to  the  same  committee,  ||to|| 

rep< 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  relative  to  the  pe- 
tition  of  Rev.  Mr.  Backus,  in  behalf  of  the  Baptists,  reported;  which 
was  read  and  accepted,  and  the  secretar]  directed  to  send  him  a  copy 
of  the  resolve,  which  [is]  as  followeth,  viz  : 

On  reading  the  memorial  of  the  Rev.  Isaac  Backus,  agent  to  the 
Baptist  churches  in  this  government,  Respited,  That  the  establishment 
of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  t<»  each  denomination  in  the  province,  is 
the  sincere  wish  of  this  Congress;  hut  being  by  n<>  mean-  vested  with 
powers  of  civil  government,  whereby  they  can  redress  the  grievances 
of  anj  person  whatsoever,  they  therefore  reconimeml  to  the  Baptist 
churches, that, when  a  general  assemblj  shall  be  convened  in  this  colo- 
n\ .  they  laj  the  real  griei  ances  of  said  churches  before  the  same,  w  hen 
and  where  their  petition  will  mosl  certainlj  meet  with  all  that  attention 
due  to  the  memorial  of  a  denomination  of  christians  bo  well  disposed 
tn  the  public  weal  of  their  country. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Stickney,  Col.  Gardner,  Col.  Pomeroy,  Col. 
Thayer,  and  Mr.  Wheeler,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct. 
Appleton,  and  return  him  the  thanks  uf  this  Congress  for  his  services 
a-  chaplain  during  this  session. 

Ordered,  That  .Major  Fuller,  Capt.  Brown,  and  Mr.  Pigeon,  he  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  proprietors  of  the  meeting-house  and  return 
them  the  thanks  of  the  Congress  for  the  use  thereof. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  for  half  an  hour. 

Being  mel  upon  the  adjournment,  Mr.  President  brought  into  Con- 
gress  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of 
HuriliriiL,  with  a  number  of  papers  enclosed,  which  were  read ;  the 
Congress  then  ordered  that  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Pickering,  Col.  Gardner, 
Col.  Mandell,  and  t  !ol.  Danielson,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  same  into 
consideration  and  report  in  the  morning. 

||Then  the  Congressll  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


68  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  10, 

Saturday,  December  10, 1774,  A.  M. 

The  committee  ||appointed||  to  take  into  consideration  the  letter  and 
papers  enclosed,  received  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of 
the  town  of  Hardwick,  reported ;  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
ordered  to  be  published  in  the  public  papers,  and  also  the  papers  on 
which  the  said  report  is  founded.     The  report  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  one  or  more  members  of 
the  lately  appointed  unconstitutional  council  in  this  province,  now  re- 
siding in  Boston,  has  sent  to  the  town  of  Hardwick,  a  paper  purport- 
ing [to  be]  an  association  to  be  entered  into  by  those  persons  who 
falsely  assume  the  name  of  friends  to  government  j1  calculated  to  coun- 

(1)  The  following  is  the  form  of  the  association,  intended  for  the  signature  of  the  royalists,  pre- 
pared, and  sent  hy  the  Hon.  Timothy  Ruggles  to  the  town  of  Hardwick,  where  he  had  resided  until 
his  acceptance  of  the  appointment  of  mandamus  counsellor  compelled  him  to  seek  refuge  from  pub- 
lic indignation  in  Boston: 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  being  fully  sensible  of  the  blessings  of  good  government  on  the  one  hand, 
and  convinced,  on  the  other  hand,  of  the  evils  and  calamities  attending  on  tyranny  in  all  shapes, 
whether  exercised  by  one  or  many,  and  having  lately  seen,  with  great  grief  and  concern,  the  distress- 
ing efforts  for  a  dissolution  of  all  government,  whereby  our  lives,  liberties,  and  properties,  are  ren- 
dered precarious,  and  no  longer  under  the  protection  of  the  law  :  and  apprehending  it  to  be  our  in- 
dispensable duty,  to  use  all  lawful  means  in  our  power  for  the  defence  of  our  persons  and  property 
against  all  riotous  and  lawless  violence  and  to  recover,  and  secure  the  advantages  which  we  are 
entitled  to  have,  from  the  good  and  wholesome  laws  of  the  government,  do  hereby  associate,  and 
mutually  covenant,  and  engage  to  and  with  each  other,  as  follows,  viz: 

"1.  That  we  will,  on  all  occasions,  with  our  lives,  and  fortunes,  stand  by  and  assist  each  other 
in  the  defence  of  life,  liberty,  and  property,  whenever  the  same  .-■ball  be  attacked  or  endangered  by 
any  bodies  of  men,  riotously  assembled,  upon  any  pretence  or  under  any  authority  not  warranted 
by  the  laws  of  the  land." 

"2.  That  we  will,  upon  all  occasions,  mutually  support  each  other  in  the  free  exercise  and  en- 
joyment of  our  undoubted  right  to  liberty,  in  eating,  drinking,  Inlying,  selling,  communing  and  acting, 
what,  with  whom,  and  as  we  please,  consistent  witli  the  laws  of  God,  and  of  the  King." 

"3.  That  we  will  not  acknowledge, or  submit  to  the  pretended  authority  of  any  Congresses, 
committees  of  correspondence,  or  other  unconstitutional  assemblies  of  men  :  but  will,  at  the  risk 
of  onr  lives,  if  need  be,  oppose  the  forcible  exercise  of  all  such  authority." 

"4.  That  we  will,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  promote,  encourage,  and,  when  called  to  it,  en- 
force obedience  to  the  rightful  authority  of  our  most  gracious  sovereign,  King  George  the  Third, 
anil  of  bis  laws." 

"5.  That  when  the  person  or  property  of  any  one  of  us  shall  be  invaded  or  threatened  by  any 
committees,  mobs,  or  unlawful  assemblies,  the  others  of  us,  will,  upon  notice  received,  forth- 
with repair,  properly  armed,  to  the  person  whom,  or  place  where  Buch  invasion  or  threatening  shall 
be,  and  will,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  defend  such  person  and  In-  property,  and,  if  need  be,  will 
oppose  ami  repel  force  with  force." 

"  6.  That  if  any  one  of  us  shall  unjustly  and  unlawfully  be  injured  in  bis  person  or  property,  by 
any  such  assemblies  as  before  mentioned,  tin'  others  of  us  will,  unitedly,  demand,  and,  if  in  our  pow- 
er, compel  tle>  offenders,  if  known,  to  make  full  reparation  and  satisfaction  for  such  injury  :  and  if 
all  other  means  of  security  fail  we  will  have  recourse  to  the  natural  law  of  re(  diation." 

"In  witm  -is  of  all  which  we  hereto  subscribe  our  names." 

\  as  order  of  the  •  longress  for  the  publication  of  these  resolutions  v\  as  nol  immediately  execut- 
ed, a  copy  was  sent  bj  the  writer  himself,  to  the  printer  of  the  Boston  Evening  Post,  and  inserted 
in  that  paper,  December  36, 1774,  with  a  letter  from  General   Ruggles,  in  which  he   writ's  thus: 

"  As  many  of  the  people  for  tome  time  pasl  have  been  arming  themselves,  it  m  ij  no!  be iss  to 

let  them  know,  that  their  number  will  not  appear  in  tin' tir  id  so  I  .-noil  before  it  was 

known  that  independence  tcai  in  contemplation  :  since  which,  many  have  associated  in  divers  parts 

of  the  province  to  preserve  tlnir  freedom  and  nupport  government." 


1774.]  FIRST  PRO\  l.\<  I  \l.  <  ONGRESS 

i  the  salutarj  designs  of  the  ( lontinental  and  Proi  incial  <  !ongrei 
to  deceive  the  people  into  agreements  contrary  t « ►  tin-  welfare  of  this 
country,  and  tending  in  its  consequences  to  hinder  an  amicable  accom- 
modation uuli  our  mother  country,  the  Bole  end  of  those  Conj 
and  the  ardenl  \\i-h  of  ever]  friend  to  America  :  it  is  therefore  recom- 
mended by  tin-  Congress  to  the  several  committees  of  correspondence 
in  tlu-~  colony,  thai  thej  give  notice  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  thai 
shall  meet  in  this  province  on  the  firsl  da]  of  Pebruarj  next,  and  the 
earliesl  notice  t>>  the  public,  of  all  Buch  combinations,  and  of  the  per- 
sons signing  the  same,  if  any  should  be  enticed  thereto,  thai  t tuir 
names  maj  be  published  to  the  world,  their  persons  treated  with  thai 
neglect,  and  their  memories  transmitted  to  posterity  with  that  ignominy, 
which  Buch  unnatural  conducl  mus1  deserve. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  an  address  to 
the  inhabitants  of  Massachusetts  Baj  ;  the  r<  | ><  >rt  was  considered  in 
paragraphs,  and  bo  passed,  and  was  ordered  to  be  printed  in  all  the 
Boston  newspapers,  and  also  in  handbills,  and  a  copj  thereof  Bent  to 
all  the  towns  and  district-  in  the  province,  and  is  as  followeth,  \iz  : 

Tit  i In   Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants  of  Ifo    Towns  and  Districts 

of  Massachusetts  Say. 

I'imi  \ i>-  wii  I'.i; i  i  in; i  \  At  a  time  when  the  good  people  of  this 
colony  were  deprived  of  their  laws,  and  the  administration  of  justice, 
civil  and  criminal  ;  when  the  cruel  oppressions  brought  on  their  capi- 
tal had  stagnated  almosl  all  their  commerce;  when  a  standing  army 
illegally  posted  among  us  for  the  express  purpose  of  enforcing  -nl>- 
mission  n>  a  system  of  tyranny  ;  and  when  the  general  courl  was,  with 
the  same  design,  prohibited  n>  sil  ;  we  were  chosen  and  empowered  by 
you  to  assemble  and  consull  upon  measures  necessar]  for  our  common 
safety  and  defence. 

W  nli  much  anxiety  for  the  common  welfare,  we  have  attended  this 
service,  and  upon  the  coolest  deliberation  have  adopted  the  measures 
immended  to  \  ou. 

Wehave  -till  confidence  in  the  wisdom,  justice,  and  goodness  of  our 
sovereign,  as  well  as  the   integrity,  humanity  and  good  sense  of  the 

nation;    and   it"  we  had  a  reasonable  expectation    that   the  truth  of  fact- 

wonhl  be  made  known  in  England,  we  should  entertain  the  mosl  pleas- 
ing hope-  that  the  measures  concerted  bj  the  colonies  joint!]  and  sev- 
erally, would  procure  a  in  1 1  red  re--  of  our  grievances ;  l)i  it  we  are  con- 
strained in  justice  to  you,  to  ourselves,  and  posterity,  i"  say,  thai  the 
incessant   and  unrelenting  malice  of  our  enemies  has  been  bo  suci 


70  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  10. 

ful  as  to  fill  the  court  and  kingdom  of  Great  Britain  with  falsehoods 
and  calumnies  concerning  us,  and  to  excite  the  most  bitter  and  ground- 
less prejudices  against  us ;  that  the  sudden  dissolution  of  parliament, 
and  the  hasty  summons  for  a  new  election,  gives  us  reason  to  appre- 
hend that  a  majority  of  the  house  of  commons  will  be  again  elected 
under  the  influence  of  an  arbitrary  ministry ;  and  that  the  general 
tenor  of  our  intelligence  from  Great  Britain,  with  the  frequent  rein- 
forcements of  the  army  and  navy  at  Boston,  excites  the  strongest  jeal- 
ousy that  the  system  of  colony  administration,  so  unfriendly  to  the 
protestant  religion,  and  destructive  of  American  liberty,  is  still  to  be 
pursued  and  attempted  with  force  to  be  carried  into  execution. 

You  are  placed  by  Providence  in  [the]  post  of  honor,  because  it  is  the 
post  of  danger  :  and  while  struggling  for  the  noblest  objects,  the  liber- 
ties of  your  country,  the  happiness  of  posterity,  and  [the]  rights  of  hu- 
man nature,  the  eyes  not  only  of  North  America  and  the  whole  British 
empire,  but  of  all  Europe,  are  upon  you.  Let  us  be  therefore  alto- 
gether solicitous,  that  no  disorderly  behavior,  nothing  unbecoming  our 
characters  as  Americans,  as  citizens,  and  christians,  be  justly  charge- 
able to  us. 

Whoever,  with  a  small  degree  of  attention,  contemplates  the  com- 
merce between  Great  Britain  and  America,  will  be  convinced  that  a 
total  stoppage  thereof,  will  soon  produce  in  Great  Britain  such  danger- 
ous effects,  as  cannot  fail  to  convince  the  ministry,  the  parliament,  and 
people,  that  it  is  their  interest  and  duty  to  grant  us  relief.  Whoever 
considers  the  number  of  brave  men  inhabiting  North  America,  will 
know,  that  a  general  attention  to  military  discipline  must  so  establish 
their  rights  and  liberties,  as,  under  God,  to  render  it  impossible  for  an 
arbitrary  ministry  of  Britain  to  destroy  them.  These  are  facts  which 
our  enemies  are  apprized  of,  and  if  they  will  not  be  influenced  by 
principles  of  justice,  to  alter  their  cruel  measures  towards  America, 
these  ought  to  lead  them  thereto.  They,  however,  hope  to  effect  by 
stratagem  what  they  may  not  obtain  by  power,  and  are  using  arts,  by 
the  assistance  of  base  scribblers,  who  undoubtedly  receive  their  bribes, 
and  by  many  other  means,  to  raise  doubts  and  divisions  throughout  the 
colonies. 

To  defeat  their  || 'iniquitous]]  designs,  we  think  it  necessary  for  each 
town  t<>  !>'■  particularly  careful,  strictly  to  execute  the  plans  of  the  Con- 
tinental and  Provincial  Congresses;  and  while  it  censures  its  own  in- 
dividuals, c-oiiiiteraetiug  those  plans,  that  it  be  not  deceived  or  diverted 
from   its   duty  by  rumors,  should   any  take  place,  to  the   prejudice  ot 

M  ||wicko[l.|| 


1774.1  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  71 

other  communities  Your  Provincial  Congresses,  we  have  reason  to 
hope,  uill  hold  up  the  towns,  it'  an]  should  be  bo  losl  as  not  to  act 
their  j > : i r t — .  and  none  can  doubt  thai  the  Continental  Congresses  will  rec- 
iit\  errors  should  anj  take  place  in  any  colon]  through  the  subtilty  of 
<iur  enemies,  Surelj  n<>  arguments  can  be  necessarj  to  excite  vou  to 
the  most  stricl  adherence  to  the  American  association,  since  the  mi« 
nutesl  deviation  in  one  colony,  especially  in  this,  will  probabl]  be  mis- 
represented in  tlic  other.-.  tD  discourage  their  genera]  zeal  and  perse- 
verance, which,  however,  we  assure  ourselves  cannot  be  effected. 

While  the  British  ministry  are  suffered  with  so  high  a  hand  to  tyran- 
nize >>\rr  America,  m>  part  of  it,  we  presume,  can  be  negligent  in  guard- 
ing  againsl  the  ravages  threatened  by  the  standing  army  now  in  Bos- 
ton; these  troops  will  undoubtedl]  be  employed  in  attempts  t<»  d< 
the  association,  which  <>ur  enemies  cannot  but  Tear  will  ev<  ntuall]  de- 
feat them;  and  so  sanguinary  are  those  <>ur  enemies,  as  we  have 
reason  t<»  think,  bo  thirsty  for  the  blood  of  this  innocent  people,  who 
are  only  contending  for  their  rights,  that  we  should  be  guilty  of  the 
most  unpardonable  neglect  should  we  not  apprize  you  of  your  danger, 
which  appears  to  us  imminently  great,  and  oughl  attentively  to  be 
guarded  against.  The  improvement  of  the  militia  in  general  in  the 
art  military  has  been  therefore  thought  necessary,  and  strongl]  recom- 
mended bj  this  Congress.  We  n  >w  think  thai  particular  care  should 
iken  by  the  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  that  each  of  the 
minute  men,  not  already  provided  therewith,  should  he  immediately 
equipped  with  an  effective  tire  arm,  bayonet,  pouch,  knapsack,  thirty 
rounds  of  cartridges  and  halls,  ami  that  they  be  disciplined  three  times 
a  week,  ami  oftener,  a-  opportunity  ma]  oiler.  To  encourage  these, 
our  worth]  countrymen,  to  obtain  the  skill  of  complete  soldiers,  we 
recommend  it  to  the  towns  ami  districts  forthwith  to  pa]  their  own 
minute  men  a  reasonable  consideration  for  their  services :  ami  mease 
->t'  a  genera]  muster,  their  further  services  must  he  recompensed  by  the 
province.  An  attention  to  discipline  the  militia  in  general  is,however, 
bj  ii"  means  to  he  neglected. 

\\  ith  the  utmost  cheerfulness  we  assure  you  of  our  determination  to 

Stand  or  tall  with  the  liberties  <>t  America:  ami  while  we  humbly  im- 
plore the  Sovereign  Disposer  of  all  things,  to  whose  divine  providence 
the  rights  of  his  creatures  cannot  he  indifferent,  to  correel  the  errors, 
ami  alter  the  measures  of  an  infatuated   ministry,  we  cannol   doubt  of 

hi-  support  even  in  the  extreme    difficulties    winch    we  all    ma\    have    tO 

encounter.  Ma\  all  means  devised  for  our  safet]  b]  the  General  Con- 
gress "t  America,  ami   assemblies  or  conventions  of  the  colonies,  be 


72  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  10. 

resolutely  executed,  and  happily  succeeded  ;  and  may  this  injured  peo- 
ple be  reinstated  in  the  full  exercise  of  their  rights  without  the  evils 
and  devastations  of  a  civil  war. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  of  the  town  of  Boston,  with  the  secre- 
tary, be  a  committee  to  revise  the  doings  of  this  Congress,  and  cause 
such  parts  thereof,  as  they  think  fit  should  be  published,  to  be  printed 
in  a  pamphlet,  and  a  copy  thereof  be  sent  to  every  town  and  district  in 
this  province. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  relative  to 
assuming  civil  government,  [was]  taken  up,  and  ordered  further  to  lie 
on  ihe  ta  le. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  be  enjoined  to  attend  in  the  afternoon. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  collect  the  several  expenses  which  have 
accrued  to  the  Congress  in  this  and  a  former  session  thereof,  reported ; 
which  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  the  receiver  general  ordered 
to  pay  and  discharge  the  several  demands  therein  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  directed  to  furnish  the  committee  of 
safety  with  a  number  of  attested  copies  of  their  appointment  to  that 
trust. 

Resolved,  That  a  gentleman  be  appointed  in  each  county,  to  apply  to 
the  field  officers  of  the  regiments  within  the  same,  for  the  list  of  the 
names  of  the  field  officers  of  each  regiment,  the  number  of  other  offi- 
cers, and  the  number  of  the  men  therein,  as  well  the  minute  men  as 
the  common  militia,  and  return  the  same  unto  Mr.  Abraham  Watson, 
of  Cambridge. 

Accordingly,  the  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  :  For  the 
County  of  Suffolk,  Col.  Heath  ;  Essex,  Capt.  Farley  ;  Middlesex, 
Col.  Smith  ;  Hampshire,  Col.  Pomeroy;  Plymouth,  Col.  Warren  ; 
Barnstable,  Daniel  Davis,  Esq.:  Bristol,  Major  Keith;  York,  Mr. 
Sullivan;  Worcester,  Capt.  Bigelow;  Cumberland,  Mr.  March: 
Berkshire,  Doct.  Whiting  ;  Lincoln,  Capt.  Thompson  :  Dikes  Coun- 
ty. Joseph  Mayhew,  Esq. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  :  which  report 
was  read  and  accepted  ;  and  Ordered,  Thai  printed  copies  be  sent  to 
the  several  committees  <>f  correspondence,  and  where  there  is  no  such 
committee,  I"  the  selectmen  iii  each  town  and  district  in  the  province; 
and  that  the  same  order  be  observed  relative  to  the  address  to  the  in- 
habitant- of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  that  the   members  of  the  town  of 


1774]  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGREi  W 

Boston,  and  the  secretary,  disperse  the  same     The  report  i<  u  fbDow- 

eth,  \  1/  • 

(nasmuch  as  many  states  have  been  taught  by  fatal  experience,  thai 
powers  delegated  bj  the  people  for  \<>t>>s  periods  bare  been  abused  to 
the  endangering  the  public  rights  and  liberties,  and  this  Congress  bav- 
mg  |n-t  reason  t<>  suppose  thai  th.tr  constituents,  the  Lr""<l  people  of 
tin-  province,  when  thej  appointed  their  present  delegates,  were  not 
apprehensive  thai  the  business  necessary  to  In-done  would  require  their 
attendance  for  any  Ion  .  time, 

/.'  solved,  Thai  the  adjournment  of  this  Congress  <>n  the  twerity- 
iiinth  <lav  of  October  last,  was  ordered  and  made  from  a  lu<-  consider- 
ation of  tl  •  present  exigencies  of  the  public  aJfiairs,  and  the  evident 
Decesaity  of  farther  deliberation  thereon.  And,  whereas,  for  the  re* 
hr-i  mentioned,  u  is  nOI  expedient  thai  there  should  be  a  further  ad- 
journment of  this  Congress;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  after  the  l>u-i- 
i » t  —  aecessarj  to  be  immediatelj  despatched  shall  be  fmished,  the  Con* 
Lrr,---.  be  dissoh  ed, 

And  tin-  Congress   being  deepry  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  in- 
creasing dangers  which  threaten  the  rights  and  liberties  df  i h«-  people 
of  tin-  province  with  total  ruin  ;  our  adversaries  being  still  indefatiga- 
ble in  their  attempt-  to  carry  info  execution   their  deep  laid  plan-  for 
that  wicked  purpose:  and  considering  the  indispensable  necessity  thai 
.an  assembly  of  the  province  should  be  very  frequently  sitting  to  Con" 
suit  and  devise    'measures    for  their  common  safety ;  therefore  Resolv- 
ed, That   it  l>c,  and  n  i-  herebj  earnestly  recommended  to  the  several 
towns  and  districts  in  this  province,  thai  thej  each  of  them  do  forth- 
with, eled  and  depute  as  many  members  as  to  them  shall  seem  aecessa- 
rj  and  expedient,  to  represent   them  in  a  Provincial  Congress,  to  be 
held   at  Cambridge,  on  the  first  day  of  Februarj  nexl  ensuing;    to  be 
chosen  by  such  onlj  as  are  qualified  by  law  to  vote  for  representatives 
in   the  genera]  assembly,  and  to  be  continued  by  adjournment,  as  thej 
-hall  -.--■  can-.-,  until  the  Tuesdaj  nexl  preceding  the  last   Wednesday 
oi  Ma\  next,  and  do  longer  ;  to  consult,  deliberate  and  resolve  upon  such 
farther  measures  as,  under  God,  shall   be  effectual  to  save  this  people 
from  impending  rum.  ami  to  secure  those  inestimable  liberties  derived 
to  us  from  our  am-. •-tor-,  and  which  it  i-  our  dutj  to  preserve  for  pos- 
terity 

Ami  considering  the  great  uncertaintj  of  the  present  times,  and  that 
unexpected  important  events  ma]  take  place,  from  whence  il  may  be  ab- 
solutely necessary  thai  the  delegates  who  may  be  elected  as  above  propos- 

■  ||mi  w  i 
In 


74  FIRST  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Dec.  8,  1774, 

ed  should  meet  sooner  than  the  day  before  mentioned,  it  is  recommend- 
ed to  the  several  towns  and  districts,  that  they  instruct  and  authorize 
their  said  delegates,  to  assemble  at  Cambridge  aforesaid,  or  any  other 
place,  upon  notice  given  them  of  the  necessity  thereof,  by  the  dele- 
gates that  may  be  chosen  by  the  towns  of  Charlestown,  Cambridge, 
Brookline,  Roxbury  and  Dorchester,  or  the  majority  of  them,  in  such 
way  as  they  shall  judge  proper. 

And  it  is  further  recommended  to  the  delegates  to  be  elected,  that 
they  conform  themselves  to  such  instructions. 

Ordered,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  take  into  consideration  what  allowance  should  be 
made  the  delegates  who  attend  the  Continental  Congress  from  this 
province,  be  referred  to  the  sitting  of  the  next  Provincial  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  apian  of  milita- 
ry exercise,  proposed  by  Capt.  Pickering,  and  also  the  petition  of  the 
officers  of  the  northwest  part  of  the  county  of  Worcester,  reported  ; 
the  report  was  read  and  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  the  expense  of  transmitting  the  address  to  the  Cana- 
dians be  paid  by  this  government. 

The  business  necessary  to  be  immediately  transacted,  being  finished, 
and  the  Congress  having  returned  their  thanks  to  the  Hon.  John  Han- 
cock, Esq.,  for  his  constant  attendance  and  faithful  services  as  presi- 
dent during  their  session,  dissolved. INI 


o 


a  ||thc  same  to  convene  again  the  first  day  of  February  next,  conformably  to  the  preceding  re- 
solve. || 


JOURNAL 


|>K     THE 


SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


or 


i«afissarl)ustttst 

Convened ai  Cambridge,  Wednesday,  FV6.  I.  1 7 7 ."">. — Adjourned  JTaa'sday,  F>>>.  16. 
( 'mm mil  nl  Concord,  T  ■       /,  March  22. —  Idjowrned  Saturday,  April  r>. 
Coin-mill  ut  Concord,  Saturday, .  ////•//  22.  -.  Idjowrned  /<<  Watertovm. 
Convened  <it  Watertovm,  Saturday,  April  22. — Dissolved  May  29,  I  ??."». 


.)  or  RNAL. 


Record  of  the  proceedings  of  a  Provincial  Congress  of  deputies 
u\'  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts 
Hav.  in  New  England,  convened  a1  Cambridge,  on  Wednesday,  the 
first  day  of  February,  A  l»  \~~>~>:  with  a  list  of  th<  persons  chosen 
to  represent  them  in  the  same. 

<  i  »i  \  n    OF  SI  FFOLK 

Boston. — Hon.  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  Hon. 
John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph  Warren,  Doct.  Benjamin  Church, 
Mr  Oliver  Wendall,  Mr.  John  Pitts. 

Rozbury. — Col.  William  Heath,  ('apt.  Aaron  Davis. 

Dorchester — Capt.  Ebenezer  Wellington. 

Hilton. — ('apt.  David  Etawson. 

/.'   aiiifni . — <  '<>l.  .lu-cph  Palmer. 

Weymouth. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Bailey. 

Hingham  and  Cohasset. —  Benjamin  Lincoln.  Esq. 

Dedham. — lion.  Samuel  Dexter,  l'.-<|.,  Mr.  Abner  Ellis. 

1/,,//,, /,/._\l      M  Bullen. 

Wrentham. — Mr.  Jabez  Fisher,  [Mr.  Lemuel  Kollock.  Mr.  Samuel 
Lethbridge.  ] 

/;  ookUne. — Capt.  Benjamin  White. 

Veedham. — Capt.  Eleazer  Kingsbury. 

Stoughton. — Mr.  Thomas  ('ran.' 

Stoughtonham. — Mr.  Job  Swift. 

Vedtoay. — Capt  Jonathan  Adam-. 

I',,  Hi  nullum.  —  |  Mr.  Stephen  Mete  all'.] 

ffuff.— [None.] 

Walpol  —Mr.  Enoch  Ellis. 

Chelsea.— Mr,  Samuel  Watts 

COUNTY  OF  KSSEX. 
golem. — Mr.  John  Pickering,  Mr.  Richard  Manning,  [Mr.  Jonathan 

I!  .  .Inn.] 

Danvers. — Doct   Samuel  Holten 


78  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  1, 

Ipswich. — Col.  Michael  Farley. 

Newburyport. — Capt.  Jonathan  Greenleaf,  Mr.  Stephen  Cross,  Tris- 
tram Dalton,  Esq. 

Neicbnry. — Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq. 

Marblehead. — Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  Col.  Azor  Orne,  Mr.  Elbridge 
Gerry. 

Lynn. — Col.  John  Mansfield. 

Andover. — Mr.  Samuel  Osgood,  Jun. 

Beverly. — Capt.  Josiah  Batchelder. 

Rowley. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Mighill. 

Salisbury. — Mr.  Samuel  Smith. 

Gloucester. — Capt.  Peter  Coffin,  Mr.  Samuel  Whittemore. 

Topsfeld. — Capt.  Samuel  Smith. 

Boiford. — Major  Asa  Perley. 

Amesbury. — Isaac  Merrill,  Esq. 

Bradford. — Col.  Daniel  Thurston. 

Haverhill. — Nathaniel  Peaslee  Sargent,  Esq.,  Mr.  Jonathan  Web- 
ster, Jun. 

Wenham. — Mr.  Benjamin  Fairfield. 

Middleton. — Capt.  Archelaus  Fuller. 

Manchester. — [None.] 

Methucn. — Mr.  John  Bodwell. 

COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX. 

Cambridge. — Col.  Thomas  Gardner,  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Jun. 
Charlestown. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Gorham,  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  David 
Cheever,  Esq. 

Watcrtown. — Capt.  Jonathan  Browne. 

Woburn. — Mr.  Samuel  Wyman. 

Concord. — Col.  James  Barrett. 

Newton. — Abraham  Fuller,  Esq  ,  Mr.  Edward  Durant. 

Reading. — Mr.  John  Temple. 

Malborough. — Mr.  Peter  Bent. 

Bilhrira. — William  Stickney,  Esq. 

f'Vaniing/taw. — Capt.  Josiah  Stone. 

Lexington. — Mr.  Jonas  Stone. 

Chelmsford. — Mr.  Simeon  Spaulding. 

Sherburne, — Mr.  Benjamin  Fasset,  Mr.  Richard  Sanger. 

Sudbury. — Mr.  Thomas  Plympton. 

Maiden. — Capt.  Ebenezer  Harnden,  Capt.  John  Dexter. 

Weston.— Col.  Braddyl  Smith. 


L775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  79 

Medford. — Mr.  Benjamin  Hall,  .Mr.  Stephen  Hall,  3d. 
Littleton. — Mr.  Abel  Jewett 
Hopkinton, — [None.] 
Westford. — Capt.  Joseph  Eteed. 
Waltham. — Jonas  Dix,  Esq. 
simr. — Henry  Gardner,  Esq 
Groton. — Col.  James  Prescot. 
Shirley. — Capt.  Francis  Harris. 
Pepper  el. — Capt.  Edmund  Bancroft. 
Townshend. — Mr.  [srael  Hobart 
I  hby. — [None.] 

Stoneham, — Capt  Samuel  Sprague. 
Wilmington. — Mr.  Timothy  Walker. 
\  ■ti,  /.. — |  None.  I 
Din,  ut. — Mr.  Peter  Coburn. 
'Bedford. — John  Reed,  Esq. 
HoUiston. — Col.  Aimer  Perry. 
Tewkesbury. —  Mr.  Jonathan  Browne. 
Dunstable. — John  Tyng,  Esq.,  James  Tyng,  Esq. 
Aetna. — Mr.  Josiah  Hayward. 
Lincoln. — Major  Eleazer  Brook- 

COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE 
Springfield. — Mr.    William    Pynchon,    .Inn.,    [Mr.    John    Hale,    Mr. 
\l         Field.] 

Wilbraham. — Major  John  Bliss. 

\\,  t  Springfield. — Mr.  Jonathan  White,  Doct.  Chauncy  Brewer. 
\  irthamptnn. —  Hon.  Joseph  Hawley,  Esq.,  Col.  Setli  Pomeroy. 
Southampton. — Major  Elias  Lyman. 

U, I, III  II. [Nolle.  ] 

South  Hadley. — Mr.  Noah  Goodman. 
Amherst. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Dicker  son,  Jun. 
Williamsburgh. — Mr   Russell  Kello.rLr. 
Granby. — [None  ] 

llntfi, hi. — Mr.  John  Dicker-on,  Mr.  Perez  Graves. 
Westfield.— Col.  John  Moseley,  Col.  Elisha  Parks. 
Deerficld.— [Mr.  David  Field,  Mr.  David  Welles.] 
Greenfield. — Mr.  Samuel  Hinsdale 

S/n  Ihiirn,  .  —  [  .None.  | 

Conway. — [Mr.  Daniel  Denham.l 

Sundolurul  — [None.] 


80  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  1, 

Montague. — [None.] 

Northfield. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Jones. 

Brimjicld,  [South  Brimfield  and  Monson. — Col.  Timothy  Danielson.] 

Pelham. — [None.] 

Greenwich. — [None.] 

Blanford. — [None.] 

Palmer. — [None.] 

Granville. — [None.] 

New  Salem. — Mr.  William  Page,  Jun. 

Belehertown. — Col.  Samuel  Howe. 

Colrain. — Mr.  Thomas  Bell. 

Ware. — [None.] 

Warioick. — Capt.  Samuel  Williams. 

Bernardston. — [None.] 

Murraysfield. — Capt.  Malcom  Henry. 

Charlemont. — Mr.  Samuel  Taylor. 

Shutesbury . — [None.] 

Chesterfield. — Mr.  Benjamin  Mills,  Major  Ezra  May. 

Ashficld. — [None.] 

Worthington. — [None.] 

Ludlow. — Capt.  Joseph  Miller. 

[Whatcly. — Mr.  Elisha  Tracy.] 

COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth. — Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq.,  Mr.  Isaac  Lothrop. 
Scituate. — Nathan  Cushing,  Esq.,  Mr.  Barnabas  Little. 
Duxbury. — Mr.  George  Partridge. 
Marshfield. — [Mr.  Benjamin  White.] 

Bridgrwatcr. — Col.  Edward  Mitchell,  Major  Richard  Perkins. 
Middleborough. — Mr.  Joshua  White. 
Rochester, — [None.] 
Plympton. — [Deac.  Samuel  Lucas.] 
Pembroke. — .Major  Jeremiah  Hall. 
Kingston. — John  Thomas,  Esq. 
Hanover. — Col.  Joseph  Cushing. 
Vbington. — Capt.  Woodhridge  Browne. 
Halifax. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Tomson. 

COUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

liarnstahtr. — Daniel  Davis,  Esq 


1776.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  9] 

Sandwit ■•//. —  [  None.] 

Yarmouth. — Capt.  Elijah  Basset. 

East/urn. — Mr.  Naaman  Holbrook. 

Wettfiut.— [None.] 

Harwich. — Mr.  Benjamin  Freeman. 

"Falmimth,  —  [  None.] 

Chatham. — [  None.] 

Truro. — .Mr.  Benjamin  Atkins 

Provincetoum. — [  None.] 

COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL. 
Taunton. — Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esq. 

Rehoboth. — M:i|< >r  Timothy  Walker,  Capt.  Thomas  Carpenter. 
Swansey. — Jeratnmiel  Bowers,  Esq. 

Dighton. — Elnathan  Walker,  Esq.,  Doct.  William  Baylies. 
Dartmouth. —  Benjamin  Aiken,  Esq. 
Vorton  and  Mansfield. — Capt.  William  Holmes. 
Attleborough. — Col.  John  Daggett. 
Freetown. — Mr.  Thomas  Durfee. 
Raynham. — Mr.  Benjamin  King. 
Easton. — Capt.  Eliphalet  Leonard. 
/;  rkley  — [  None.] 

COUNTY  OF  YORK. 
)  irk  — <  lapt  Daniel  Bragdon. 

Ki'ttery.-— Edward  Cutt,  Esq.,  Charles  Chauncy,  Esq. 
Wells. — Mr.  Bbenezer  Sayer. 

Berwick. —  Mr.  [chabod  Goodwin,  Jnn. 
Arundel. — Mr.  John  llovey. 
Biddeford. — James  Sullivan,  Esq. 

/  '<  />/><  in  I  llui  run  a  It. — [None.  ] 

DUKES  COUNTY. 

Edgarton. — [None.  | 
( 'liilmurL. — [None.] 
Tisbury. — |  \ ■  | 

[COUNTY  OF]  NANTUCKET 
Sherburne. — [None.  ] 

11 


82  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  1, 

COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER. 

Worcester. — Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow. 

Lancaster. — Col.  Asa  Whitcomb,  Doct.  William  Dunsmore. 

Mendon. — Doct.  William  Jennison,  Mr.  Edward  Rawson. 

Woodstock. — [None.] 

Brookfield. — Jedediah  Foster,  Esq. 

Oxford. — Col.  Ebenezer  Learned. 

Charlton. — Capt.  Jonathan  Tucker. 

Sutton. — Capt.  Henry  King,  Mr.  Amos  Singletary. 

Leicester  and  Spencer. — Col.  Joseph  Henshaw. 

JPaxton. — [None.] 

Rutland. — Mr.  Jonas  Howe. 

Hutchinson. — Mr.  John  Mason. 

Oakham. — Capt.  Isaac  Stone. 

Hubbardston. — Capt.  John  Clark. 

New  Braintree. — Capt.  James  Wood. 

Southborough. — Capt.  Josiah  Fay. 

Westborough. — Capt.  Stephen  Maynard,  Doct.  James  Hawse. 

Northborough. — Mr.  Levi  Brigham. 

Shrewsbury . — Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Esq. 

Lunenburgh. — Doct.  John  Taylor. 

Fitchburgh. — Capt.  David  Goodridge. 

Uxbridge. — Mr.  Benjamin  Green. 

Harvard. — Mr.  Oliver  Whitney. 

Dudley. — [None.] 

Bolton. — Capt.  Samuel  Baker. 

Upton. — Mr.  Abiel  Sadler. 

Sturbridge. — Capt.  Timothy  Parker. 

Leominster. — Mr.  Israel  Nichols. 

Hardwick. — Col.  Paul  Mandel. 

Holden.—Mx.  John  Child. 

Douglas. — Mr.  Samuel  Jennison. 

Grafton. — Mr.  John  Sherman. 

Petersham. — Col.  Jonathan  Grout. 

Royalston. — Mr.  Nahum  Green. 

Westminster. — Mr.  Nathan  Wood. 

Athol. — Mr.  William  Bimelow. 

Templeton. — Mr.  Jonathan  Baldwin. 

Prim,  ton. — Mr.  Moses  Gill. 

Ashburnham. — [None.] 

Winchendon. — [None.] 

Western. — Simeon  Dwight,  Esq. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

COUNTY  OK  CUMBERL  WD. 

Falmouth  and  Capt  Elizabeth. — Mr.  Samuel  Freeman 
Vorth   Yarmouth. — [  None.] 
Scarborough. — Mr.  Samuel  March. 
/;  "unswick  and  HarpsweU. — Col.  Samuel  Thompson. 
Gorham. — Capt.  Bryant  Morton. 
Windham — [  None.] 
/'.  rsontoum. — [None.] 

COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN. 

Pownah  borough. — [  None.] 
i,       jetoum. — Capt.  Samuel  MeCobb. 
\  ,r,  astlt  —  None.] 
Topsham. — Mr.  John  Merril. 
/.'  nodoinham. — ('apt.  Samuel  Harnden. 
1 1  oolurich. — [None.] 
Gardnerston. — Mr.  Joseph  North. 
Vassalborough.  —  Mr.  Remington  Hobby. 
HalloioeIl.—\  None.] 
Winslow. — [  Nunc,  | 
Winthrop. — Mr.  [chabod  How. 

CO!  \TY  OF  BERKSHIRE 

Sheffield  and  Great  Barrington. — ('"I.  John  Fellow- 
/  oremont  and   llford. — Doct.  William  Whiting. 
Stockbridge. —  Mr.  Samuel  Browne. 
Veu>  MalbiinwLili. — Doct    Kphrnim  Guiteau. 
/>'  chmond. — ("apt.  Elijah  Browne. 
/.■  run  — John  Paterson,  Esq. 
Pittsfield  and  Partridgefield. — John  Browne,  Esq. 
Tyringham. — ( .None  | 
Lnin sborough. — [  None.] 
Sandisfield.—M\    David  Deming. 
Williamstown, —  Mr.  Samuel  Kellog. 
/;,,/,,/. — [None.] 
Gageborough. — Capt.  William  Clark. 

\foved,  Thai  a  president  be  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Hoi  ten,  Mr.  Cushing,  and  Doct.  Baylies  I 
committee  t"  count  ami  Borl  the1  voir-  for  a  president.  The  Cong 
then  proceeded  t<>  brum  in  their  eotes  for  a  problem  •  and   the  com- 


84  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  2, 

mittee  having  counted  the  same,  reported  that  the  Hon.  John  Hancock, 
Esq.  was  unanimously  chosen. 

Benjamin  Lincoln  was  appointed  secretary. 

Ordered,  That  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Major  Hawley,  Hon.  Mr. 
Cushing,  [of  Boston,]  Mr.  Adams,  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Paine,  Mr.  Pitts, 
Doct.  Holten,  Col.  Heath,  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Cushing  of  Scituate, 
Hon.  Col.  Ward,  and  Col.  Gardner,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  state  and  circumstances  of  the  province. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  February  2,  1775,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lee,  Col.  Orne,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col. 
Foster,  and  Col.  Bowers,  be  joined  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of 
the  province. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gardner,  Col.  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Watson,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  and  desire  his  attend- 
ance on  this  Congress,  and  [that  he  would]  officiate  as  ||their||  chaplain 
during  the  session  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton  and 
desire  that  he  would  officiate  as  chaplain  to  this  Congress,  reported 
that  they  had  attended  that  service,  and  that  the  Doctor  would  officiate 
as  chaplain  agreeably  to  the  desire  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Aiken,  Col.  Gerrish,  Major  Fuller,  and  Doct. 
Holten,  be  monitors  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That,  in  returning  the  Congress,  the  monitors  observe  the 
following  divisions,  viz  :  That  the  pews  on  the  right  of  the  desk  be 
one  division  ;  on  the  left,  another ;  the  men's  body  seats,  and  the  pews 
adjoining,  a  third  ;  the  women's  body  seats,  and  the  pews  adjoining, 
the  other. 

Then  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Met  and  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Friday,  [a]  February  3,  1775,  A.  M. 
Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Capt.  Greenleaf,  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be 
a  committee  to  inspect  the  journals  of  the  last  Congress,  and  ||bextract|| 
therefrom  what  relates  to  the  public  taxes  and  the  militia,  and  cause 
the  same  to  be  printed  in  a  pamphlet,  and  a  copy  thereof  to  be  sent  to 
each  town  and  district  in  the  province. 

a  [morning-]  b  ||ab§tract  |J 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  85 

A  ||*vote||  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of 
Boston  and  other  committees  from  a  large  number  of  town-  m  the  vi- 
cinity thereof,  setting  forth  that  several  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Bos- 
ton and  several  other  town-  in  this  province,  are  constantly  employed 
in  diverse  kinds  of  works  for  the  army  now  in  Boston,  and  in  supply- 
ing them  with  lumber,  &c,  and  every  other  article  of  field  equipage, 
to  qualify  them  to  take  the  field  in  the  spring,  &,c. ; 

Read,  and  Ordered, thai  Col.  Prescot,  Capt.  Carpenter,  Col.  Crashing, 
Mi  Fisher,  Mr.  Partridge,  Col.  Thomas,  and  Doct.  Taylor,  he  a  com- 
mittee to  take  the  said  vote  into  consideration  and  report  thereon. 

Then  ( 'ongress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning  ten  o'clock. 

Saturday,  February  4,  177."),  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  all  the  debates  and  resolutions  of  this  Congress  be 

kepi  as  i ntire  secret,  unless  ||their||  special  leave  be  first  ||Lhad||  for 

disclosing  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  of  yesterday,  relative  to  publishing  in  a 
pamphlet  some  of  the  doings  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  be  re- 
considered, so  far  as  it  relates  to  publishing  the  resolve  respecting  the 
militia. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Partridge,  Daniel  Davis,  Esq.,  and 
Mr.  Sayer,  be  added  to  the  committee  appointed  to  publish  in  a  pamph- 
let some  of  the  doings  of  the  late  Congress,  and  thai  the  same  com- 
mittee prepare  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  recom- 
mending t<»  them  immediatelj  to  pay  all  their  province  tax  to  Henry 
Gardner,  Esq.,  and  to  carrj  the  resolves  of  the  late  Congress  relative 
to  the  militia  into  execution. 

Upon  a  motion  Ordered,  thai  the  secretary  be  directed  to  write  to 
Col.  ELoberson,  desiring  him  to  deliver  the  four  brass  field  pieces,  and 
the  two  brass  mortars  now  in  his  hands,  the  property  of  the  province, 
to  the  order  of  the  committee  of  safety. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  vote  from 
the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Boston  and  other-  in 
the  vicinity,  &c.,  reported ;  the  consideration  of  the  report  referred 
till  to-morrow  mornim.',  ten  o'clock. 

||ThentheCongress||  adjourned  till  aexl  Monday  morning, ten  o'clock. 

Monday,  February  •  ;.  177.*).  \.  M. 
<  >rder  of  the  day  moved  for. 

The  report   of  the  committee  on  the  vote  from  the  committee  of 

b  not  • 


86  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  7, 

correspondence  of  the  town  of  Boston,  &c,  read ;  after  some  debate 
thereon,  Ordered,  that  it  be  recommitted  for  amendments. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  and  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq., 
Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esq.,  appoint- 
ed by  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  to  represent  this  colony,  on  the 
10th  of  May  next,  or  sooner  if  necessary,  at  the  American  Congress 
to  be  held  at  Philadelphia,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  authorized  and  em- 
powered, with  the  delegates  from  the  other  American  Colonies,  to  ad- 
journ from  time  to  time,  and  place  to  place,  as  they  shall  judge  neces- 
sary ;  and  to  continue  in  being  as  delegates  for  this  colony,  until  the 
thirty-first  day  of  December  next  ensuing,  and  no  longer. 

A  petition  of  Abijah  Browne  and  others,  setting  forth  the  irregular- 
ity of  the  choice  of  Jonas  Dix,  Esq.,  to  represent  the  town  of  Wal- 
tham  in  this  Congress,  with  a  counter  petition  signed  by  Leonard  Wil- 
liams and  others,  were  read  :  whereupon,  it  was  Resolved,  that  in  case 
the  averments  in  Browne's  petition  mentioned  [awere]  true,  [they]  are 
not  sufficient  to  disqualify  Jonas  Dix,  Esq.,  member  from  Waltham, 
from  having  a  seat  in  this  Congress. 

A  petition  of  John  Sawyer  and  others  of  Rowley,  in  the  county  of 
Essex,  setting  forth  that  they  have  raised  a  troop  of  horse,  praying  the 
aid  of  this  Congress  that  they  may  be  established,  &c,  [was]  read  and 
committed  to  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Grout,  and  Major  Fuller,  to  consider 
of  and  report  thereon. 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  have  power  to  adjourn  this  Congress  in 

the  absence  of  the  president. 

||Then   the  Congress||  was  adjourned  till   to-morrow  morning,  ten 

o'clock. 

Tuesday,  February  7,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  on  the  vote  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  of 
the  town  of  Boston  and  others,  having  amended  their  report,  again  re- 
ported, which  was  considered  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  certain  persons  are  em- 
ployed in  diverse  kinds  of  works  for  the  army  now  stationed  in  Boston, 
for  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  execution  the  late  acts  of  parliament, 
and  in  supplying  them  with  iron  for  waggons,  canvas,  tent  poles,  and 
other  articles  of  field  equipage,  whereby  s;iid  army  may  be  enabled  to 
take  the  field  and  distress  the  inhabitants  of  this  country, 

Therefore,  Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  and  it  is  ac- 
cordingly strongly  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns 

a  [if.] 


L775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  B"t 

and  districts  of  this  province,  that,  should  any  person  or  persons  pre- 
sume to  supply  the  troops  now  stationed  at  Boston  or  elsewhere  in  said 
province,  with  timber,  boards,  spars,  pickets,  tentpoles,  canvas,  bricks, 
iron,  waggons,  carts,  carriages,  entrenching  tools,  or  any  materials  for 
making  any  of  the  carriages  or  implements  aforesaid  ;  with  horses  or 
oxen  for  draught  ;  or  an)  other  materials  whatever,  which  may  enable 
them  to  annoy,  or  in  any  manner  distress  said  inhabitants,  he  or  they 
||so  offending 1 1  shall  be  held  in  the  highest  detestation,  and  deemed  in- 
veterate enemies  to  America,  and  ought  to  be  prevented  and  opposed 
b)  all  reasonable  means  whatever. 

And  whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  large  quantities  of 
straw  will  lie  wanted  by  the  inhabitants  of  tin-  province,  in  case  we 
should  be  driven  to  the  hard  uecessity  of  taking  up  arms  in  our  own 
defence,  therefore,  Resolved,  Thai  no  person  or  persons  ought  to  sell 
or  dispose  of  any  straw,  which  he  or  they  may  have  on  hand,  excepl 
to  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  for  their  own  private  use,  or  the  use 
of  said  province. 

And  it  is  strongly  recommended  by  this  Congress,  to  the  committees 
of  correspondence  and  inspection  in  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 
this  province  to  see  that  the  above  resolves  be  strictly  and  faithfully 
adhered  to,  till  otherwise  ordered  by  this  or  some  other  Provincial  Con- 
gress, or  house  of  representatives. 

Ordered,  That  the  above  resolves  be  published  in  all  the  newspapers 
in  this  province,  and  that  [  'they]  he  attested  by  the  secretary. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Fisher,  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Bailey,  Doct.  Wat- 
ren,  and  Col.  Thomas,  lie  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
account  of  the  late  delegates  from  this  province  who  attended  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  and  report  what  they  he  allowed  for  their  expenses, 
and  for  their  time  while  absent  on  the  business  of  tiie  province:  and 
also  [to]  devise  some  method  how  the  money  shall  be  procured  to  dis- 
charge the  same;  and  also  how  the  money  shall  be  procured  to  enable 
our  presenl  delegates  appointed  to  attend  the  American  Congress  tore- 
fund  their  expenses. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draughl  an  address  to  the  inhabitant-  of 
this  province,  accompanying  the  resolve  which  is  ordered  to  be  pub- 
lished relative  to  the  province  taxes  being  paid  to  Henry  Gardner, 
Esq.,  reported;  read  and  considered  in  paragraphs;  Ordered  to  he  re- 
committed lor  amendments,  and  that  Doct.  Church,  and  Doct.  Warren, 
lie  added  to  the  c mittee. 

llThen  the  Congress 1 1  adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  I*.  M. 

"•J 


88  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  8, 

Afternoon. 

In  consideration  of  the  coldness  of  the  season,  and  that  the  Con- 
gress sit  in  a  house  without  fire,  Resolved,  That  all  those  members 
who  incline  thereto  may  sit  with  their  hats  on  while  in  Congress. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  an  addition  to 
the  report  of  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  relative  to  the  power  of  the 
committee  of  safety,  and  general  officers  ;  after  some  debate  thereon  it 
was  referred  for  farther  consideration  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten 
o'clock. 

Resolved,  That  at  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  the  Congress  will 
come  to  the  choice  of  some  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  safe- 
ty, instead  of  Norton  Quincy,  Esq.,  who  declined  accepting  that  trust. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  February  8,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  inhabitants 
of  this  province,  having  amended,  again  reported  the  same  ;  after  some 
consideration  thereon,  it  was  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for  further 
amendments. 

Upon  a  motion  made  by  Mr.  Hall,  that  he  might  be  excused  from 
serving  any  longer  on  the  committee  of  supplies,  in  consideration  of 
his  ill  state  of  health,  the  question  was  put  whether  he  be  excused  for 
the  reason  mentioned,  and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  That  at  three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  the  Congress  will 
come  to  the  choice  of  some  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies instead  of  Mr.  Hall,  excused. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for ;  accordingly,  the  Congress  re- 
sumed the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee,  relative  to  the 
power  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  power  of  the  general  offi- 
cers ;  after  some  debate  thereon,  it  was  referred  for  farther  considera- 
tion, to  the  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  same  report,  which 
was  recommitted  for  amendments  proposed. 

Ordered,  That,  as  Doct.  Warren,  and  Doct.  Church  are  absent,  that 
Col.  Dwight,  and  Col.  Coffin  be  added  to  the  committee,  on  the  account 
of  the  late  delegates  from  this  province  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  province,  having  amended  their  draught,  reported;  which  was 
again  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for  amendments. 

A  petition  of  Boice  and  Clark,  praying  that  this  Congress  will  take 


177S.]  SECOND  PROVING  IAL  CONGRESS  99 

-..in"  step  for  the  encouragement  of  collecting  of  linen  rags  in  th^ir 

tctive  town  read  and  Ordered,  thai  Mr.G  M 

low,  and  Mr.  Freeman,  be  i  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recom- 
mending the  Baring  of  linen  rags,  according  to  the  prayer  <>!'  the 
petition 

II,  wived,  Thai  the  Congress  will  now  proceed  to  the  choice  of  some 

person   to  Ben i  the   committee  of  safety,  in  the  place  of  Norton 

Quincy,  Esq  .  who  declined  serving  thereon. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Pitts,  Major  Puller,  and  Doct.  Hoi  ten,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  eotes  for  a  person  to  Berve  on  the  commit- 

t. f  safety,  in  the  stead  of  Norton  duincy,  Esq.,  who  declined  serving 

thereon. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  person  to 
serve  on  the  committee  of  safety :  the  committee  baring  sorted  and 
counted  the  same,  reported  thai  Mr.  Jabez  Fisher  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  Thai  to-morrow  morning  at  ten  o'clock,  the  Congress  will 
come  i"  the  choice  of  some  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, instead  of  Mr.  Hall,  who  bath  been  excused. 

The  <  Congress  then    adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Thubsdat,  February  9, 1775,  A.  M. 

The  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  power  of  the  committee 
ifety,  and  the  power  of  the  general  officers,  being  amended,  was 
accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  riz: 

/,'  totved,  Thai  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph  War- 
ren, Doct  Benjamin  Church,  .Inn.,  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  Capt.  Benja- 
min Wlnie,  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Col.  Azor 
Orne,  Mr.  John  Pigeon,  Col.  William  Heath,  and  Mr.  Jabez  Fisher, 
he  and  herehv  are  appointed  a  committee  of  safety,  to  continue  until 
the  farther  order  of  this  or  some  other  1  iongress,  or  house  of  represen- 
tative- of  this  province;  whose  business  and  duty  it  shall  be,  most 
carefullj  and  diligently  to  inspect  and  ohserve  all  and  every  such  per- 
son  or  persons  as  Bhall  al  any  tune  attempt  to  carry  into  execution  by 
force,  an  acl  of  the  British  parliament,  entitled  ••  an  act  tor  the  better 
regulating  the  government  of  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 
in  New  England;"  or  who  Bhall  attempt  to  carrj  into  execution  by 
force,  another  act  of  the  British  parliament,  entitled  ••  an  act  lor  the 
impartial  administration  of  justice,  in  the  cases  of  persons  questioned 

for   an    act  done    bj   them    in  the  execution  of  the  law,  or  for    the   siip- 

pression  of  not-  and  tumults,  in  the  province  of  the   M  issachusetta 
Bay:"     which  Bald  committee,  or  any  five  of  them,  provided  always 
19 


90  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  Feb.  9, 

that  not  more  than  one  of  the  said  five  shall  be  an  inhabitant  of  the 
town  of  Boston,  shall  hi.ve  power,  and  they  are  hereby  empowered 
and  directed,  when  they  shall  judge  that  such  attempt  or  attempts  are 
made,  to  alarm,  muster,  and  cause  to  be  assembled  with  the  utmost  ex- 
pedition, and  completely  armed,  accoutred  and  supplied  with  provisions 
sufficient  for  their  support  in  their  march  to  the  place  of  rendezvous, 
such  and  so  many  of  the  militia  of  this  province,  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary  for  the  end  and  purpose  of  opposing  such  attempt  or  at- 
tempts, and  at  such  place  or  places  as  they  shall  judge  proper  ;  and 
them  to  discharge  as  the  safety  of  the  province  shall  permit. 

And  this  Congress  doth  most  earnestly  recommend  to  all  the  officers 
and  soldiers  of  the  militia  in  this  province,  who  shall  from  time  to 
time  during  the  commission  of  the  said  committee,  receive  any  call  or 
order  from  the  said  committee,  to  pay  the  strictest  obedience  thereto, 
as  they  (|a||  regard  the  liberties  and  lives  of  themselves  and  the  people 
of  this  province — any  order  or  orders  of  any  former  Congress  varying 
therefrom  notwithstanding. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  Jedediah  Prebble,  Esq.,  Hon.  Artemas 
Ward,  Esq.,  Col.  Seth  Pomeroy,  Col  John  Thomas,  and  Col.  William 
Heath,  be  and  they  hereby  are  appointed  general  officers  ;  whose  busi- 
ness and  duty  it  shall  be,  with  such  and  so  many  of  the  militia  of  this 
province,  as  shall  be  assembled  by  order  of  the  committee  of  safety, 
effectually  to  oppose  and  resist  such  attempt  or  attempts  as  shall  be 
made  for  carrying  into  execution  by  force,  an  act  of  the  British  Parlia- 
ment, entitled  "  an  act  for  the  better  regulating;  the  government  of  the 
province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,"  or  who  shall  at- 
tempt the  carrying  into  execution  by  force,  another  act  of  the  British 
parliament,  entitled  "  an  act  for  the  more  impartial  administration  of 
justice  in  the  cases  of  persons  questioned  for  any  act  done  by  them  in 
the  execution  of  the  law,  or  for  the  suppression  of  riots  and  tumults,  in 
the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,"  so  long  as  the  said  militia 
shall  be  retained  by  the  committee  of  safety  and  no  longer ;  and  the 
said  general  officers  shall,  while  in  the  said  service,  command,  lead 
and  conduct,  in  such  opposition,  in  the  order  in  which  they  are  above 
named,  any  order  or  orders  of  any  former  Congress  varying  therefrom, 
notwithstanding. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for. 

Upon  a  motion.  Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  count 
and  sort  the  votes  for  the  choice  of  a  person  to  serve  on  the  commit- 
tee of  supplies  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Hall,  who  hath  been  excused ;   ac- 

u  Il9liail.il 


17J  ,  8E(  OND  l'lt<»\  l\<  1  \1.  I  I  INGRESS  '.'I 

cordingly  Mr.  Bayer,  .Mr.  Lothrop,  and  Capt.  Greenleaf,  were  ap- 
pointed. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  l>niiLr  in  their  eotes  tor  :i  person  to 
serve  on  the  committee  of  supplies;  after  counting  and  sorting  the 
Bame,  the  committee  reported  thai  Mr.  Manning  was  chosen.     I  |»on  a 

tion  made  b]  Mr.  Manning,  tin-  question  was  put  whether  he  \»-  <  \- 

cnsed  from  serving  on  the  committee  of  supplies,  and  passed  in  the  af- 
firmative.    The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  l>riiiLr  in  their  votes  tor  a 

person  to  Berve  in  In-  place,  and,  after  counting  and  sorting  tin-  sa 

the  committee  reported  that  Mr.  Elbridge  Gerr)  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  Thai  during  the  debates  of  the  Congress,  the  members 
thereof  l»-  seated  in  their  proper  places. 

\    Dumber  <>f  letters,  Baid  to  be  from  gentlemen    in   England,  were 

read;    upon  a  motion,  Ordered,  thai   they  be  committed  i"  the  c - 

mittee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  to  take  them  into  consideration 
ami  report 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  prepare  an  address  to  the  inhabitants 
<>t"  tin-  province,  lia\  i 1 1 ur  amended  their  report,  the  Bame  was  read, con- 
sidered and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  attested  and  added  to  the 
pamphlet  directed  to  lie  printed    by  this   ("on.  lid    i>  a-  followeth, 

\  1/ 

'l'i>  tin  Inhabitants  of  thi  Massachusetts  Say. 

I'kii  no-    \m>    I'i  i  i  ow    Si  i  i  i  1:1  RS    — When   a  | pie  entitled  to  that 

freedom,  which  your  ancestors  have  nobly  preserved, as  the  riches!  in- 
heritance of  their  children,  are  invaded  by  the  hand  of  oppression, 
and  trampled  on  by  the  merciless  feel  of  tyranny,  resistance  is  bo  tar 
from  being  criminal,  that  it  becomes  the  christian  and  social  duty  of 
individual. 
\\  hile  you  see  the  lives  of  your  fellow  men,  m  other  nations,  sported 

with  and  destroyed,  and    their    I  -i  ites   confiscated  1>\   their  prince,  onlj 

to  gratifj  the  caprice,  ambition,  or  avarice  of  a  tyrant,  you  oughl  to 
entertain  and  cultivate  in  your  minds,  the  highest  Lrratitmle  to  the  Su- 
preme Being,  tor  bis  having  placed  you  under  such  a  form  of  !_r,,\crn- 
nnrit .  as,  when  dulj  administered,  i_ri\c-  the  meanest  pea-ant  the  Bame 
security  in  his  lite  ami  property,  as  In-  sovereign  has  in  hi-  crown 

This  constitution  of  governmenl  secures  to  each  one  subjeel  th< 
to,  such    an    entire    property    in    his    inheritance  and  the  fruil  of  hi-  iii- 
dustry,  thai  thej  cannot   be  taken  from  him  without    In-   personal   or 
representative  consent ;  ami   a-  the  evidence  of  entire  property  ai 
from  the  uncontrollable  power  of  disposing, when  your  estates  -hall  be 
brought  mto  such  a  situation,  or  under  such  a  form  of  government,  u 


92  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  9, 

that  they  can  be  disposed  of  or  granted  by  persons  who  are  by  no 
means  accountable  to  you  therefor,  you  cease  to  have  any  thing  more 
than  a  licensed  and  precarious  property  in  them. 

Notwithstanding  these  principles  have  been  warmly  contended  for 
and  nobly  defended  at  the  expense  of  much  blood  and  treasure,  by 
your  British  ancestors,  who  have  ever  been  seriously  alarmed  at  the 
least  infringement  on  this  branch  of  their  happy  privileges,  the  house 
of  commons  there,  over  whom  you  have  not  the  least  control,  and  in 
whose  election  you  have  no  voice,  have  claimed  and  exercised  the 
power  of  granting  your  money  without  your  consent ;  and  what  ren- 
ders the  same  more  aggravated,  is,  that  the  money  extorted  from  you, 
is  applied  to  the  vile  purpose  of  maintaining  a  set  of  men,  who, 
through  depravity  of  mind,  and  cruelty  of  disposition,  have  been,  and 
still  are,  endeavoring  to  enforce  certain  acts  of  parliament,  made  with 
express  purpose  to  take  from  you  your  charter  rights,  and  reduce  you 
to  a  state  of  misery,  equal  to  that  ever  attendant  on  those,  whose 
prince  has  the  sole  disposal  of  their  lives  and  properties. 

Fleets,  troops,  and  every  implement  of  war,  are  sent  into  the  prov- 
ince, with  apparent  design  to  wrest  from  you  that  freedom  which  it  is 
your  duty,  even  at  the  risk  of  your  lives,  to  hand  inviolate  to  posterity. 

Those  strides  of  tyranny  have  fixed  the  united  attention  of  all 
America  ;  and,  being  greatly  and  justly  alarmed,  the  wisdom  of  the 
whole  continent  has  been  collected  in  that  Congress,  whose  salutary 
resolutions  have  pointed  you  to  effectual  means  of  redress,  and  the 
execution  of  the  plan  projected  by  that  honorable  assembly,  has  been 
warmly  recommended  to  you  by  your  former  Provincial  Congress. 

The  transactions  of  your  former  Congress,  with  regard  to  placing 
the  militia  on  such  a  footing  as  may  serve  to  defend  you  from  each  act 
of  hostility  that  may  be  offered,  have  been  carefully  transmitted  to 
you,  and  we  rejoice  to  hear,  that  you  have  cheerfully  paid  the  strictest 
attention  to  them,  and  ardently  wish  that  the  same  martial  spirit  which 
so  remarkably  prevails  among  you  may  be  encouraged  and  increased. 

Though  we  deprecate  a  rupture  with  the  mother  state,  yet  we  must 
still  urge  you  to  every  preparation  for  your  necessary  defence;  for,  un- 
less you  exhibit  to  your  enemies  such  a  firmness  as  shall  convince 
them  that  you  are  worthy  of  that  freedom  your  ancestors  fled  here  to 
enjoy,  you  have  nothing  to  expect  but  the  vilest  and  most  abject  sla- 
very. 

The  foregoing  sheets  contain  the  resolutions  of  your  former  Con- 
gress, respecting  the  improvement  of  your  public  monies  at  this  criti- 
cal juncture  of  your  public  affairs.     Such  is  the  alarming  state  of  the 


1776.]  skcond  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  93 

province,  that  the  necessitj  of  punctually  complying  with  these  re- 
solves can,  by  do  means,  need  any  further  argument  to  stimulate  tl 
to,  than  whal  naturally  arises  from  facta  under  your  constant  observa- 
tion; bul  as  necessarj  preparations  for  your  defence  require  immedi- 
ate supplies  of  money,  dutj  and  faithfulness  t->  you,  compel  as  i<>  take 
leave  to  limt,  that,  should  you  be  so  unhappy  a-  to  be  driven  to  un- 
sheath  the  Bword,  in  defence  of  your  lives  and  properties,  the  having 
pntiMT  magazines  duly  prepared,  may  give  that  success  which  cannol 

be   expected    \\  Itllollt    tlieill. 

Sn!i|ects  .renerallv  pay  obedience  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  to  avoid 
the  penaltj  that  accrue-,  mi  breach  of  them  ;  and  on  the  same  princi- 
ples we  are  assured,  that,  as  you  hitherto  have,  you  will  continue  Mill 
Btrictl]  to  adhere  to  the  resolutions  of  your  several  congresses;  for 
we  can  conceive  of  no  greater  punishment  tor  the  breach  of  human 
laws,  than  the  misery  thai  must  inevitably  follow  your  disregarding  the 
plan-,  that  have,  by  your  authority,  with  that  of  the  whole  continent, 
been  projected. 

^  tut  conduct  hitherto,  under  the  severest  trials,  has  been  worthy  of 
yon  as  men  and  christians,  and,  notwithstanding  the  pains  that  have 
been  taken  bj  pour  enemies,  to  inculcate  the  doctrines  of  non-resist- 
ance and  passive  obedience,  and,  by  everj  art,  to  delude  and  terrify 
you,  the  whole  continent  of  America  has,  this  day,  cause  to  rejoice  in 
\<>ur  firmness.  We  trust  you  will  still  continue  steadfast,  and  having 
rd  to  the  dignity  of  your  characters  as  fre<  men,  and  those  gener- 
ous sentiments  resulting  from  your  natural  and  political  connections, 
you  will  never  submit  your  necks  to  the  galling  yoke  of  despotism 
prepared  tor  you;  but  with  a  proper  sense  of  your  dependance  on 
God,  nobly  defend  those  rights  which  Heaven  gave,  and  no  man  ought 
t"  take  from  us. 

\u  address  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  ol 
Scituate  and  others,  showing  that  a  number  of  his  majesty's  troops 
are  now  stationed  in  the  town  of  Marshfield,  &c.  ||*was||  read: 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Warren,   Doct  Taylor,  Col.   Ken-haw.    Mr 
Watson,  ami  Mr.  Gill,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  same  into  conside- 
ration, and  the  papers  accompanying  it,  and  report. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Capt.  Greenleaf,  be 
a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve, empowering  the  committee  ol  safetj, 
to  take  mio  then   hand-  I  he  warlike  -tore-,  the  property  of  the  province. 

Ordered,  Thai   Col.  Thomas,  Col.    Heath.   Hon.   Col.  Ward,  Col 


94  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [Feb.  9, 

Pomeroy,  and  Col.  Gardner,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  di- 
recting how  the  ordnance  in  the  province  shall  be  used. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  John  Sawyer  and  others,  reported 
by  way  of  resolve,  which  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  That  the  several  members  who  were  appointed  to  make 
return  of  the  officers  and  number  of  the  militia,  and  minute  men,  in 
the  several  counties,  be  directed  to  comply  with  the  said  order  as  soon 
as  possible. 

Upon  a  motion,  Ordered,  That  Col.  Paterson,  Mr.  Browne,  of 
Pittsfield,  and  Major  Bliss,  be  a  committee  to  report  a  resolve  for  the 
publication  of  the  names  of  those  who  have  been  appointed  counsel- 
lors by  mandamus,  and  have  refused  to  resign  their  appointments. 

The  committee  on  the  accounts  of  the  delegates  from  this  province 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  reported,  which  was  accepted;  and  there- 
upon Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Devens,  and  Mr.  Gorham,  be  a 
committee  to  report  a  resolve  agreeably  to  the  same. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Boice  and  Clark,  reported,  by 
way  of  resolve,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Whereas,  the  encouragement  of  the  manufactories  of  this  country 
will,  at  all  times,  and  more  especially  at  this,  be  attended  with  the 
most  beneficial  effects,  and  Messrs.  Boice  and  Clark,  having  represent- 
ed to  this  Congress,  that  they  have,  at  a  very  considerable  expense, 
erected  works  at  Milton,  in  this  province,  for  the  making  paper,  and 
have  not  heretofore  been  able  to  obtain  a  sufficiency  of  rags  to  answer 
their  purpose,  and  in  order  to  procure  a  larger  quantity  of  that  article, 
have  raised  the  price  thereof; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended,  and  it  is  by  this 
Congress  accordingly  recommended,  to  every  family  in  this  province, 
to  preserve  all  their  linen,  and  cotton  and  linen  rags,  in  order  that  a 
||nmanufacture||  so  useful  and  advantageous  to  this  country,  may  be 
suitably  encouraged:  and  it  is  also  recommended  to  our  several  towns, 
to  take  such  farther  measures  for  the  encouragement  of  the  manufac- 
ture aforesaid,  as  they  shall  think  proper. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

Friday,  February  10,  1775,  A.  M. 
Ordered,  That    Mr.  Devens,  Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Gardner,  Col.  Howe, 
and  Capt.  Batclielder,  he    a  committee   to   observe   the   motion  of  the 
troops  said  to  he  on  then   road  In  this  town. 

a  ||manti' 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINC]  \l.  <  ONGRES6  96 

\n  application  from  Thomas  Legate,  Esq.  was  read.    Ordered, That 

it  In-  cominittcd  :  Accordingly  Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Pickering,  Col. 
Cashing,  and  Col.  Farley,  be  a  c nittee  to  take  the  same  into  con- 
sideration. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Palmer,  Col.  dishing,  and  .Mr.  Cushing  of 
9  ituate,  l"-  a  committee  to  sit  in  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  to  pre- 
pare  all  such  rules  and  regulations,  for  the  officers  and  men  of  the 
constitutional  army  which  maj  be  raised  in  this  province,  as  Bhall  be 
necessary  for  the  good  order  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  bj  the  late  Provincial  Congress,  to  esti- 
mate the  loss  and  damage  which  hath  accrued  t«>  the  province  by  the 
operation  of  the  Boston  port  lull  and  the  act  lor  altering  the  civil  gov- 
ernment of  this  province,  reported  ;  the  report  ordered  to  be  Bled. 
The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  how  the  ord- 

nce  should  l>e  disposed  of,  are  directed  to  make  report  to  the  com- 
tnittee  of  safet 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  pay- 
nient  of  the  late  delegates  to  the  Continental  Congress,  reported  ;  the 
r«  port  was  accepted,  and  is  as  folio weth,  \  iz  : 

W  hereas,  the  account  of  expenses  incurred  by  the  Hon.  Tho;> 
Cushing,  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  and  Robert  Treat  Paine, 
I  in  the  execution  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them  as  representa- 
tives of  this  province  at  the  grand  Continental  Congress,  held  at  Phil- 
adelphia, in  the  i ths  of  September  and  October  last,  has  been  ex- 
hibited to,  and  approved  of,  l>\  this  Congress,  and  there  appear.-  to  be 
due  to  the  said  delegates  the  sum  of  nine  pounds,  seventeen  shillings, 
and  ten  pence, lawful  money,  in  order  to  discharge  their  -aid  expensi  - 
and  this  Congress  have  voted,  that  the  sum  of  fifty-six  pounds  [be  paid] 
to  each  of  the  aforesaid  delegates,  in  order  to  compensate  them  for 
then  time  -pent  in  said  sen  ice  ; 

Therefore,  "Resolved,  That  Henrj  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general  of 
this  province,  be  directed,  and  he  is  hereby  accordinglj  directed,  to 
p  i\  to  the  1 1 mi i  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq  ,  the  above  Bum  of  nine  pounds, 
seventeen  shillings,  and  ten  pence,  for  expenses,  and  the  sum  of  fifi 

-i\  pound-  for  his  tune  spent  in  the  service  aforesaid  ;  ami  to  Mr.  Sam- 
uel Adam-,  John  Adams  and  Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esquires,  each,  the 
sum  of  fifty-six  pounds,  as  a  recompense  for  their  time  -pent  in  said 
Ben  ice. 

The  -ame  committee  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  ac- 
cept, d,  viz : 

1       I';,,. 


96  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  10, 

Whereas,  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Hon.  Thomas  Gushing,  Mr. 
Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams  and  Robert  Treat  Paine,  Esquires,  were, 
by  a  former  Provincial  Congress,  chosen  and  appointed  a  committee 
of  delegates,  to  meet  the  delegates  from  the  other  American  colonies, 
at  Philadelphia,  on  the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  or  sooner,  if  necessary; 
and  whereas,  it  is  ordered  by  this  Congress,  that  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred pounds  be  allowed  and  paid  each  of  them,  to  enable  them  to  per- 
form said  journey  ;  therefore,  \\Resolved,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.  re- 
ceiver general  of  this  province,  be,  and  hereby  is  ordered  and  directed, 
to  pay  each  of  the  said  committee  of  delegates  of  this  province,  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  for  which  they  are  to  be  accountable  to 
some  future  Congress,  or  house  of  representatives  of  this  colony.  || 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general  of  this  prov- 
ince, be  and  hereby  is  ordered  and  directed,  to  pay,  unto  Robert 
Treat  Paine,  Esq.,  the  sum  of  forty-six  pounds,  lawful  money,  in  con- 
sideration of  the  same  sum  being  by  him  nccdentally  lost  out  of  his 
pocket  while  on  his  journey  to  Philadelphia  in  the  service  of  this  gov- 
ernment. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Paterson,  and  Col.  Thomas,  be  a 
committee  to  revise  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and 
the  commission  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  and  point  out  what 
amendments,  if  any,  are  necessary. 

Upon  a  motion  made,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  vote  rela- 
tive to  committing  the  petition  of  Thomas  Legate,  Esq.,  be  reconsid- 
ered, and  the  petitioner  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  petition,  and  passed 
in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  directed  to  publish  the  names  of  the 
mandamus  counsellors  now  in  Boston,  in  all  the  newspapers  of  the 
province,  agreeably  to  the  [order  of  the]  late  Provincial  Congress. 

A  petition  from  the  delegates  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 
the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Berkshire  was  read ;  thereupon,  Or- 
dered,  That  the  same  be  committed  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of 
the  province,  and  that  the  committee  make  the  petition  public  if  they 
think  proper. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine 
o'clock. 

Saturday,  February  11,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  commission  of  the  committee 
of  safety  and  the  committee  of  supplies,  &,c,  reported  by  way  of  re- 
solve, which  was  considered  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 


1776.]  SKro.M)  l'i:<>\  I  \<  I  \i.  <  ONGRESS. 

Whereas,  several  resolves  have  been  passed  bj  this  and  the  former 
Provincial  Congress,  authorizing  and  directing  the  committee  of  safe- 
ty, in  case  of  necessity,  in  the  defence  of  the  province,  to  call  togeth- 
er, arm,  accoutre,  and  equip,  the  inhabitants  thereof:  and,  when 
bj  resolves  of  the  same  <  ongress,  a  committee  of  supplies  is  appoint- 
ed, to  provide  ordnance,  stores,  provisions,  and  arm-,  and  to  place  them 
where  the  -  rid  committi t'  safet)  shall  order ;  bu(  there  ie  no  provi- 
sion made  by  whom,  t"  whom,  or  in  whal  manner  and  quantities,  the 
supplies  provided  by  said  committee  of  supplies  shall  be  delivered  ; 

It  is  therefore||  Resolved,  Thai  the  said  committee  of  safety,  or 
the  major  pan  of  them,  shall  be,  and  berebj  [are,]  empowered  to  ap- 
point one  of  their  number,  a  commissary,  whose  business  it  shall  be 
i"  deliver  all  such  stores,  ordnance,  arm-,  and  provisions,  as  shall  be, 
by  the  committee  of  supplies  provided,  as  the  Baid  committee  of  safet) 
shall  order  and  direct,  until  the  constitutional  army  Bhall  take  the  field; 
when,  and  during  all  the  time  said  arm;,  shall  be  in  the  field,  until 
they  are  discharged  l>\  tin-  committee  of  safety,  the  commissary  ap- 
pointed by  the  committee  <>i'  safet)  -hall  deliver  the  -aid  warlike  .-tores 
to  the  order  •  ■!'  tip  commanding  officers  of  said  army. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  tin-  dis- 
posal of  some  bayonets,  &c,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which 
was  accepted 

\\  i  there  are  a  number  of  bayonets  ami  other  implements  of 

war,  purchased  at  the  expense  of  the  province,  thai  are  nol  novt  in 
tin'  hand-  of  the  committee  of  safety,  a-  the)  oughl  to  he,  il  is  there- 
fort    R  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  the  committee  of 

fet)  oughl  to  possess  themselves  of  ;ili  the  same  bayonets  ami  imple- 
ments of  war,  o  n  a-  thev  conveniently  can  ;  and  that  they  oughl 
to  dispose  of  the  same,  for  the  use  of  the  province,  to  such  persons, 
and  on  such  condition-,  as  the)  -hall  think  proper. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  reported  a  resolve  re- 
commending thai  a  da)  of  fasting  and  prayer  he  kept  throughout  the 
province,  which  was  considered  am!  Ordered  to  [j >  the  table. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Stickney,  and  Col.  Cushing,  he  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  empowering  the  committee  of  safet) 
to  direct  the  committee  i.i  supplies,  to  make  Buch  further  provision  lor 
the  defence  of  the  province  a-  ma)  he  necessary. 

Resolved,  Thai  all  the  members  of  the  Congress  he  enjoined  to  at- 
tend, and  that  n ■  depart  withoul  special  leave  he  lir-t  obtained. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Tyng,  Mr.  Adams,  Doct,   Warren,  Major   Haw- 
ley,  Col    W  "d.  lion.  Mr    Hancock,  and  Mr   Paine,  he  a  committee  to 
13 


98  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  13, 

report  a  resolve,  purporting  the  determination  of  this  people,  coolly 
and  resolutely,  to  support  their  rights  and  privileges,  at  all  hazards. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  address 
from  the  committee  of  correspondence,  for  the  town  of  Scituate,  and 
others,  reported ;  the  report  was  ||a||  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for 
amendments. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  Monday  next,  ten  o'clock  in  the 
forenoon. 

Monday,  February  13,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  reported  the  form  of 
a  receipt,  two  of  the  same  tenor  and  date  to  be  signed  by  the  receiver 
general,  one  of  which  to  be  lodged  with  the  town  or  district  treasurer, 
and  the  other  to  be  kept  by  the  constable,  or  other  officer,  who  shall 
pay  the  money  to  him.  Ordered,  that  the  report  be  recommitted  for 
amendments. 

Then  the  Congress  adjourned  till  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Paterson,  Mr.  Fisher,  Mr.  Hobby, 
and  Mr.  Freeman,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  inquiring 
into  the  state  of  the  militia,  their  numbers  and  equipments,  and  re- 
commending to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this 
province,  to  make  return  of  their  town  and  district  stock  of  ammuni- 
tion and  warlike  stores  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Hall,  Doct.  Warren,  and  Mr.  Browne 
of  Abington,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  and  report 
what  is  necessary  for  this  Congress  to  do  for  the  encouragement  of 
making  saltpetre. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Paterson  bring  in  a  resolve  appointing  an  agent 
for  and  in  behalf  of  this  province,  to  repair  to  the  province  of  Quebec, 
and  there  establish  a  correspondence,  to  collect  and  transmit  to  us  the 
best  and  earliest  intelligence  that  can  be  obtained,  of  the  sentiments 
and  determination  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  province,  with  regard  to 
the  late  acts  of  parliament,  or  any  other  important  matters  that  do  or 
may  affect  the  colonies  in  their  present  dispute  with  Great  Britain. 

||Then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  February  14,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  an  inqui- 

a  ||rcad  nml.|| 


1775.]  SFXOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  90 

ry  into  the  state  of  the  militia,  town  stocks,  *\  c  .  reported  ;  the  report 
u  i-  recommitted  for  amendments. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  inquiring 
into  the  state  of  the  militia,  v-Vc,  having  amended  their  report,  again 
reported,  winch  [report]  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Ordered,  that  it 
be  printed,  and  a  copj  thereof)  attested  b]  the  president,  Bent  to  each 
town  and  district  m  tbj&province :   and  i-  as  ■|<»ili*v  etJn,  viy.  : 

Whereas,  n  appears  necessar]  for  the  defence  «»t  th  livi  liberties, 
and  propertied  "t  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  that  this  <'<>iiLrr«-". 
on  the  1 1 r - 1  tiav  of  iheir  pexl  Bession,  -hmdo  6a  foadi  fully  acquainted 
with  the  number  and  rmHtajfj  equipments  df  the  militia  and  minute 
men   in  tin-  province,  as  also  the  town  stuck  of  ammunition  in  each 

'i  and  district  : 

It  i-  therefore,  Resolved,  Thai  it  he  and  hereby  is  recommended  to 

the  commanding  officers  of  each  regiment  of  initiate  men  that  now  i- 
Mr  -hall  hi-  formed  in  this  province,  that  they  review  the  several  com- 
panies  in  their  respective  regiments,  or  cause  them  to  be  reviewed,  and 
take  mi  evict  Btate  of  their  numbers  and  equipments:  and  where  there 
i-  any  companj  that  i-  not  incorporated  into  a  regiment,  the  command- 
ing officer  thereof  shall  review  the  several  companies,  or  cause  them 
to  be  reviewed,  and  take  a  like  rtate  of  their  numbers  and  equipment: 
and  it  is  also  recommended  to  the  colonels  or  commanding  officers  of 
li  regiment  of  militia  in  tins  province,  that  thej  review  the  several 
companies  in  their  respective  regiments,  or  cause  them  to  he  reviewed, 
ami  take  i  rtate  of  their  numbers  ami  accoutrements,  which  Baid  state 
of  the  minute  men  and  militia,  shall  he,  by  -aid  officers,  returned,  in 
writing,  to  this  Congress  on  the  first  day  of  their  next  session  after  the 
adjournment. 

Ami  it  is  further  Resolved,  That  it  he  recommended  to  the  select- 
in.  -ii  of  each  town  and  district  in  the  province,  that  on  the  same  day 
they  make  return  in  writing,  of  the  -tate  df  the  town  and  district  stock 

of  ammunition  and  warlike  stores  t<>  this  Congn 

Mr  Paterson  reported  a  resolve  relative  to  appointing  an  agenl  tor 
and  m  behalf  of  tin-  province,  to  repair  to  the  province  of  Quebec, 
&c,  which  was  recommitted;  and  he,  with  .Mr.  Bigelovi  ;m)i  c0j 
Henshaw,  are  directed  tobringin  a  resolve,  directing  and  empowering 
tlii-  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of  Boston,  to  establish 
an  intimate  correspondence  with  the  inhabitants  of  the  province  of 
Quebec,  &  c. 

Then  the  Congress    adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning 


100  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  15, 

Wednesday,  February  15,  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  at  three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  the  Congress  will 
come  to  the  choice  of  a  general  officer  in  addition  to  those  already 
appointed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  empowering  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  to  give  orders  to  the  committee  of  supplies,  to  make 
such  further  provision  for"  th'^  defines  of  the  government  as  they  shall 
think  necessary  repoited  ;  Ordered,  that  the  consideration  of  this  report 
be  referred  to  t\ie  next  session  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  empowering  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  of  the  tor.n  of  Boston,  to  correspond  with 
Quebec,  &c,  for  and  in  behalf  "cT this  province,  reported;  the  report 
was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz. : 

Whereas,  it  appears  the  manifest  design  of  administration,  to  engage 
and  secure  the  Canadians  and  remote  tribes  of  Indians,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  harassing  and  distressing  these  colonies,  and  reducing  them  to 
a  state  of  absolute  slavery :  and,  whereas,  the  safety  and  security  of 
said  colonies  depend  in  a  great  measure,  under  God,  on  their  firmness, 
unanimity,  and  friendship  ; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the 
town  of  Boston,  be  and  they  are  hereby  directed  and  empowered,  in 
such  way  and  manner  as  they  shall  think  proper,  to  open  and  establish 
an  intimate  correspondence  and  connection  with  the  inhabitants  of  the 
province  of  Quebec,  and  that  they  endeavor  to  put  the  same  immedi- 
ately into  execution. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  what  is  neces- 
sary for  this  Congress  to  do  for  the  encouragement  of  the  making  of  salt- 
petre, reported ;  the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  (excepting  that  part 
thereof  which  relates  to  assay  masters,  which  part  was  referred  for  fur- 
ther consideration  to  the  next  meeting  of  this  Congress.)  and  is  as  fol- 
loweth, viz. : 

Resolved,  [1st]  That  this  Congress  do  now  appoint  a  committee  to 
draw  up  directions,  in  an  easy  and  familiar  style,  for  the  manufacturing 
of  saltpetre,  and  that  the  same  be  printed,  and  sent  to  every  town  and 
district  in  the  province,  at  the  public  expense. 

2d.  That  for  the  encouragement  of  such  as  arc  disposed  to  set  up 
the  manufacture  of  saltpetre,  this  Congress  do  engage  to  purchase  the 
whole  quantity  that  shall  be  manufactured  in  tliis«province,  within 
twelve  months  from  this  date,  at  the  rate  of  fourteen  pounds,  &c,  [for 
each  hundred  pounds  weight.] 

3d.  That  a  proper  assaj  master  he  appointed  in  every  county,  to 
receive  and  pay  for  the  saltpetre  which  shall  be  brought  to  him  with  a 


i;;.V|  SE<  OND  PROA  l\<  I  \l.  CONGRESS  101 

^factor)  certificate  thai  the  same  was  actually  manufactured   mi  this 
l>r<>\  ince. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  :i^:iii»  the  form 
i. f  a  receipt,  two  of  the  -  me  tenor  and  date  to  be  signed  bj  the  re- 
ceiver general;  one  of  which  is  t"  be  lodged  with  the  town  or  districl 
treasurer  <>r  clerk,  «  ho  shall  send  their  monej ,  and  the  other  t<>  be  kepi 
l>v  the  constable,  collector,  <>r  other  officer,  who  shall  paj  the  same  to 
him;  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth: 

Resolved,  Thai  jiij  is  proper  and  expedient,  thai  Henrj  Gardner, 
I'.  i  eivei  general  of  this  province,  should,  far  tin-  greater  secnritj 
<>\  the  province,  give  two  sev<  ral  receipts  for  all  Buch  Bums  "f  mon< 

be     for  the  futuri  for  the  use  of  the  province ;  and  for 

tli,  ction  "i'  all  such  persons  as  .-hall  make  paymenb   in 

the  -nil  receiver  general,  il  i-  herebj  recommended  t<.  the  Baid  Henry 

I .   rdner,]  <>r  his  successor  in  office,  thai   he  make  l><>tli   Buch  receipts 

as  d  maj  be    to  the  form  following;  to  wit  : 

177 — ,ReceivedofA B ,  the  sum  of 

being  |>art  |jor  the  whole    of  the  proi  ince  tax  sel  on  the 


town  >>\  C by  the  general  court  in  the  year  17 — ,  for  which  sum, 

I  have  given  lli''  -aid  A —  15 —  another    receipt   of  the  same  tenor  ami 
date  « itli  tin-. 

One  of  which  receipts,  the  person  paying  the  said  money,  is  request- 
ed to  lodge  with  tin-  treasurer  <>r  clerk  of  the  town  or  dNirii-t  on  whose 
»un1   the  inoii.'\  shall  be  paid,  or  such  other  person  as  the  inhabit- 
ants of  such  town  or  district  shall  appoint. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Adams,  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Gerry,  Hon.  Mr. 
Cushing,  Mr  Paine,  Col.  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Freeman,  be  a  committee 
to  bring  in  a  resolve  holding  up  to  the  people  of  this  province,  the 
imminent  danger  the)  are  in,  from  the  presenl  disposition  of  the  British 
1 1 1 i 1 1 i - t r \  and  parliament,  and  that  there  i-  reason  to  fear  thai  they  will 
attempt  our  sudden  destruction:  and  the  importance  it  i^  to  the  in- 
habitants of  tin-  colony  to  prepare  themselves  for  the  lasl  event. 

Tli.-  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  pedlers,  &c,  which  was  read,  considered,  and  accepted;  and 
ordered  to  in-  published  in  all  the  newspapers,  and  is  as  followeth,  \  iz.  : 

\\  bereas,  the  practice  of  pedlers  ami  pert]  chapmen,  in  going  from 

town  to  town.  Belling  Easl   India  goods  and  teas,  ami  various   -or 

European  manufactures,  in  dired  opposition  to  the  "•,„„!   and   whole- 

of  this  province,  wherebj  they  are  liable  to  the  forfeiture  of 

all  their  goods,  besides  being  subjed  to  the  penalty  of  twentj  pound-. 


102  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  15, 

does  manifestly  tend  to  interrupt  and  defeat  the  measures  necessary  to 
recover  and  secure  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  inhabitants  of  these 
colonies  :  and  whereas,  the  law  relating  to  pedlers  and  petty  chap- 
men, cannot,  at  present,  be  effectually  carried  into  execution : 

It  is  therefore  hereby  earnestly  recommended  to  the  committees  of 
inspection  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  province,  that  they 
be  very  vigilant  and  industrious  to  discover  and  find  out,  when  any 
pedlers  and  petty  chapmen  shall  come  into  their  respective  towns  and 
districts  ;  and  that  the  said  committees,  whenever  they  shall  find  out 
that  any  pedler  or  petty  chapman  shall  be  in  the  town  or  district  for 
which  such  committee  is  appointed,  that  such  committee,  without  fail, 
make  a  thorough  and  careful  search  and  examination  of  the  packs, 
baggage,  and  all  the  goods,  wares,  and  merchandize  of  such  pedler 
and  petty  chapman,  and  in  case  such  committee  shall  find  any  India 
teas  or  European  manufactures,  in  the  possession  of  such  pedler  or 
petty  chapman,  it  is  further  recommended  to  such  committee  to  pre- 
vent, by  all  reasonable  means,  such  pedler  and  petty  chapman,  from 
vending  any  such  teas  and  manufactures ;  and  it  is  hereby  recommend- 
ed to  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  not  to  trade  with  such  pedlers 
and  petty  chapmen  for  any  article  whatever. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Mr.  Browne,  and  Mr.  Bigelow,  be  a 
committee  to  direct  and  forward  the  pamphlets  printed  by  order  of 
Congress  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  the  province. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Pitts,  and  Col.  Mansfield,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  general  officer  in  addition  to 
those  already  appointed. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  general 
officer.  The  committee  having  counted  and  sorted  the  same,  report- 
ed, that  the  Hon.  John  Whitcomb,  Esq  ,  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  the  member  from  the  town  of  ||aBolton||  be  desired 
to  wait  on  the  Hon.  John  Whitcomb,  Esq.,  with  a  copy  of  ||bhis  being 
elected||  a  general  officer,  and  ||cdesire||  his  answer,  whether  he  will 
accept  that  trust,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

I^The  committee  appointed  in  the  morning  to  bring  in  a  resolve 
holding  up  to  the  people  the  imminent  danger  they  are  in,  &x.,  re- 
ported :  the  report  was  read,||  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in 
all  the  newspapers,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

Boston. ||  li  ||the  resolve  electing  him.||  c  ||request.|| 

il  \\Ordrred,  Thai  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  ;;  resolve,  holding  up  to  the 
people  th''  imminent  danger  thej  were  in,&c.,be  now  read  ;  which  was  done  accordingly,  aml|| 


1776.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  103 

Whereas,  il  appears  to  this  Congress,  from  the  present  disposition 
of  the  British  ministry  and  parliament,  thai  there  ie  real  cause  to  fear 
that  the  most  reasonable  and  ju>t  applications  of  this  continent  to 
Great  Britain,  for  "peace,  liberty,  and  Bafety,"  will  not  meet  with  ;i 
favorable  reception;  but,  on  the  contrary,  from  tin-  lar^e  reenfoi.,- 
ments  of  troops  expected  in  this  colony,  the  tenor  « »r  mt«-U ii5<-nct-  from 
G  t  Britain,  ami  general  appearances,  we  have  reason  t<>  apprehend 
that  tin'  sudden  destruction  of  this  colony  in  particular  i-  intended,  ||*|| 
for  refusing,  with  the  other  American  colonies,  tamelj  to  submit  to 
tin-  most  ignominious  -la\ cry  ; 

Therefore,  Resolved^  That  the  great  law  of  self-preservation,  calls 
upon  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  immediately  to  prepare  against 
every  attempt  that  may  be  made  to  attack  them  by  surprise;  ami  it  is, 
upon  serious  deliberation,  mosi  earnestly  recommended  to  the  militia 
in  general,  a-  well  as  tin-  detached  part  of  it  in  minute  men,  that  they 
-pare  neither  time,  pains,  nor  expense,  at  so  critical  a  juncture,  in  per- 
fecting  themselves  forthwith  in  military  discipline,  ami  that  skillful  in- 
structors be  provided  for  those  companies  which  may  not  already  be 
provided  therewith  :    ami  it  is  recommended  t<>  the  towns  ami  districts 

m  tin--  colony,  that  they  i  nooura:_re    BUCh  persons  as  are  skilled    iii    the 

manufacturing  of  firearms  ami  bayonets,  diligentlj  to  apply  themselves 
thereto,  tor  supplying  BUch  of  the  inhabitants  as  may  -till  he  deficient 
An. I  for  the  encouragement  of  American  manufacturers!!  of  tire 
trm-  ami  bayonets,  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  this  Congress  will  give 
the  preference  t".  ami  purchase  from  them,  bo  man]  effective  arm- ami 
bayonets  is  can  be  delivered  in  a  reasonable  time,  upon  notice  given 
to  tin-  Congress  at  it<  next  session. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  address  from 
tin-  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Scituate,  ami  other 

town-  iii  that  \  Minify,  reported  :     their    report    w  a-  read    and  accepted, 

and  Ordered,  that  it  be  published  in  the  newspapers,  ami  is  as  follow- 
eth,  \ 1/ 

Voted,  That  the  Congress  do  highly  approve  of  the  vigilance  and 
activit]  of  the  selectmen  and  the  committees  of  correspondence  of  the 
several  town-  of  Plymouth,  KuiLr<ion,  Duxbury,  Pembroke,  Hanover, 
ami  Scituate,  in  detecting  the  falsehoods  ami  malicious  artifices  of 
certain  persons  belonging  to  Rfarshfield  ami  Scituate,  not  respectable 
either  in  their  numbers  or  their  character.-,  w ho  are, with  great  reason, 

supposed  to  have  1 n  the  persons  who  prevailed  upon  General  (ia^e 

to  take  tin-  imprudent  step,  of  Bending  a  number  of  the  king's  troops 

•  ||nuTely.||  I'  |manul  ictwti  || 


104  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  15, 

into  Marshfield,  under  pretence  of  protecting  them  :  whereby  great 
and  just  offence  has  been  given  to  the  good  people  of  this  province,  as 
very  fatal  consequences  must  have  arisen  therefrom,  if  the  same  male- 
volent spirit  which  seems  to  have  influenced  them,  had  actuated  the 
inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  towns;  or  if  the  same  indiscretion 
which  betrayed  the  general  into  the  unwarrantable  measure  of  sending 
the  troops,  had  led  this  people  to  destroy  them. 

Voted,  That  the  Congress  do  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  select- 
men and  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  towns  of  Ply- 
mouth, Kingston,  Duxbury,  Pembroke,  Hanover,  and  Scituate,  steadi- 
ly to  persevere  in  the  same  line  of  conduct  which  has,  in  this  instance, 
so  justly  entitled  them  to  the  esteem  of  their  fellow  countrymen,  and 
to  keep  a  watchful  eye  upon  the  behavior  of  those  who  are  aiming  at 
the  destruction  of  our  liberties.1 

(])  The  petition,  upon  which  the  votes  of  Congress  were  founded,  has  not  heen  preserved.     An 
address  from  the  same  towns,  to  General  Gage,  probably  contains   the  substance  of  the  memorial 
presented   to   the    assembly   of   delegates.     It  is  copied  from  the  Boston  Evening  Post,  February 
27,  1775. 
"  To  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq  :   may  it  please  your  excellency  : — 

"We,  his  majesty's  loyal  subjects,  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  of  Plymouth,  Kingston, 
Duxbury,  Pembroke,  Hanover,  and  Scituate,  deeply  affected  with  a  sense  of  the  increasing  dangers 
and  calamities  which  menace  one  of  the  most  promising  countries  upon  earth  with  political  exci- 
sion, cannot  but  lament,  that,  while  we  are  endeavoring  to  preserve  peace  and  maintain  the  author- 
ity of  the  laws,  at  a  period  when  the  bonds  of  government  are  relaxed,  by  violent  infractions  on  the 
charter  of  the  province,  our  enemies  are  practising  every  insidious  stratagem  to  seduce  the  people 
into  acts  of  violence  and  outrage." 

"  We  beg  leave  to  address  your  excellency,  on  a  subject  which  excites  our  apprehensions  ex- 
tremely :  and,  in  the  representation  of  facts,  we  promise  to  pay  thai  sacred  regard  to  truth,  which, 
had  our  adversaries  observed,  we  flatter  ourselves,  it  would  have  precluded  the  necessity  of  our 
addressing  your  excellency,  on  this  occasion." 

"We  are  informed,  from  good  authority,  that  a  number  of  people  from  Marshfield  and  Scituate, 
ha\>  pplication  to  your  excellency,  soliciting  the  aid  of  a  detachment  of  his  majesty's 

troops,  for  the  security  and  protection  of  themselves  and  properties.  That  their  fears  and  intimi- 
dation were  entirely  groundless,  thai  no  design  or  plan  of  molestation,  was  formed  against  them, 
or  existed  but  in  their  own  imagination-;,  their  own  declarations,  and  their  actions,  which  have  a 
more  striking  langua  dantly  demonstrate.    Several  men  of  unquestionable  veracity,  resid- 

ing in  the  town  of  Marshfield,  have  solemnly  called  God  to  witness,  before  one  of  bis  majesty's 
justices  of  the  p  iace,  th  il  thi  .  not  only  never  heard  of  any  intention  to  disturb  the  complainants, 
but  repi  itedly     iw  them  aftei  they  pretended  to  be  under  apprehensions  of  danger,  attending  to 

tie  ir  pri  .  without  arm   ,  and    even    after  they  had    lodged    I  heir  arms    a    irw    miles    from 

their  respective  house  •     They  frequently  declared,  in  conversation  with  the  deponents,  that  they 
wen-  not  apprehensive  of  receiving  any  injury  in  their  persons  or  properties,  and  one  of  them,  who 
is  a  minor,  as  many  of  them  are,  being  persuaded  to  save  bis  life  by  adjoining  himself  to  the  peti- 
tioni  rs,  but  afterwards  abandoning  them  by  the  request  of  his  father, deposeth,  in  like  solemn  man 
ner,  that  he  was  under  no  intimidation  himself,  nor  did  he  ever  bear  any  one  of  them  Bay  that  he 

.     It  appears  as  evident,  as  if  written  with  a  Bunbeam,  i thi i  il  tenor  of  the  testimony, 

which  we  are  willing  to  lay  before  your  excellency  if  desired,  that  their  expressions  ol  fear,  were 

llacious  pretext,  dictated  l>y  the  invi  ti  n  I mies  of  our  constitution,  to  induce  your  excel- 
lency to  send  troops  into  the  country,  to  augment  the  difficulties  of  out  situation,  already  very  dis- 
tressing;  and,  what   confirms  this  truth,  if  it  needs  any  confirmation,  is,  the  assiduity  and  pains 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  106 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Adams,  Mr  Gerry,  Son.  Mr.  Cashing,  Mr. 
Paine,  Bon.  Col.  Ward,  Col,  Prescot,  and  Major  Bolten,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  win  "ii  the  Hon.  Col.  Williams,  and  [Nathaniel]  Wales,  Esq., 
and  inform  them  thai  the  Congress  have  had  notice  of  their  being  in 
town  as  a  committee  from  Connecticut,  in  order  to  hare  a  conference 
wiili  us:  and  thai  we  are  reads  to  confer  with  them  by  a  committee,  at 
such  tune  and  place  as  shall  be  mosl  agreeable  to  them. 

Ordered,  Thai  no  member  of  thia  Congri  aa  depart  therefrom  until 
the  conference  with  the  committee  from  Connecticut  is  over. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  gentlemen  from  Connec- 
ticut, reported,  thai  thej   bad  attended  thai  Bervice,  and  delivered  the 
message  with  which  they  were  charged;    and  that  the  gentlemen  pro- 
pose tins  evening  to  meet  the  committee  from  this  Congress  al  -uch 
j  on  shall  appoint 

0  dered,  That  the  committee  on  the  Btate  of  the  province  he  the 
committee  from  this  Congress,  to  meet  the  gentlemen  from  ( 'onnecti- 
cut.  this  evening,  al  ('apt.  Stedman's,  for  the  proposed  conference. 

||The  Congress  then    adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Thursday,  February  16,  1775,  A.  M. 
Idjourned  to  twelve  o'clock,  at  noon. 

Mel    'upon  the    adjournment 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Doct  Warren,  and  .Mr.  Lothrop,  be 
a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  purporting  the  business  and  duty  of 
a  committee  to  be  appointed  to  correspond  with  the  House  of  Assem- 
bly of  Connecticut;  and,  if  necessary,  with  the  other  neighboring 
colonii 

/.'     <h>edf  Thai    al    three    o'clock    this   afternoon    the  Congress  will 

conn-  to  the  choice,  bj  ballot,  of  a  committee  to  correspond  with  the 

neighboring  governments. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Put-,  .Mr.  Gill,  and  Major  Fuller,  be  a  com  mi  t- 

u  ||agree  tbl)  • 

which  wi  an  to  iuv<  We  hare  Industriously  scrutinized  into  the  can* 

I  ih  ii  it  h  i  foundation  in  reali 

"  VII  that  wo  havo  in  view  in  this  address  if,  to  laj  rour  excellency  a  trui 

that  opprobrium,  which  this  more nl  of  the  militarj  refit  country: 

aa  a  spirit  of  enmity  and  falsehood  intry,  and  as  everj  thing  which  cos 

ii  iturallj  'a  and  impoi 

our  excelli  ni  \  to  le  irch  into  the  grounds  of  every  report,  previous  lo 

n!   tO  H." 

■•  Morshfield  ▼.  I  from  tho  British  regiment*  in  Boston,  J 

I  I 


106  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  16, 

tee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  the  committee  to  correspond  with 
the  neighboring  governments. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Browne,  and  Col.  Paterson,  be 
a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  adjournment,  and  em- 
powering the  members  of  Charlestown  and  others,  to  call  the  Congress 
together  at  an  earlier  day  than  [that]  to  which  it  may  be  adjourned. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gardner,  Major  Holten  and  Capt.  Batchelder, 
be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Doct.  Appleton,  and  return  him 
the  thanks  of  this  Congress  for  his  services  as  their  chaplain  during 
this  session. 

The  Congress  then  proceeded  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a  commit- 
tee to  correspond  with  the  neighboring  governments  :  after  sorting 
and  counting  the  same,  the  committee  reported,  that  the  Hon.  John 
Hancock,  Esq.,  Hon.  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq.,  [Mr.]  Samuel  Adams, 
Doct.  Joseph  Warren,  Mr.  Elbridge  Gerry  and  Col.  William  Heath, 
[were  elected.] 

Upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  vote  in  the  morn- 
ing, relative  to  the  choice  of  a  committee  to  correspond  with  the 
neighboring  governments,  by  ballot,  be  so  far  reconsidered,  as  that  the 
three  persons  now  to  be  appointed  thereon,  be  chosen  by  hand  vote, 
and  that  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Moses 
Gill,  be  of  the  committee,  and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general,  be  and  he 
hereby  is  directed  to  pay  into  the  hands  of  the  committee  of  correspond- 
ence of  the  town  of  Boston,  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  lawful  money, 
to  enable  the  said  committee  to  correspond  with  the  inhabitants  of 
Canada,  they  to  be  accountable  for  said  sum  to  this  or  some  other 
congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  setting  forth  the 
business  and  duty  of  the  committee  appointed  to  correspond  with  the 
neighboring  governments,  reported  ;  [which  report  was]  read  and  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  followeth,  viz  : 

While  the  iron  hand  of  power  is  stretched  out  against  these  Ameri- 
can colonies,  and  the  abettors  of  tyranny  and  oppression  are  practising 
every  art  to  sow  the  seeds  of  jealousy  and  discord  among  the  several 
parts  of  this  country,  it  is  incumbent  on  us  to  take  every  step  in  our 
power  to  counteract  them  in  their  wicked  designs;  and,  as  we  are  con- 
vinced, that  the  union  now  established  throughout  the  several  colonies 
can  never  be  maintained  without  frequent  communication  of  senti- 
ments between  them,  nor  can  any  plan  formed  for  their  common  bene- 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  ur. 

fit  [be]  carried  into  execution  without  a  previous  knowledge  of  the 
general  disposition  of  the  coloni> 

Resolved,  Thai   the   Hon.  John   Hancock,  Esq.,  Hon.  Mr.  Cushing, 

Mr.  Ad  mi-.  .Mr.  (icrry.  Doct.  Warren.  Col.  Heath,  Mr.  Devens,  Col. 
Palmer  and  .Mr.  Gill,  or  the    majority  of  them,  be    and    are    hereby  ap- 

pointed  to  act  as  a  committee  of  correspondence  with  the  other  colo- 
nies on  this  continent  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress ;  and  they 
are  hereby  empowered  and  directed,  t'>  consult  with,  and  make  propo- 
sal- to  -mli  committees  as  now   are   or    -hall    hereafter  he  appointed  as 

committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  American  colonies,  and 

to  make  report  "f  their  doings  to  tin-  Congress  at  their  next  -'--ions. 

The  report  of  the  committee  recommending  a  day  of  fasting  ami 
prayer  to  he  kept  throughout  tin-  province,  which  was  ordered  to  lie 
« » 1 1  ih'-  table,  [was  J  now  taken  up,  considered,  ami  accepted,  ami  1-  as 
followed!,  \  1/ 

Whereas,  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God,  the  just  and  good  governor 
of  the  world,  to  permit  -o  great  a  calamity  to  befal  us  as  the  present 
controversy  between  Great  Britain  and  these  colonies,  and  which 
threatens  us  with  the  evils  of  war; 

And  whereas,  it  has  been  the  annual  and  laudable  custom  of  this 
colony,  at  the  opening  of  the  spring,  to  observe  a  day  of  fasting  ami 
prayer,  t<>  humble  themselves  before  God  for  their  Bins,  ami  to  implore 
In-  forgh eness  and  blessing  ; 

It  is,  therefore,  /»'  oh  d,  i£  the  sense  of  tin-  Congress,  that  it  is 
high!]  and  peculiarly  proper,  and  a  dutj  incumbent  upon  this  people 
ue  cially  at  a  time  of  -mli  general  distress,  that  a  daj  of  pub- 

lic fasting  ami  prayer  Bhould  he  observed  ami  kepi  throughout  thiscol- 
ony,  ii"i  mils  on  account  of  the  present  calamity,  hut  also  in  conform- 
ity t"  the  laudable  custom  of  our  ancestors;  ami  it  is  according 
recommended  to  the  several  religious  assemblies  in  the  same,  that 
Thursday,  the  sixteenth  day  of  March  next,  be  observed  as  a  day  of 
fasting  and  prayer  to  humble  ours<  Ives  hefore  God,  on  account  of  our 
-iu~:  i"  implore  hi-  forgiveness;  to  beg  his  blessing  upon  the  labors 
of  the  field,   upon   our   merchandize,   fisher}    ami   manufactures,   ami 

upon  the  \arioii-  means  used  to  recover    and    pre-er\e    our    jn-t    rights 

and  liberties;  ami  also,  that  In-  blessing  maj  rest  upon  all  the  British 
empire,  upon  George  the  Third,  our  rightful  king,  and  upon  all  the 
royal  family,  that  the}  may  all  he  Lrr.-at  ami  lasting  blessings  to  the 
world     to  implore  the  outpourings  of  his  -pun,  to  enable  us  t"  beai 

'    In  th  the  journal  the  preamble  ii  placed  ifter  thi  n  -■■ 


108  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [Feb.  16, 

and  suffer  whatever  his  holy  and  righteous  Providence  may  see  fit  to 
lay  upon  us ;  and  also  humbly  to  supplicate  his  direction  and  assist- 
ance, to  discover  and  reform  whatever  is  amiss,  that  so  he  may  be 
pleased  to  remove  these  heavy  afflictions,  those  tokens  of  his  displeas- 
ure, and  may  cause  harmony  and  union  to  be  restored  between  Great 
Britain  and  these  colonies,  and  that  we  may  again  rejoice  in  the  free 
and  undisturbed  exercise  of  all  those  rights  and  privileges,  for  the  en- 
joyment of  which,  our  pious  and  virtuous  ancestors  braved  every  dan- 
ger, and  transmitted  the  fair  possession  down  to  their  children,  to  be 
by  them  handed  down  entire  to  the  latest  posterity. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Devens,  Mr.  Gorham  and  Mr.  Watson,  be  a 
committee  to  direct  the  [printed  copies  of  the]  resolve  recommending 
a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer,  and  send  them  to  the  several  religious  as- 
semblies in  this  province. 

Upon  a  motion  made,  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  injunction 
of  secrecy  now  on  the  members  of  this  Congress  be  taken  off,  and 
that  they  disclose  such  parts  of  their  doings  as  shall  appear  to  them  to 
have  a  tendency  to  promote  the  public  interest,  and  passed  in  the  affir- 
mative. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gardner,  Mr.  Watson,  and  Mr.  Osgood,  be  a 
committee,  to  return  the  thanks  of  this  body  to  the  proprietors  of  the 
meeting-house  in  Cambridge,  for  their  favors  in  indulging  the  Congress 
with  the  use  thereof  during  their  session. 

Ordered,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general  of  this  prov- 
ince, be  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to  pay  unto  Mr.  William  Darling, 
the  sum  of  two  pounds  and  sixteen  shillings,  lawful  money,  in  full  for 
his  services  as  doorkeeper. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  ad- 
journment of  this  Congress,  and  empowering  the  members  from 
Charlestown,  and  others,  to  call  the  Congress  together  sooner  than 
the  day  to  which  it  may  be  adjourned,  reported  ;  the  report  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  be  adjourned  from  this  day  to  the 
twenty-second  day  of  March  next,  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  to 
meet  at  Concord,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex  ;  and  considering  the 
great  uncertainty  of  the  present  times,  and  that  important  unforeseen 
events  may  take  place,  from  whence  it  may  be  absolutely  necessary 
that  this  Congress  .should  meet  sooner  than  the  day  abovesaid,  not- 
withstanding the  adjournment  aforesaid  : 

It  is  farther  Re.«dr< d,  That  the  members  of  this  Congress  for  the 
towns  of  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Brookline,  Roxbury  and  Dorches- 


1775.]  SECOND  1*K< i V INC l.\L  CONGRESS  109 

tei .  ><r  tin-  majority  <>)'  them,  be  ami  [they )  are  hereby  authorized,  in  i 
they  -lull  judge  it  necessary,  to  give  notice  to  the  Beveral  members  of 
tin-  Congress,  in  such  way  a-  they  -hall  think  proper,  t<>  meet  at  Con- 
cord,  aforesaid,  at  anj  'earlier  day  than  the  abovesaid  twenty-second 
ila\  of  .March  next,  which  shall  he  by  them  appointed;  ami  ii  i-  fur- 
ther recommended  t<>  the  members  of  tin-  ( !ongr< ■--  that  they  conform 
themseh  es  t"  said  notice. 
The  president  then  declared  the  Congress  adjourned  accordingly. 

\\  i  DOT  -i.\i.  March  •."J.   177.'..    \.  M. 

Congress  met  ;j'accordiii<r||  t<>  adjournment 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett,  lion.  Mr.  Dexter  ami  Mr.  Stickney,  be 
a  committee,  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  and  desire  his  attend- 
ance <ui  the  Congress,  ami  [that  hi-  would]  open  the  -ame  wnh  prayer, 

.it  three  o  clock  tin-  afternoon. ||eH 

A  f  ternooii. 

Ordered, That  Col.  Barrett,  lion.  Mr.  Dexter,  and  .Mr.  Stickney,  be 
.1  committee  to  wait  again  on  the  [lev.  Mr.  Emerson,  and  desire  him, 
if  Ins  circumstances  will  admit  of  it,  to  attend  daily  on  the  Congress, 
and  officiate  as  their  chaplain. 

Ordered,  Thai  all  the  debates  and  resolutions  of  this  Congress  be 
kept  an  entire  secret,  until  the  farther  order  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  Col.   Danielson,  Col.    Henshaw,  Major   fuller.  Col. 

Pri  -cot  and  Col.  Farley,  he  a  committee  to  receive  the  return-  of  the 

■  il   officers  of  militia,  of  their  numbers  and   ||dequipments,||   ami 

tin'  return-  from  the  several  town-  of  their  town  stock  of  ammunition. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Lothrop  and  the  lion.  Col.  Dexter,  he  added  to 
the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province. 

||The    Congress    then      adjourned    till    to-morrow    morning    at    nine 

o'clock. 

Thursday,  March  •_'::.  177."..   \.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  and 
desire  that  he  would  officiate  as  chaplain  to  this Congn  ss, during  their 
present  -'--ion,  in  the  town  of  Concord,  reported,  thai  thej  had  at- 
tended that  service,  ami  delivered  the  message,  and  that  Mr.  Bmerson 
would  officiate  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Paine  and  Mr.  Adams,  he  a  commit- 
tee to  bring  in  a  resolve,  expressing  the  sense  of  this  Congress,  thai 

n  ||cort  tin  a  ij 

•  «  hich  time  til. 


110  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.     [March  24, 

for  this  people  to  relax  in  their  preparations  to  defend  themselves,  &,c., 
would  be  attended  with  the  most  dangerous  consequences. 

Ordered,  That  information  be  given  by  the  members,  to  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  province,  of  the  number  of  field  pieces, 
whether  the  property  of  the  province,  towns,  or  private  persons,  which 
have  fallen  within  their  knowledge  ;  as  also  what  number  of  men  [there 
are]  in  the  province  acquainted  with  the  business  of  making  firearms. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 
||Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Friday,  March  24,  1775,  A.  M. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  expressing  the  dan- 
ger there  would  be  in  relaxing  from  the  present  preparations  for  de- 
fence, &c,  reported.  The  report  [was]  accepted,  and  Ordered,  that 
it  be  attested  and  published  in  all  the  Boston  newspapers. 

[Whereas,  it  is  indispensably  necessary,  for  the  safety  of  a  free  peo- 
ple and  the  preservation  of  their  liberties,  that  they,  at  all  times,  keep 
themselves  in  a  state  of  actual  defence  against  every  invasion  or  dep- 
redation ;  and  this  country  being  still  threatened  by  a  powerful  army 
posted  in  its  capital,  with  a  professed  design  of  executing  certain  acts 
of  the  British  parliament,  calculated  to  destroy  our  invaluable  rights 
and  liberties  and  the  government  of  this  colony,  as  by  charter  and  law 
established  therein  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  measures  which  have  heretofore 
been  recommended  by  this  and  the  former  Provincial  Congress,  for  the 
purpose  of  putting  this  colony  into  a  complete  state  of  defence,  be  still 
most  vigorously  pursued,  by  the  several  towns,  as  well  as  individual 
inhabitants,  and  that  any  relaxation  would  be  attended  with  the  utmost 
danger  to  the  liberties  of  this  colony  and  of  all  America;  especially, 
as  by  the  latest  advices  from  Great  Britain,  we  have  undoubted  reasons 
for  jealousy,  that  our  implacable  enemies  are  unremitting  in  their  en- 
deavors, by  fraud  and  artifice  as  well  as  by  open  force,  to  subjugate 
this  people  ;  which  is  an  additional  motive  to  the  inhabitants  of  this 
colony  to  persevere  in  the  line  of  conduct  recommended  by  the  Con- 
gress, and  to  be  ready  to  oppose,  with  firmness  and  resolution,  at  the 
Utmoal  hazard,  every  attempt  for  that  purpose.1] 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

(1)  This  resolution,  omittc.l  in  the  original  romrd  nml  the  enpv  nt*  t ho  journal,  has  horn  restored 
from  tin"  publication  in  the  newspapers. 


L775.]  SK('OM)  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  111 

Bati  blday,  March  -'.">.  177."..  \   ML 
Ordered,  That  when  this  Congress    *adjourn,||  it  be  adjourned  t . » 
Monda]  next,  at  three  o'clock  in  1 1 1 « -  afternoon. 

Ordertil,  Tin!  tin-  members  be  enjoined  t"  attend  punctually  at  the 
adjournment 

Monday,  March  !7,  I77.">.  I*.  Rff. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  Btate  <>t'  the  imports,  exports, 
,\  .  reported  :  Ordered,  thai  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  re- 
ferred  to  Wednesdaj  next,  [at]  three  o'clock  in  the  altera i. 

The  committee  appointed  t"  prepare  .-nine  rules,  &  c   for  a  constitu- 
tional  army,  reported ;  the  report   [was]  read:   Ordered,  that  the  far- 
ther consideration  of  the  report  be     on  the  morrow  |  f<>ur  o'clock,  1' 
M.,  ami  that  the  committee  make  Buch  additions  thereto  a-  they  shall 
think  necessary. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

[The  Beveral]  committees  [were]  enjoined  to  >it. 

Ti  i  boat,  March  28,  177.">.  A.  M. 
The  several  committee-  [were]  enjoined  to  sit. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [tins  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 

According  to  the  order  of  the  day,  [the  Congress]  went  into  the 
consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare 
rule-  and  re_nil  itmn-  for  a  constitutional  artn\ .  vV  C. 

The  above  reporl    was  recommitted  for  amendments. 
Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  March 29,  [1775,]  \.  M. 
imed    the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee,  rela- 
tive to  rules,  d&c. ;  considered  the  same  in  paragraphs,  [and]  passed 

[tin-  -  nne]  in  part. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  aft. Tiioon.  ] 

Afternoon. 

The  ||*above  report||  relative  to  rules,  &c,  passed  in  whole,  but 
|  wa-]  ordered  t.»  be  recommitted  for    a •    addition-. 

Ordered,  Thai  ('apt.  <  ><irood,  Col.  Thompson  and  ("apt.  Greenleaf, 
!>«■  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  introductorj  to  the  publishing 
the  names  of  the  mandamus  counselli 

The  vote  of  Tuesdaj  relative  to   information   being  given   to  the 

•  ii.ill   i.lj...irn  li. 


112  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.      [March  30, 

committee  on  the  state  of  the  province,  ||awas||  so  far  reconsidered  as 
that  the  information  be  given  to  the  committee  appointed  to  receive 
the  returns  from  the  colonels. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  March  30,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  doorkeeper  [was]  directed  to  call  in  the  members :  they  [were] 
enjoined  to  attend.  The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  re- 
ported a  resolve,  relative  to  what  movements  of  the  troops  should 
make  it  fit  to  call  the  militia  together,  to  act  on  the  defensive ;  report 
read  and  considered  in  paragraphs,  and  passed  unanimously  in  the 
affirmative. 

Upon  a  motion  made  and  seconded,  Resolved,  that  immediately, 
when  notice  shall  be  given  for  the  assembling  the  forces  of  this  colo- 
ny, the  members  of  this  Congress  repair,  without  delay,  to  the  place 
to  which  they  shall  be  adjourned.    • 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  draw  an  introduction  to  pub- 
lishing the  names  of  the  mandamus  counsellors,  reported  ;  [the  report 
was]  recommitted,  and  the  committee  [were]  directed  to  bring  in  a 
report  by  way  of  order,  &c. 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  the  [returns  of]  exports  and 
imports,  &c,  in  the  colony,  reported  ;  [the  report  was]  referred  to 
Wednesday  next  at  three  o'clock. 

Several  committees  [were]  enjoined  to  sit  and  perfect  their  reports 
without  delay,  in  order,  if  possible,  that  the  Congress  may  rise  to- 
morrow. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Friday,  March  31,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  as  introductory  to 
publishing  the  names  of  the  mandamus  counsellors,  [reported  a  re- 
solve, which]  being  amended,  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  March  31,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  names  of  the  following  persons  be  published  in 
all  the  Boston  newspapers,  who,  having  been  appointed  counsellors  by 
his  majesty's  mandamus,  and  having  accepted,  and  acted  under  said 
commissions,  have  proved  themselves  implacable  enemies  to  the  liber- 

a  ||b0.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGREg  113 

ties  of  thru  country,  by  refusing  to  publish  a  renunciation  of  their 
commission-,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  a  former  Provincial  Congn 
thai  Hi.-  secretary  !»■  directed  to  transmit  authenticated  copies  of  this 
resolve,  with  the  names  annexed,  to  all  the  printers  in  Boston,  ami  that 
thej  I"-  desired  to  insert  the  same  in  their  papers,  that  every  town  may 
be  po  :  "f  .1  ('.,;,\  of  their  names,  which  are  to  be  entered  upon 

the  town  and  district  records,  that  thej  may  be  sent  down  to  posteri- 
ty if  possible,  with  the  infamy  they  deeervi        [They  are  as  follow  :] 

Thomas  Flucker,  Poster  Hutchinson,  Harrison  Gray,  William 
Brown,  James  Boutineau,  Joshua  Loriu_r,  William  Pepperell,  John 
Erving,  Jun.,  Peter  Oliver,  Richard  Lechmere,  Josiah  Edson,  Nathan- 
iel R  i\  Thomas,  Timothy Ruggles,  John  Murray,  ami  Daniel  Leonard, 
Esquii  i 

The   committee  appointed  to  receive  the  returns  from  the  several 
»nels,    &c,  reported;  the   report   was   recommitted   to  be  com- 
pleted. 

\  memorial  from  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Billerica,  [was] 
read,  ami  committed  to  Mr.  Marcy,  Capt.  llatchelder,  Capt.  Osgood, 
<     jit.  Manning  and  Mr.  freeman. 

Ordered,  That  the  receiver  general  be  directed  to  lay  a  state  of  the 
treasury  before  this  Congress. 

The  members  [were]  enjoined  to  attend  until  the  farther  order  of 
tin-  (  'on_'i. 

I  Ijourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoi 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  on  the  Btate  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  tin-  payment  of  the  public  monies  immediately  to  Mr.  Gardner: 
read  ami  accepted,  and  Ordered,  that  it  he  printed  in  hand  hills,  and  a 
cop)  thereof  sent  to  each  town,  directed  to  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence, it'  anj  :  if  not,  to  the  selectmen ;  to  he  laid  before  the  several 
tow  ns 

[n  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  March  31,  1775. 
Whereas,  this  Congress  is  informed  that  many  collectors  and  con- 
Btables,  having  in  their  hands  considerable  sum-  of  the  public  moneys 
of  this  colony,  have  hitherto  neglected  to  pay  the  same  to  Henry 
Gardner,  Esq.,  of  Stow;  and  the  Congress,  earnestly  attentive  to  the 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony,  an-  desirous  of  completing  the 
preparations  ntially  necessarj  to  the  public  safety,  without  call- 

ing on  thnn  fur  other  moneys,  than  BUch   as  are  now  due  to  the  col  on  v  . 

I.". 


114  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  1, 

It  is,  therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  constables  and  collectors  aforesaid, 
ought,  by  no  means,  to  be  longer  indulged  in  their  unreasonable  neglect 
of  complying  with  the  most  important  plans  of  this  colony  ;  and  it  is 
hereby  strongly  recommended,  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  of  the 
same,  that  they  oblige  said  constables  and  collectors  forthwith  to  pay 
the  balances  aforesaid,  due  from  them  respectively,  to  the  receiver  gen- 
eral ;  and  it  is  also  most  earnestly  recommended  to  those  towns  and 
districts,  having  any  public  moneys  belonging  to  the  colony  yet  uncol- 
lected, that  they  do  not  fail  to  hire  and  pay  the  same  to  the  said  Henry 
Gardner,  Esq.,  without  delay;  and  that  they  vigorously  exert  them- 
selves to  suppress  every  opposition  to  measures  recommended  by  the 
Continental  and  Provincial  Congresses,  as  they  regard  the  freedom 
and  happiness  of  themselves  and  future  generations. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gorham,  Mr.  Devens  and  Mr.  Watson,  be  a 
committee  to  forward  the  hand  bills  to  the  several  towns,  &c. 

Resolved,  That  each  member  be  desired  to  urge  the  town,  of  which 
he  is  a  representative,  if  they  have  not  paid  their  money  to  Henry 
Gardner,  that  they  would  immediately  pay  it;  and  if  it  cannot  be  soon 
collected,  that  they  be  desired  to  borrow  it ;  and  if  there  is  any  town 
which  does  not  incline  to  pay  their  public  moneys  to  Mr.  Gardner, 
they  are  desired  to  give  their  reasons  for  such  refusal  to  this  Congress, 
at  the  next  session  thereof. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  April  1, 1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  rules,  &c,  for  the  provincial 
army,  having  made  the  additions  directed,  the  same  were  read  and  put 
in  whole  and  passed  ;  they  were  then  ordered  to  be  recommitted,  for  the 
bringing  a  form  of  oaths,  and  a  resolve  relative  to  witnesses. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  furnishing  the  indians  with  blankets  who  have  enlisted  as  min- 
ute men,  &c,  and  an  address  to  them  ;  it  passed,  and  is  as  follows : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  1,  1775. 

Whereas,  a  number  of  indians,  natives  of  the  town  of  Stockbridge, 
have  enlisted  as  minute  men — Resolved,  that,  for  their  encouragement, 
the  following  address  to  said  indians  be  presented  to  them,  by  Col.  John 
Paterson  and  Capt.  William  Goodridge,  and  that  Henry  Gardner,  Esq., 
the  receiver  general,  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to  pay  the  sum  of  twenty- 
three  pounds,  lawful  money,  into  the  hands  of  Col.  John  Paterson  and 
Capt.  William  Goodridge,  to  be  employed  in  purchasing  a  number  of 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  11", 

blankets  and  some  ribbons,  which  they  are  to  present  to  the  Indians  en- 
listed as  aforesaid,  viz  :  one  blanket  and  one  yard  of  ribbon  to  each 
person,  that  is  or  may  be  enlisted;  and  in  case  the  whole  of  the  money 
should  not  be  employed,  in  the  purchase  aforesaid,  they  are  to  be  ac- 
countable for  the  residue. 

To  Johoiakin  Mothksin,  and  the  rest  of  our  brethren,  the  indians, 
natives  of  Stockbridge : 

Good  Brothers — It  affords  us  great  pleasure  and  satisfaction,  to 
hear  by  Col.  Paterson  and  Capt.  Goodridge,  that  our  brothers,  the  na- 
tives of  Stockbridge,  are  ready  and  willing  to  take  up  the  hatchet  in 
the  cause  of  liberty  and  their  country.  We  find  you  have  not  been  in- 
attentive to  the  unhappy  controversy  we  are  engaged  in  with  our 
mother  country,  by  reason  of  sundry  acts  the  British  parliament  have 
passed,  by  which,  our  rights  and  privileges  have  been  invaded,  and  our 
property  taken  from  us  without  our  consent.  We  have  frequently  peti- 
tioned the  king  for  redress  of  our  grievances,  and  the  restoration  of 
our  rights;  but,  instead  of  granting  us  relief,  the  king's  ministers  have 
sent  a  large  fleet,  and  posted  a  great  army  in  the  town  of  Boston,  who 
are  daily  abusing  and  insulting  the  inhabitants,  in  order  to  enforce 
obedience  to  these  acts.  The  whole  continent,  from  Nova  Scotia  to 
Georgia,  by  their  delegates,  have  lately  presented  a  petition  to  the 
king,  praying  for  relief,  to  which  we  hope  we  shall  receive  a  gracious 
answer.  We  wish  the  fire  of  friendship  may  be  again  kindled  between 
both  countries ;  but  in  case  our  petition  should  not  be  attended  to,  and 
the  ministry  should  determine  to  deprive  us  of  our  rights  and  property 
by  a  military  force,  we  hold  ourselves  obliged  to  defend  them  at  the 
point  of  the  sword.  This  is  a  common  cause  ;  a  cause  you  are  equally 
engaged  in  with  ourselves  ;  we  are  all  brothers,  and  if  the  parliament 
of  Great  Britain  takes  from  us  our  property,  and  our  lands,  without 
our  consent,  they  will  do  the  same  by  you  ;  your  property,  your  lands 
will  be  insecure ;  in  short,  we  shall  not  any  of  us  have  any  thing  we 
can  call  our  own.  Your  engaging  in  this  cause,  discovers  not  only 
your  attachment  to  your  liberties,  but  furnishes  us  with  an  evidence  of 
your  gratitude  to  this  province  for  their  past  favors.  They  have  fre- 
quently, at  your  request,  made  laws  and  regulations  for  your  protec- 
tion and  defence  against  the  ravages  and  frauds  of  deceitful  and  de- 
signing  men.  They  have  constantly  and  cheerfully  afforded  you  aid 
and  assistance,  because  you  have  given  them  abundant  proof  of  your 
fidelity.  We  have  directed  Col.  Paterson  and  Capt.  Goodridge  to  pre- 
sent  each  of  yon,  that  have  enlisted  in  the  service,  with  a  blanket    ami 


116  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  I, 

a  ribbon,  as  a  testimony  of  our  affection,  and  shall  depend  upon  your 
firm  and  steady  attachment  to  the  cause  you  have  engaged  in. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Adams,  Mr.  Cushing,  and  Col.   Paterson,  be  a 
committee  to  draught  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland,  and  an  addresa 
to  the  chief  of  the  Mohawk  indian  tribes. 

Moved,  That  the  Congress    now   go    into    consideration   of   what 

ought    to   be   the  conduct    of   the    several    towns,    in    case  general 

Gage  should  send  out  his  precepts  for  convening  a  new  assembly,  on 

the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next,  and  what  ought  to  be  their  conduct 

in  case  he  should  not  send  out  his  writs. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  in  case  writs,  in 
the  form  the  law  directs,  should  be  issued,  they  ought  to  be  obeyed. 

Resolved,  That,  in  case  writs  should  not  be  issued  forth,  that  a  Con- 
gress be  called,  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next ;  and  in  case  gen- 
eral Gage  should  not  issue  precepts  for  calling  an  assembly,  as  the  law 
directs,  the  members  of  the  towns  of  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Brook- 
line,  Roxbury,  and  Dorchester,  be  desired  to  publish  this  resolve  and 
appoint  a  place  where  they  shall  assemble. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Adams,  and  Mr.  Gill,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  reduce  the  several  resolutions  of  this  day,  relative  to  calling 
a  new  Congress,  into  form,  and  bring  in  a  resolve  accordingly.  The 
committee  reported  ;  [athe  report  was]  read,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  April  1,  1775. 
\\Resolved,  As  the  sense  of  this  Congress,  that  if  writs  should  be 
issued,  in  form  as  the  law  directs,  for  calling  a  general  assembly,  to 
be  held  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next,  that  the  several  towns  in 
this  colony  ought  to  obey  such  precepts,  and  choose  their  members  as 
usual ;  and  instruct  them  to  transact  no  business  with  the  council,  ap- 
pointed by  mandamus ;  and  if  they  should  be  dissolved,  to  meet  in  a 
Provincial  Congress,  for  the  purpose  of  considering  and  transacting 
the  affairs  of  this  colony.  || 

In  Provincial  Congress,  April  1,  1775. 
Resolved,  That  in  case  writs  are  not  issued  according  to  law,  for 
calling  a  general  assembly,  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next,  it  be 
recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  to 
choose  delegates  for  a  Provincial  Congress,  to  meet  on  the  said  last 
Wednesday  of  May  next,  at  such  place  as  the  present  members  of  the 
towns  of  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Brookline,  Roxbury,  and  Dorches- 

a  ||which  was. || 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CO \<.i:i:.SS.  u; 

in,  -hall  appoint;  who  arc  desired  to  cause  this  resolution  t<>  be  pub- 
lished in  the  several  newspapers,  as  soon  as  it  can  be  ascertained  that 
writs  are  nol  issued  for  calling  an  assembly. 

An  application  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town 
of  Boston,  and  others,  was  read:  Ordered,  thai  the  consideration 
||thereof H  be  referred  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  Congress  proceeded  to  consider  the  application  from  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence  of  Boston,  &c,  agreeably  to  the  order  of  the 
forenoon;  Ordered,  that  it  be  committed  to  Col.  Danielson,  Mr. 
Gerry,  Col.  Foster,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  and  Col.  Warren,  to 
consider  of,  and  report  thereon. 

The  members  enjoined  to  attend  at  the  adjournment  ['of  this  Con- 
gress. ] 

jjTIie  Congress  adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  nine  o'clock. || 

Monday,  April  3,  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  be  desir- 
ed to  collect  all  the  late  intelligence  from  Great  Britain  relative  to  their 
sending  a  reenforcement  to  General  Gage,  and  on  other  matters  which 
relate  to  this  and  the  other  colonies,  and  report  to  the  Congress  what 
is  best  to  be  done. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Church,  Col.  Pomeroy,  and  Doct.  Warren,  be 
a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  to  be  inserted  in  the  Salem  pa] 
requiring  the  attendance  of  all  the  absent  members,  and  a  recommen- 
dation to  the  several  town-  and  districts,  who  have  not  yel  sen!  num- 
bers to  the  Provincial  Congress,  that  they  elect  them,  and  direct  their 
immediate  attendance. 

Ordered,  Thai  Major  Bliss,  Mr.  Freeman,  and  Capt.  Osgood,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  to  be  forwarded  by  an  express,  to  call 
in  the  absent  members  from  the  counties  of  Hampshire,  Berkshire, 
Worcester,  and  Bristol. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  on  the  memorial  of  the  town  of  Bille- 
rica,  be  joined  to  the  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  memorial  from  the  town  of  Boston  ami  other-. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  be  enjoined  to  sit  immediately. 

a  llwbicfa  will  be  at  9  o'clock  A.  M.    M  \'.|| 


118  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  4, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster  be  excused  from  [serving  on  the]  last 
mentioned  committee. 

IIs Ordered,  That||  Col.  Cushing  be  added  to  them. 
||Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  April  4,  1775,  A.  M. 

Upon  a  motion  made  that  Capt.  Goodridge  have  liberty  to  augment 
his  company  to  one  hundred  men,  and  that  they  be  considered  as  ran- 
gers; thereupon,  Ordered,  that  Capt.  Goodridge  apply  to  Col.  Pater- 
son  on  this  affair,  who  will  have  an  opportunity  to  consult  the  field 
officers  of  those  regiments  of  the  militia,  from  which  said  company  is 
to  be  enlisted,  and  that  this  matter  be  settled  as  they  shall  think  best. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  Mohawks, 
and  a  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland,  reported  ;  [the  report  was]  read, 
and  Ordered  that  the  address  be  recommitted  for  amendments. 

||Congress||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 

A  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Kirkland,  and  an  address  to  the  Mohawks, 
amended,  [were]  reported,  and  passed,  and  are  as  follow : 

Concord,  April  4,  1775. 
Rev.  Sir  :  The  Provincial  Congress  have  thought  it  necessary  to 
address  the  sachem  of  the  Mohawk  tribe,  with  the  rest  of  the  five  na- 
tions, upon  the  subject  of  the  controversy  between  Great  Britain  and 
the  American  colonies.  We  were  induced  to  take  this  measure,  as 
we  have  been  informed  that  those,  who  are  inimical  to  us  in  Canada, 
have  been  tampering  with  those  nations,  and  endeavoring  to  attach 
them  to  the  interest  of  those,  who  are  attempting  to  deprive  us  of  our 
inestimable  rights  and  privileges,  and  to  subjugate  the  colonies  to  arbi- 
trary power.  From  a  confidence  in  your  attachment  to  the  cause  of 
liberty,  and  your  country,  we  now  transmit  to  you  the  enclosed  ad- 
dress, and  desire  you  would  deliver  it  to  the  sachem  of  the  Mohawk 
tribe,  to  be  communicated  to  the  rest  of  the  five  nations,  and  that  you 
would  use  your  influence  with  them,  to  join  with  us  in  the  defence  of 
our  rights;  but  if  you  cannot  prevail  with  them  to  take  an  active  part 
in  this  glorious  cause,  that  you  would,  at  least,  engage  them  to  stand 
neuter,  and  not,  by  any  means,  to  aid  and  assist  our  enemies — and  as 
we  are  at  a  loss  for  the  name  of  the  sachem  of  the  Mohawk  tribe,  we 
have  left  it  to  you  to  direct  the  address  to  him,  in  such  way  as  you  may 
think  proper. 

a  lland  that. II 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  lig 

Bbothebs  ■ — We,  the  delegates  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  proi  ince  of 
the  Massachusett-  May.  heingcome  together,  to  consider  wli.it  may  lie  best 
tor  von  ami  ourselves  to  do  in  order  to  get  ourselves  rid  of  those  hard- 
ships which  we  feel  and  fear,  have  thought  it  our  duty  to  tell  you,  our 
good  brothers,  what  our  fathers  in  Great  Britain  have  done  and  threaten 

to  do  with  us. 

Brothers: — you  have  heard  how  our  fathers  were  obliged,  by  the  cru- 
elty of  their  brethren,  to  leave  their  country;  how  they  crossed  the 
greal  lake  and  came  here ;  how  they  purchased  this  land  with  their  own 
money,  and  how,  since  that  tune,  they,  and  we,  their  sous  anil  i_rrand- 
sons,  have  built  our  houses,  ami  cut  down  the  trees,  and  cleared  and 
improved  the  land,  at  their  and  our  own  expense  :  how  we  have  foughl 
for  them,  and  conquered  Canada  and  a  greal  many  other  place-,  which 
they  have  had,  ami  have  not  paid  us  for;  after  all  which,  and  many  other 
troubles,  we  thought  we  had  reason  to  hope,  that  they  would  be  kind 
to  us,  and  allow  us  to  enjoy  ourselves,  and  sit  in  our  own  houses,  and 
eat  our  own  victuals  in  peace  and  quiet;  but,  alas!  our  brothers,  we 
are  greatly  distressed,  and  we  will  tell  you  our  grief,  for  you,  as  well 
as  we,  are  in  great  danger. 

Brothers: — our  fathers  in  Great  Britain  tell  us,  our  land,  and  houses, 
and  cattle,  and  money,  are  not  our  own;  that  we,  ourselves,  are  not 
our  own  men,  but  their  servants;  they  have  endeavored  to  take  away 
our  money  without  our  leave,  and  have  sent  their  great  vessels  and  a 
greal  many  warriors  for  that  purpose. 

Brothers: — we  used  to  send  our  vessels  on  the  greal  lake,  whereby  we 
wire  able  to  get  clothes  and  what  we  needed  for  ourselves  and  you  ; 
but  such  has  lately  been  their  conduct,  that  we  cannot:  they  have  told 
ii-.  we  -hall  have  no  more  guns,  no  powder  to  use  and  kill  our  wolves 
and  other  game,  nor  to  send  to  you,  for  you  to  kill  your  victuals  with, 
and  to  get  skins  to  trade  with  us,  to  buy  you  blanket-,  and  what  you 
want.  How  can  you  live  without  powder  and  guns  ?  But  we  hope  to 
-upply  you  soon  with  both  of  our  own  making. 

Brothers : — they  have  made  a  law  to  establish  the  religion  of  the  pop, 
in  Canada,  which  lies  so  near  you.  We  much  fear  some  of  your  chil- 
dren may  be  induced,  instead  of  w  or-hip|>iiiLr  the  only  true  God,  to  paj 
his  due  to  images  made  with  their  own    hands. 

Brothers: — these  and  many  other  hardships  we  are   threatened  with, 

which,  no  do u lit,  in  the  end,  w ill  equally  affect  you;  lor  the  same  rea- 

-011  thej  would  ^(•tnur  lands,  they  will  take  awa\   yours.      All    we  want 
is,  that  we  ami  you  may  enjoy  that  liberty   and  security,  which  we  have 

a  right  to  enjoy,  ami  that  we  may   not  lose  that  good  land  which  en- 


120  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [April  5, 

ables  us  to  feed  our  wives  and  children  ;  we  think  it  our  duty  to  inform 
you  of  our  danger,  and  desire  you  to  give  notice  to  all  your  kindred  ; 
and  as  we  ||much||  fear  they  will  attempt  to  cut  our  throats,  and  if  you 
should  allow  them  to  do  that,  there  will  nobody  remain  to  keep  them 
from  you,  we  therefore  earnestly  desire  you  to  whet  your  hatchet  and 
be  prepared  with  us  to  defend  our  liberties  and  lives. 

Brothers : — we  humbly  beseech  that  God,  who  lives  above  and  does 
what  is  right  here  below,  to  enlighten  your  minds  to  see  that  you  ought 
|]to  endeavor||  to  prevent  our  fathers  from  bringing  those  miseries  upon 
us,  and  to  his  good  providence  we  commend  you. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draught  rules  for  the  army,  &c,  again 
reported ;  recommitted  to  bring  in  the  form  of  two  oaths. 
Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  April  5, 1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  rules  and  regulations  for  the 
Massachusetts  army,  having  brought  in  the  form  of  two  oaths  as  direct- 
ed, the  report  in  whole  [was  read]  and  passed,  and  is  as  followeth : 

||1n  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  5,  1775. || 
Whereas,  the  lust  of  power,  which  of  old  oppressed,  persecuted,  and 
exiled  our  pious  and  virtuous  ancestors  from  their  fair  possessions  in 
Britain,  now  pursues  with  ten  fold  severity,  us,  their  guiltless  children, 
who  are  unjustly  and  wickedly  charged  with  licentiousness,  sedition, 
treason,  and  rebellion ;  and  being  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the 
almost  incredible  fatigues  and  hardships  our  venerable  progenitors  en- 
countered, who  fled  from  oppression  for  the  sake  of  civil  and  religious 
liberty,  for  themselves  and  their  offspring,  and  began  a  settlement  here 
on  bare  creation,  at  their  own  expense;  and  having  seriously  consider- 
ed the  duty  we  owe  to  God,  to  the  memory  of  such  invincible  worthies, 
to  the  king,  to  Great  Britain,  our  country,  ourselves,  and  posterity,  do 
think  it  our  indispensable  duty,  by  all  lawful  ways  and  means,  in  our 
power,  to  recover,  maintain,  defend,  and  preserve,  the  free  exercise  of 
all  those  civil  and  religious  rights  and  liberties,  for  which  many 
of  our  forefathers  fought,  bledj  and  died,  and  to  hand  them  down  en- 
tire, for  the  free  enjoyment  of  the  latest  posterity  ;  and  whereas,  the 
keeping  a  standing  army  in  any  of  these  colonies  in  times  of  peace, 
without  the  consent  of  the  legislature  of  that  colony  in  which  such 
army  is  kept,  is  against  law;  and  whereas,  such  an  army,  with  a  large 
naval  force,  is  now  placed  in  the  town  and  harbor  of  Boston,  for  the 
purpose  of  subjecting  us  to  the  power  of  the  British  parliament  :  and, 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  121 

whereas,  we  are  frequently  told  by  the  tools  of  administration,  dupes 
to  ministerial  usurpation,  thai  Great  Britain  will  not,  in  an]  degrt 
relax  iii  her  measures,  until  we  acknowledge  her  "right  of  mak- 
ing laws  binding  upon  us  in  all  cases  whatever;"  and  thai,  1! 
we  refuse  by  our  denial  of  her  claim,  the  dispute  must  be  decid- 
ed by  arms;  in  which,  il  is  said  by  our  enemies,  "we  shall  have 
no  chance,  being  undisciplined,  cowards,  disobedient,  impatient  of 
command,  and  possessed  of  that  spirit  of  ||*levelling||  which  admits  of  no 
order,  subordination,  rule  or  government;  and,  whereas,  .  frotn||  the 
ministerial  army  and  fleet  now  at  Boston,  the  large  reenforcement  of 
troops  expected,  the  late  circular  letters  to  the  governors  upon  the 
continent,  the  general  tenor  of  intelligence  fromGreal  Britain,  and  the 
hostile  preparations  making  here:  as  also,  from  the  threats  and  repeat- 
ed insults  of  our  enemies,  in  the  capital  town,  we  have  reason  to  ap- 
prehend, that  the  sudden  destruction  of  this  province  is  in  contempla- 
tion, if  not  determined  upon: 

And,  whereas,  the  great  law  of  self-preservation  may  suddenly  re- 
quire our  raising  and  keeping  an  army  of  observation  and  defence,  in 
order  to  prevent  or  repel  any  further  attempts  to  ||benforce||  the  late 
cruel  and  oppressive  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  which  are  evident- 
ly designed  to  subject  us  and  the  whole  continent  to  the  most  ignomini- 
ous slavery;  and,  whereas,  in  case  of  raising  and  keeping  such  an  ar- 
my, it  will  be  necessary  that  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  the  same,  be 
fully  acquainted  with  their  duty,  and  thai  the  article-,  rules,  and  regu- 
lations thereof,  be  mad.'  as  plain  as  possible  :  and  having  great  confi- 
dence in  the  honor  and  public  virtue  of  the  inhabitant-  of  this  colony, 
that  they  will  readily  obey  the  officers,  chosen  by  themselves,  and  will 
cheerfully  do  their  duty  when  known,  without  any  such  severe  articles 
and  rules,  (except  in  capital  cases,)  and  cruel  punishments  as  are  usu- 
ally practised  in  standing  armies;  and  will  submit  to  all  such  rules  and 
regulations  as  are  founded  in  reason,  honor  and  virtue :  it  is  therefore, 
"Resolved,  that  the  following  articles,  rules,  and  regulations  for  the  ar- 
my, that  may  be  raised  for  the  defence  and  security  of  our  lives,  liber- 
ties, and  estates,  be,  and  hereby  are,  earnestly  recommended  to  be 
strictly  adhered  to  by  all  officers,  soldiers,  and  others  concerned,  as 
they  regard  their  own  honor  and  the  public  good. 

Art.    I.    AU    officers    and  soldiers,   not  having  just   impediment, 
ball  diligently  frequent  divine  service  and  Bermon,  in  the  places  ap- 
pointed for  the  assembling  of  the  regiment,  troop,  or  company,  to  which 

Mi 


122  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  5, 

they  belong,  and  such  as  wilfully  absent  themselves,  or,  being  present, 
behave  indecently  or  irreverently,  shall,  if  commissioned  officers,  [be] 
brought  before  a  regimental  court  martial,  there  to  be  publicly  and  se- 
verely reprimanded  by  the  president ;  if  non  commissioned  officers  or 
soldiers,  every  person  so  offending  shall,  for  his  first  offence,  forfeit  one 
shilling,  to  be  deducted  out  of  his  wages ;  for  the  second  offence,  he 
shall  not  only  forfeit  one  shilling,  but  be  confined  twenty-four  hours ; 
and  for  every  like  offence  [after,]  shall  suffer  and  pay  in  like  manner ; 
which  money  so  forfeited,  shall  be  applied  to  the  use  of  the  sick  sol- 
diers of  the  troop  or  company  to  which  the  offender  belongs. 

Art.  2.  Whatsoever  non  commissioned  officer  or  soldier  shall  use 
any  unlawful  oath  or  execration,  shall  incur  the  penalties  expressed  in 
the  ||afirst||  article:  and  if  a  commissioned  officer  be  thus  guilty  of  pro- 
fane cursing  and  swearing,  he  shall  forfeit  and  pay  for  each  and  every 
such  offence  four  shillings,  lawful  money. 

Art.  3.  Any  officer  or  soldier  who  shall  behave  himself  with  contempt 
or  disrespect  toward  the  general  or  generals,  or  commanders  in  chief 
of  the  Massachusetts  forces,  or  shall  speak  words  tending  to  his  or 
their  hurt  or  dishonor,  shall  be  punished,  according  to  the  nature  of  his 
offence,  by  the  judgment  of  a  general  court  martial.1 

Art.  4.  Any  officer  or  soldier,  who  shall  begin,  excite,  cause,  ||bor 
join  in  any||  mutiny  or  sedition,  in  the  regiment,  troop,  or  company, 
to  which  he  belongs,  or  in  any  other  regiment,  troop,  or  company  of 
the  Massachusetts  forces,  either  by  land  or  sea,  or  in  any  party,  post, 
detachment,  or  guard,  on  any  pretence  whatever,  shall  suffer  such  pun- 
ishment as  by  a  general  court  martial  shall  be  ordered. 

Art.  5.  Any  officer,  non  commissioned  officer,  or  soldier,  who,  be- 
ing present  at  any  mutiny  or  sedition,  does  not  use  his  utmost  endeav- 
ors to  suppress  the  same,  or,  coming  to  the  knowledge  of  any  mutiny, 
does  not,  without  delay,  give  information  thereof  to  his  commanding 
officer,  shall  be  punished  by  order  of  a  general  court  martial,  accord- 
ing to  the  nature  of  his  offence. 

Art.  6.  Any  officer  or  soldier,  who  shall  strike  his  superior  officer, 
or  draw,  or  offer  to  draw,  [his  sword,]  or  shall  lift  up  any  weapon,  or 
offer  any  violence  against  him,  being  in  the  execution  of  his  office,  on 
any  pretence  whatever,  or  shall  disobey  any  lawful  commands  of  his 
superior  officer,  shall  suffer  such  punishment,  as  shall,  according  to 
the  nature  of  his  offence,  be  ordered  by  the  sentence  of  a  general  court 
martial. 

eceding.||  1>  ||any  mutiny,  or  sedition,  or  join  in  such.|| 

(1)  In  the  copy,  th"  third  article  i-  numbered  Fourth,  and  the  fourth  article  inserted  in  the  place  of 
the  third. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  128 

Aim  7.  Any  non  commissioned  officer  or  soldier,  who  shall  desert, 
or  without  leave  from  his  commanding  officer,  absenl  himself,  from  the 
troop  or  company  t<>  which  he  belongs,  or  from  any  detachment  of  the 
same,  shall,  upon  being  convicted  thereof,  he  punished,  according  to 
ih"  nature  of  his  offenc  •,  al  tii"  discretion  of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art.  6.  Whatever  officer  or  soldier  shall  be  convicted  of  having  ad- 
vised, or  persuaded  any  other  otHcer  or  soldier  to  desert,  shall  Buffer 
such  punishment  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  sentence  of  a  general  court 
martial. 

Art.  '.».  All  officers,  of  what  condition  soever,  shall  have  power  to 
part  and  quell  all  quarrels,  frays,  and  disorders,  though  the  persons 
concerned  should  belong  to  another  regiment,  troop,  or  company,  and 
order  officers  to  be  arrested,  or  non  commissioned  officers  or  soldiers 
to  be  confined,  and  imprisoned,  till  their  proper  superior  officers  can 
be  made  acquainted  therewith  ;  and  whoever  shall  refuse  to  obey  such 
officer,  though  of  an  inferior  rank,  or  shall  draw  his  sword  upon  him, 
shall  be  punished  at  the  discretion  of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art.  10.  No  officer  or  soldier  shall  use  any  reproachful  or  provok- 
ing  speeches  or  gestures;  nor  shall  presume  to  send  a  challenge  to  any 
person  to  fight  a  duel ;  ||a||and  whoever  shall  knowingly  and  willingly 
suffer  any  person  whatsoever,  to  go  forth  to  fight  a  duel  ;  ||bor  shall 
second,  promote,  or  carry  any  challenge, ||  shall  be  deemed  as  a  princi- 
pal :  and  whatsoever  officer  or  soldier  shall  upbraid  another  for  refus- 
ing a  challenge,  shall  be  considered  as  a  challenger :  and  all  such  of- 
fenders in  any  of  these  or  the  like  cases,  shall  be  punished  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art.  I  I.  Every  officer,  commanding  in  quarters  or  on  a  march,  shall 
keep  good  order,  and,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  redress  all  such  abuses 
or  disorders,  which  may  be  committed  to  any  officer  or  soldier  under 
his  command;  if,  upon  any  complaint  made  to  him  of  officers  or 
soldier-  |  beating  |  or  otherwise  ill  treating  any  person,  or  of  commit- 
ting any  kind  of  riots,  to  the  disquieting  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  con- 
tinent, he,  the  said  commander,  shall  refuse  or  omit  to  see  justice 
done  to  the  offender  or  offenders,  and  reparation  made  to  the  par- 
ty  or  parties  injured,  as  soon  as  the  offender's  wanes  shall  enable  him 
or  them,  [he  ]  sh  ill,  upon  due  proof  thereof,  be  punished,  as  ordered  bj  a 
general  court  martial,  in  such  manner,  as  if  he  himself  had  committed 
the  crimes  or  disorder-  complained  of. 

Art.  12.   If  any  officer  should  think   himself  to  be  wronged  by  his 

or  carry  any  challerij 

il  si ml  any  such  conduct.||  c  ||bteaking.|| 


124  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  5, 

colonel  or  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment,  and  shall,  upon  due 
application  made  to  him,  be  refused  to  be  redressed,  he  may  complain 
to  the  general  or  commander  in  chief  of  the  Massachusetts  forces,  in 
order  to  obtain  justice,  who  is  hereby  required  to  examine  into  the  com- 
plaint and  see  that  justice  be  done. 

Art.  13.  If  any  inferior  officer  or  soldier  shall  think  himself  wronged 
by  his  captain  or  other  officer  commanding  the  troop  or  company  to  which 
he  belongs,  he  is  to  complain  thereof  to  the  commanding  officer  of  the 
regiment,  who  is  hereby  required  to  summon  a  regimental  court  mar- 
tial for  the  doing  justice  to  the  ||acomplainant;||  from  which  regimental 
court  martial,  either  party  may,  if  he  thinks  himself  still  aggrieved, 
appeal  to  a  general  court  martial ;  but  if,  upon  a  second  hearing,  the 
appeal  shall  appear  to  be  vexatious  and  groundless,  the  person  so  ap- 
pealing shall  be  punished  at  the  discretion  of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art  14.  Whatsoever  non  commissioned  officer  or  soldier  shall  be 
convicted  at  a  regimental  court  martial,  of  having  sold,  or  designedly, 
or  through  neglect,  wasted  the  ammunition,  arms,  or  provisions,  or 
other  military  stores  delivered  out  to  him  to  be  employed  in  the  ser- 
vice of  this  colony,  shall,  if  an  officer,  be  reduced  to  a  private  sentinel, 
and,  if  a  private  soldier,  shall  suffer  such  punishment  as  shall  be  order- 
ed by  a  regimental  court  martial. 

Art.  15.  All  non  commissioned  officers  or  soldiers,  who  shall  be 
found  one  mile  from  the  camp,  without  leave  in  writing  from  their  com- 
manding officer,  shall  suffer  such  punishment  as  shall  be  inflicted  on 
him  or  them,  by  the  sentence  of  a  regimental  court  martial. 

Art.  16.  No  officer  or  soldier  shall  i|blie||  out  of  his  quarters,  or 
camp,  without  leave  from  the  commanding  officer  of  the  regiment,  upon 
penalty  of  being  punished,  according  to  the  nature  of  his  offence,  by 
order  of  a  regimental  court  martial. 

Art.  17.  Every  non  commissioned  officer  and  soldier  shall  retire  to 
his  quarters,  or  tent,  at  the  beating  the  retreat ;  in  default  of  which,  he 
shall  be  punished,  according  to  the  nature  of  his  offence,  by  order  of 
the  commanding  officer. 

Art.  18.  No  officer,  non  commissioned  officer,  or  soldier,  shall  fail 
of  repairing,  at  the  time  fixed,  to  the  place  of  parade,  of  exercise,  or 
other  rendezvous,  appointed  by  the  commanding  officer,  if  not  prevent- 
ed by  sickness  or  some  other  evident  necessity ;  or  shall  go  from  the 
said  place  of  rendezvous,  or  from  his  guard,  without  leave  from  his 
commanding  officer,  before  he  shall  be  regularly  dismissed,  or  relieved, 

a  ||complaint.||  b  ||be.|| 


1775.]  SKCOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  125 

on  penalty  of  being   punished,  according  to  the  nature  of  his  often* 
b)  the  sentence  of  a  regimental  court  martial. 

Aim.  I'.t.  Whatsoever  commissioned  officer  shall  be  found  drunk 
upon  Ins  guard,  party,  or  other  duty  under  arms,  shall  be  cashiered  for 
it;  any  non  commissioned  ollicer  or  soldier  bo  offending,  shall  suffer 
such  punishment  as  shall  be  ordered  by  the  sentence  of  a  regimental 
court  martial. 

Art.  20.  Whatever  sentinel  shall  he  found  Bleeping  upon  his  post, 
or  shall  leave  it  hefore  he  shall  he  regularly  relieved,  shall  sutler  such 
punishment  as  shall  he  ordered  by  the  sentence  of  a  general  court 
martial. 

Art.  21.  Any  person  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  army,  who,  by 

discharging  of  fire-arms,  beating  of  drums,  or  by  any   other   ans 

whatever,  shall  occasion  false  alarms  in  camp  or  in  quarters,  shall  Buffer 
BUCb  punishment  as  shall  he  ordered  hy  the  sentence  of  a  general  court 
martial. 

Art.  22.  Any  officer  or  soldier  who  shall,  without  urgent  necessity, 
or  without  leave  of  his  superior  officer,  quit  his  platoon  or  division, 
Bhall  he  punished,  according  to  the  nature  of  his  offence,  by  the  sen- 
tence of  a  regimental  court  martial. 

Art.  23.  No  officer  or  soldier  shall  do  violence,  or  offer  any  insult 
or  abuse,  to  any  person  who  shall  bring  provisions  or  other  necessaries 
to  the  camp  or  quarters,  of  the  Massachusetts  tinny  ;  any  officer  or  sol- 
dier so  offending,  shall,  upon  complaint  being  made  to  the  command- 
ing otlicer.  Buffer  such  punishment  as  shall  be  ordered  hy  a  regimental 
court  martial. 

Aim.  J  I.  Whatever  officer  or  soldier  Bhall  shamefully  abandon  any 
post  committed  to  his  charge,  or  shall  speak  words  inducing  others  to 
do  the  like,  in  time  of  an  engagement,  shall  suffer  death  immediately. 

Art.  25.  Any  person  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  army,  who 
-hull  make  known  the  watchword  to  any  person,  who  is  not  entitled  to 
receive  it  according  to  the  rules  and  discipline  of  war,  or  shall  presume 
to  give  a  parol  or  watchword  different  from  what  he  received, shall  suf- 
fer death,  or  such  other  punishment  as  shall  he  ordered  by  a  general 
court  martial. 

Art.  \!<».  \\  hosoever,  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  army,  shall 
relieve  the  enemy  with  money,  victuals,  or  ammunition,  or  shall  know- 
inglj  harbor  and  protect  an  enemy,  shall  suffer  such  punishment,  as,  bj 
a    general  court   martial,  shall  he  ordered. 

Aim.  1',    Whosoever,  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  army,  shall  be 

convicted  of  holding  correspondence  with,  or  giving  intelligence   to 


126  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  5, 

the  enemy,  either  directly  or  indirectly,  shall  suffer  such  punishment 
as,  by  a  general  court  martial,  shall  be  ordered. 

Art.  28.  All  public  stores,  taken  in  the  enemy's  camp,  whether  of 
artillery,  ammunition,  clothing,  or  provisions,  shall  be  secured  for  the 
use  of  the  Massachusetts  colony. 

Art.  29.  If  any  officer  or  soldier  shall  leave  his  post  or  colors,  in 
time  of  an  engagement,  to  go  in  search  of  plunder,  he  shall,  upon  be- 
ing convicted  thereof  before  a  general  court  martial,  suffer  such  pun- 
ishment as,  by  said  court  martial,  shall  be  ordered. 

Art.  30.  If  any  commander  of  any  post,  entrenchment  or  fortress, 
shall  be  compelled,  by  the  officers  or  soldiers  under  his  command,  to 
give  it  up  to  the  enemy,  or  to  abandon  it,  the  commissioned  officers  or 
soldiers,  who  shall  be  convicted  of  having  so  offended,  shall  suffer 
death,  or  such  other  punishment  as  may  be  inflicted  upon  them  by  the 
sentence  of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art.  31.  All  ||asutlers||  and  retailers  to  a  camp,  and  all  persons 
whatsoever  serving  with  the  Massachusetts  army,  in  the  field,  though 
not  ||benlistedj|  soldiers,  are  to  be  subject  to  the  articles,  rules  and  regu- 
lations of  the  Massachusetts  army. 

Art.  32.  No  general  court  martial  shall  consist  of  a  less  number 
than  thirteen,  none  of  which  shall  be  under  the  degree  of  a  field  officer; 
and  the  president  of  each  and  every  court  martial,  whether  general  or 
regimental,  shall  have  power  to  administer  an  oath  to  every  witness  in 
order  to  the  trial  of  offenders ;  and  the  members  of  all  courts  martial 
shall  be  duly  sworn  by  the  president ;  and  the  next  in  rank  on  the  court 
martial,  shall  administer  the  oath  to  the  president. 

Art.  33.  The  members  both  of  general  and  regimental  courts  mar- 
tial shall,  when  belonging  to  different  corps,  take  the  same  rank  which 
they  hold  in  the  army ;  but  when  courts  martial  shall  be  composed  of 
officers  of  one  corps,  they  shall  take  ||ctheir  ranks||  according  to  their 
commissions,  by  which  they  are  mustered  in  the  said  corps. 

\i;t.  34.  All  the  members  of  a  court  martial  are  to  behave  with 
calmness,  decency  and  impartiality ;  and  in  the  giving  of  their  votes, 
are  to  begin  with  the  youngest,  or  lowest  in  commission. 

Art.  35.  No  field  officer  shall  be  tried  by  any  person  under  the  de- 
gree of  a  captain ;  nor  shall  any  proceeding  or  trial  be  carried  on,  ex- 
cepting between  the  hours  of  eight  in  the  morning  and  three  in  the 
afternoon,  excepl  in  cases  which  require  an  immediate  example. 

Art.  36.  The  commissioned  officers  of  every  regiment  may,  by  the 
appointment  of  their  colonel  or  commanding  officer,  hold  regimental 

a  ||sellers.||  b  ||entitled.||  c  ||rank.|| 


i:;.V|  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  12*3 

courts  martial  for  the  inquiring  into  such  disputes  or  criminal  man. 
as  may  come  before  them,  and  for  the  inflicting  corporal  punishment  foi 
small  offences,  and  -hall  give  judgment  by  the  majority  of  voices;  but 
no  sentence  shall  be  executed,  till  the  commanding  officer,  uot  being  a 
member  of  the  court  martial,  shall  have  confirmed  the  Bame. 

Art.  :{"/.  No  regimental  courl  martial  shall  consist  of  less  than  t"i\  <■ 
officers,  excepting  in  cast's  when  that  number  cannot  be  conveniently 
assembled,  when  three  may  be  sufficient  :  who  are  likewise  to  deter- 
mine upon  the  sentence,  by  the  majority  of  voices;  which  sentence  is 
to  he  confirmed  by  the  commanding  officer,  not  being  a  member  of  the 
court  martial. 

Art.  38.  Am  "tficer  commanding  in  forts,  castles,  or  barracks,  or 
el-ew  here,  where  the  corps  under  his  command  consists  of  detach- 
ments from  differenl  regiments,  or  of  independent  companies,  may 
a-semble  courts  martial,  for  the  trial  of  offenders  in  the  same  manner, 
as  if  they  wire  regimental  ;  whose  sentence  is  not  to  be  executed  till 
it  shall   be  confirmed  by  the  said  commanding  officer. 

Art.  39.  No  person  whatsoever  shall  use  menacing  words,  signs,  or 
gestures  in  the  presence  of  a  court  martial,  then  sitting,  or  shall  cause 
any  disorder  or  riot,  so  as  to  disturb  their  proceeding,  on  penalty  of 
being  punished  at  the  discretion  of  said  court  martial. 

Art.  40.  To  the  end  that  offenders  maybe  brought  to  justice,  when- 
ever any  officer  or  soldier  shall  commit  a  crime  deserving  punishment, 
he  shall,  by  his  commanding  officer,  if  an  officer,  he  put  in  arrest:  if 
a  non  commissioned  officer  or  soldier,  be  imprisoned  ;  till  he  shall  be 
either  tried  by  a  court  martial,  or  shall  he  lawfully  discharged  by  pro- 
per authority . 

\kt.  41.  No  officer  or  soldier  who  shall  be  put  in  arrest  or  impri- 
sonment, shall  continue  in  his  confinement  more  than  eight  days,  or 
till  such  time  as  a  court  martial  can  he  conveniently  assembled. 

Art.  12.  No  officer  commanding  a  guard,  or  provost  martial,  shall 
refuse  to  receive  or  keep  any  prisoner  committed  to  his  charge  by  any 
officer  belonging  to  the  Massachusetts  forces;  which  officer  shall, 
[with  the  prisoner]  at  the  same  time,  deliver  an  account  in  writing, 
signed  by  himself,  of  the  crimes  with  which  the  said  prisoner  is 
charged. 

Art.  43.  No  officer  commanding  a  guard,  or  provost  martial,  shall 
presume  to  release  any  prisoner  committed  to  his  charge,  without  pro- 
per authority  for  so  doing  ;  nor  shall  he  suffer  any  prisoner  to  escape, 
on  the  penalty  of  being  punished  lor  it.  by  the  sentence  of  a  general 
court  martial 


128  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  5, 

Art.  44.  Every  officer  or  provost  martial,  to  whose  charge  prisoners 
shall  be  committed,  is  hereby  required,  within  twenty-four  hours  of 
such  confinement,  or  as  soon  as  he  shall  be  ||arelieved||  from  his  guard, 
to  give  in  writing,  to  ||bthe||  colonel  of  the  regiment,  to  whom  the  pri- 
soner belongs,  where  the  prisoner  is  confined  upon  the  guard  belong- 
ing to  the  said  regiment,  and  [cwhere]  his  offence  only  relates  to  the 
neglect  of  duty  in  his  own  corps  :  or,  to  the  commander  in  chief,  their 
names,  their  crimes,  and  the  names  of  the  officers,  who  committed 
them,  on  the  penalty  of  his  being  punished  for  his  disobedience  or 
neglect  at  the  discretion  of  a  general  court  martial. 

Art.  45.  And  if  any  officer  under  arrest  shall  leave  his  confinement 
before  he  is  set  at  liberty  by  the  officer  who  confined  him,  or  by  a  su- 
perior power,  he  shall  be  cashiered  for  it. 

Art.  46.  Whatsoever  commissioned  officer  shall  be  convicted  before 
a  general  court  martial,  of  behaving  in  a  scandalous,  infamous  man- 
ner, such  as  is  unbecoming  an  officer  and  a  gentleman,  shall  be  dis- 
charged from  the  service. 

Art.  47.  All  officers,  conductors,  gunners,  matrosses,  drivers,  or 
any  other  persons  whatever,  receiving  pay  or  hire  in  the  service  of  the 
Massachusetts  artillery,  shall  be  governed  by  the  aforesaid  rules  and 
articles,  and  shall  be  subject  to  be  tried  by  courts  martial  in  like  man- 
ner with  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Massachusetts  troops. 

Art.  48.  For  differences  arising  amongst  themselves,  or  in  matters 
relating  solely  to  their  own  corps,  the  courts  martial  may  be  composed 
of  their  own  officers ;  but  where  a  number  sufficient  cannot  be  assem- 
bled, or  in  matters  wherein  other  corps  are  interested,  the  officers  of 
artillery  shall  sit  in  courts  martial  with  the  officers  of  the  other 
corps. 

Art.  49.  All  crimes  not  capital,  and  all  disorders  and  neglects,  which 
officers  and  soldiers  may  be  guilty  of,  to  the  prejudice  of  good  order 
and  military  discipline,  though  not  mentioned  in  the  articles  of  war, 
are  to  be  taken  cognizance  of  by  a  general  or  regimental  court  mar- 
tial, according  to  the  nature  and  degree  of  the  offence,  and  be  punish- 
ished  at  their  discretion. 

Art.  50.  No  court  martial  shall  order  any  offender  to  be  whipped  or 
receive  more  than  thirty-nine  stripes  for  any  one  offence. 

Art.  51.  The  field  officers  of  each  and  every  regiment,  are  to  ap- 
point some  suitable  person  belonging  to  such  regiment,  to  receive  all 
such  fines  as  may  arise  within  the  same,  for  any  breach  of  any  of  the 

a  ||reloasod.||  b  ||his.||  c  [that.] 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  (29 

(i>ri"jt)\wjr  articles,  and  shall  direct  the  same  to  be  carefully  and  pro- 
perly applied  to  the  relief  of  such  sick,  wounded,  or  necessitous  sol- 
diers as  belong  to  such  regiment,  and  such  person  shall  account  with 
such  officer  for  all  fines  received  and  the  application  thereof. 

Art.  52.  All  members  sitting  in  courts  martial,  shall  be  sworn  by 
the  president  of  said  court-,  winch  president  shall  himself  be  sworn  by 
the  officer  in  said  court  next  in  rank  :  the  oaths  to  be  administered 
previous  to  their  proceeding  to  the  trial  of  any  offender,  [to  be]  in 
form  following  : — You  A  B  swear,  that  you  will  well  and  truly  try  and 
impartially  determine  the  cause  of  the  prisoner  now  to  be  tried,  ac- 
cording to  the  rules  for  regulating  the  Massachusetts  army.  So  help 
you  God. 

Art.  53,  All  persons,  called  to  give  evidence  in  any  case  before  a 
court  martial,  who  shall  refuse  to  give  evidence,  shall  be  punished  for 
Mich  refusal,  at  the  discretion  of  such  court  martial.  The  oath  to  be 
administered  in  the  form  following  : — You  swear,  the  evidence  you 
-hill  give,  in  the  case  in  hearing,  shall  be  the  truth,  the  whole  truth, 
and  nothing  but  the  truth.     So  help  you  God. 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Northfield  be  desired, 
in  consideration  of  the  bodily  indisposition  of  their  present  member, 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Jones,  which  prevents  his  attendance,  to  add  one  other 
member  to  him,  in  order  that  their  town  may  be  represented  in  Con- 
gress, who  are  very  desirous  that  the  wisdom  of  the  province  may  be 
collected  at  this  critical  juncture  of  our  public  affairs. 

The  committee,  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  application 
of  the  committee  from  Boston,  and  others,  reported  that  the  papers 
lie  on  the  table  for  farther  consideration  at  some  future  day. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  be  di- 
rected to  sit. 

Congress  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 

Thursday,  April  6,  1775,  A.  M. 

[On]  an  application  from  the  committees  of  inspection  of  Taunton,  and 
all  the  other  towns  in  the  county  of  Bristol,  setting  forth  that  General 
Gage  had  applied  to  five  justices  in  said  county,  to  provide  quarter- 
for  two  hundred  of  his  majesty's  troops,  which  may  be  sent  to  the 
town  of  Freetown:     \\*\\Ordered,  That  Mr.  Murray,  Doct.  Gunn,  Col. 

u  l'tlnTcupon.|| 
1" 


130  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  6, 

Pomeroy,  Col.  Cushing,  Mr.  Freeman,  Capt.  Holmes  and  Mr.  Watson, 
be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  application  into  consideration  and  re- 
port thereon. 

1 1 Congress 1 1  adjourned  till  twelve  o'clock  at  noon. 

Met  and  adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  application 
[from]  all  the  towns  in  the  county  of  Bristol,  reported  ;  [the  report 
was]  amended  and  passed  unanimously,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

Gentlemen  : — Your  very  interesting  letter  of  the  fourth  instant,  di- 
rected to  the  president,  has  been  early  laid  before  us.  Heartily  affected 
with  the  matters  it  contains,  this  Congress  resolved  on  the  immediate 
consideration  of  it.  The  part  acted  by  Col.  Gilbert  respecting  the  com- 
mon cause  of  America,  since  the  commencement  of  its  public  troubles, 
is  sufficiently  consonant  to  the  tenor  of  his  ordinary  conduct,  so  far  as 
it  has  been  the  object  of  public  observation  ;  and  leaves  no  American 
room  to  hesitate  in  pronouncing  him  an  inveterate  enemy  to  his  coun- 
try, to  reason,  justice,  and  the  common  rights  of  mankind;  and,  there- 
fore, whoever  has  knowingly  espoused  his  cause,  or  taken  up  arms  for 
its  support,  does,  in  common  with  himself,  deserve  to  be  instantly  cut 
off  from  the  benefit  of  commerce  with,  or  countenance  of,  any  friend 
of  virtue,  America,  or  the  human  race. 

This  Congress  cannot  but  rejoice  in  the  satisfactory  evidence  they 
have  of  the  patriotism  and  public  spirit  of  the  county  of  Bristol,  and 
the  vigilance  of  its  inhabitants  over  the  manoeuvres  of  the  incendia- 
ries  among  them ;  we  are  much  pleased  with  their  joint  readiness,  for 
their  most  vigorous  exertions  in  their  country's  cause,  and  earnestly 
hope  that  their  preparations  will  be  pursued  with  unabated  zeal,  as  the 
known  resolutions  of  our  public  enemies,  have,  at  last,  necessitated 
the  contemplation  of  a  plan  of  general  defence,  in  support  of  which, 
the  spirit  and  prowess  of  the  county  of  Bristol  may  very  soon  be  called 
up  to  the  view  of  mankind. 

We  earnestly  recommend  it  to  you,  gentlemen,  as  guardians  of  the 
public  interest,  to  exert  yourselves,  that  the  militia,  and  especially  the 
minute  men  of  your  county,  be  found  in  the  best  posture  of  defence, 
whenever  any  exigence  may  require  this  aid;  but  the  plans  laid  for 
the  general  good  oblige  us  to  request  that  whatever  patience  and  for- 
bearance it  may  require  for  the  present,  you  would  act  on  the  defen- 
sive only,  until  the  further  direction  of  this  Congress. 

And,  therefore,  though  we  could  wish  that  a  particular  account  of 
the  conduct  of  Col.  Gilbert  and  his  adherents,  as  well  as  of  the  king's 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  LSI 

troops,  whilst  stationed  among  you,  might  be  taken   <>n   sufficient  evi- 
dence in  perpetuam  ret  memoriam,je\  we  could  not  advise  to 
iin-s,  either  with  respect  to  said  Gilbert  and  his  b  m  1  I 
troops,  that  our  enemies  might  plausibly  interpret  as  a  commi  nt 

of  hostilities. 

This  Congress,  however,  are  clearly  of  opinion,  that,  whatever  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  or  other  person  in  the  county  of  Bristol,  shall  be 
active  in  providing  quarters,  or  other  supplies,  for  the  said  troops,  or 
any  others  sent  in  like  manner,  will  be  considered  by  all  America  as 
aiding  and  assisting  in  the  execution  of  the  [acts  of  the]  British  par- 
liament, against  which,  as  fundamentally  destructive  of  the  mosl  inval- 
uable rights  and  privileges  of  the  colonies,  America  has  unitedly  re- 
monstrated. 

In  Provini  i\i.  Congress,  Concord,  April  6,  \~~~< 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  be  signed  by  the  president,  in  behalf 
of  the  Congress,  and  sent  to  the  committees  of  inspection  of  the 
county  of  Bristol. 

Ordered,  That  the  application  from  the  selectmen  of  Billerica,  and 
the  application  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of 
Boston  and  others,1  be  again  committed  to  the  committee,  who  had 
them  under  consideration,  and  reported  that  they  lie  on  the  table.  The 
committee  was  ordered  to  sit  immediately. 

Adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

(1)  These  application!  related  t.i  an  outrage  on  a  citizen  of  llilli-rit-a,  rmmed  Thomas  Ditson, 
Jim.  The  sUny  of  hia  wrongs,  which  created  great  sensation,  is  told  in  the  following  narrative 
copied  from  the  Massachusetts  Spy,  March  10,  1775. 

"  The  act  of  tarring  and  feathering  not  repealed."— *' Last  Thursday  morning,  a  countryman 

i  irred  and  feathered,  and  curried  through  a e  of  the  streets,  in  this  town,  by  a  party  of  sol- 

diers,  attended  by  some  officers.    The  following  is  the  man's  own  deposition  relative  to  thai  affair, 
swum  in  before  a  magistrate  ;  upon  which  we  shall  make  no  remarks,  bul  leave  the  public  to  judge 

of  the  conduct  of  some  of  those  who  are  aaid  to  have  I a  sent  among  ua  to  preserve  peace  and 

good  order,  and  to  prevent  mobs,  tumults  and  other  unlawful  assemblies." 

"I,  Thomas  Ditson,  Jun.,  of  Billorica,  husbandman,  testify  and  declare,  that,  while  walk 
Fore  street,  on  the  8th  of  March,  in  the  afternoon,  I  inquired  of  some  townsmen,  who  had  any 
guns  in  sell '  one  whom  I  did  not  know,  replied,  he  had  a  very  fine  gun  to  sell.    The  man  appeared 

ti>  be  a  soldier,  and  I  went  with  him  to  a  house  wher was,  whom  the  soldier  called  sergeant, 

and  seeing  some  old  clothes  about  the  bouse,  I  asked  whether  they  sold  such  things  ;  tin 
replied  that  they  did  frequently.    I  then  asked  Ins  price  for  an  old  red  coat  ripl  to  pit 
8s.  6d.  sterling  j  but  1  refused  to  give  it.     Then  one  M'Clinchy,  the  soldier  I  met   with  at   first  in 
the  street,  said  be  had  Bome  old  clothea  to  sell,  and  aent  Ins  wife  out  after  them  to  a  man  he  called 
a  sergeant,  and  sin  sunn  brought  an  old  coat  and  an  old  jacket.     I  then  asked  him  if  be  had 
right  to  sell  them,  and  tin   sergeant  -aid  that  they  frequently  sold  them,  and  be  would  give  awi  I 

if  I  desired  it,  but  said  there  was  no  occasion.     I  then  bought  tl oat  and  jacket,  and  gave  two 

pistareens,  and  then  put  the  clothes  in  a  bag,  which  I  left  behind  j  after  which  1  went  to  M'<!in 
ciiy  to  see  Ins  gun,  which  be  aaid  was  a  very  fine  piece.     I  aski  d  biro  if  be  had  anj  right  to  sell  It 

Hi    replied  be  had,  and  that  the  gun  was  Ins  to  dispose  of  at   am   time.      1    then    Uked    him  whether 
ha  thought  the  sentry  would  not  lake  it  from  me  at  the  ferri ,  U  I  had  beard  that  some  persons   had 


132  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  7, 

Friday,  April  7,  1775,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Warren    and   Doct.  Church   be   added   to  the 
committee  on  the  state  of  the  province. 

had  their  guns  taken  from  them,  but  never  thought  there  was  any  law  against  trading  with  a  sol- 
dier. He  then  told  me  he  had  stood  sentry,  and  that  they  frequently  let  them  pass.  He  then 
asked  me  what  I  would  give  him  for  the  gun  ?  I  told  him  I  would  give  four  dollars,  if  there  was  no 
risk  in  carrying  it  over  the  ferry.  He  said  there  was  not,  and  that  I  might  rely  on  his  word.  I 
then  agreed  to  give  four  dollars  for  his  gun,  but  did  not  take  it  nor  pay  the  money ;  coming  away, 
he  follows  me  down  stairs,  and  says,  that  there  was  a  sergeant  had  an  old  rusty  piece,  that  he  would 
sell  cheap.  I  asked  him  his  price  ;  he  said  he  would  sell  it  for  one  dollar  and  an  half,  if  I  would 
pay  the  money  down,  and  he  urged  me  to  take  it.  I  then  agreed  to  give  him  said  sum.  His  wife, 
as  he  called  her,  then  came  down,  and  said,  M'Clenchy,  what  are  you  going  to  do,  to  bring  the  man 
into  a  scrape  ?  I  then  told  them,  that  if  there  was  any  difficulty,  to  give  me  my  money  again,  but 
he  refused,  and  replied  his  wife  made  an  oration  for  nothing,  and  that  lie  had  a  right  to  sell  his  gun 
to  any  body.  I  was  afraid  from  her  speaking  that  there  was  something  not  right  in  it,  and  left  the 
gun,  and  coming  away,  he  followed  me,  and  urged  the  guns  upon  me  ;  I  told  him  I  had  rather  not 
take  them  for  fear  of  what  his  wife  had  said  ;  he  then  declared  there  was  no  danger,  for  he  had 
spoken  to  the  officer  or  sentry,  who  said  he  had  a  right  to  dispose  of  them,  and  urged  me  to  pay 
the  four  dollars  I  had  offered  for  the  guns,  which  I  then  refused,  and  desired  I  might  have  the  one 
and  half  dollar  back  which  I  had  paid  for  the  gun.  He  refused,  saying  there  was  no  danger,  and 
damned  me  for  a  fool.  I  then  paid  him  the  four  dollars  for  the  good  gun,  but  did  not  receive  any 
one  of  them.  After  I  had  paid  the  money,  he  then  said,  take  care  of  yourself,  and  the  first  thing  I  saw 
was  some  men  coming  up.  I  stept  off  to  go  after  my  great  coat,  but  they  followed  and  seized  me, 
and  carried  me  to  the  guard-house  upon  Foster's  wharf.  This  was  about  six  or  seven  o'clock  in 
the  evening.  When  I  came  into  the  guard-house,  they  read  me  a  law  which  I  never  before  saw  or 
heard  of.  I  was  detained  till  about  seven  in  the  morning,  when  I  expected  I  should  have  been 
obliged  to  pay  the  £5  mentioned  in  the  law  read  to  me,  and  hired  a  regular  to  carry  a  letter  to  some 
friends  over  the  ferry,  which  was  to  desire  them  to  come  to  me  as  quick  as  possible  with  money  to 
pay  my  fine.  Soon  after,  the  sergeant  came  in,  and  ordered  me  to  strip.  I  then  asked  him  what  lie 
was  going  to  do  with  me.  He  said,  damn  you,  I  am  going  to  serve  you  as  you  have  served  our 
men.  Then  came  in  a  soldier  with  a  bucket  of  tar  and  a  pillow  bier  of  feathers.  I  was  then  made 
to  strip,  which  I  did  to  my  breeches.  They  then  tarred  and  feathered  me,  and  while  they  were 
doing  it,  an  officer  who  stood  at  the  door  said,  tar  and  feather  his  breeches,  which  they  accordingly 
did,  and  I  was  then  tarred  and  feathered  from  head  to  foot,  and  had  a  paper  read  to  me  which  was 
then  tied  round  my  neck,  but  afterwards  turned  behind  me,  with  the  following  words  wrote  upon  it, 
to  the  best  of  my  remembrance :  "American  liberty  or  democracy  exemplified,  in  a  villain  who  at- 
tempted to  entice  one  of  the  soldiers  of  his  majesty's  47th  regiment  to  desert  and  take  up  arms 
with  rebels  against  his  king  and  country."  I  was  then  ordered  to  walk  out,  and  get  into  a  chair 
fastened  upon  trucks,  which  I  did,  when  a  number  of  the  king's  soldiers,  as  I  imagined  about  forty 
or  fifty,  armed  with  guns  and  fixed  bayonets,  surrounded  the  trucks,  and  they  marched  with  a  num- 
ber of  officers  before  them,  one  of  whom,  I  am  told,  was  the  colonel  of  the  47th  regiment,  who  I 
have  since  heard  was  named  Nesbit,  together  with  a  number  of  drums  and  fifes,  from  the  wharf  up 
King  street  and  down  Fore  street,  and  then  through  the  Main  street,  passing  the  governor's  house, 
until  they  came  to  liberty  tree  ;  then  they  turned  up  Frog  lane  and  made  a  halt,  and  a  sergeant,  as  I 
took  him  to  be,  said  get  down :  I  then  asked  where  I  should  go,  and  he  said  where  you 
please.  Near  the  governor's  house  the  inhabitants  pressed  in  upon  the  soldiers  ;  the  latter  ap- 
peared to  me  to  be  angry,  and  I  was  afraid  they  would  have  fired,  they  being  ordered  to  load  their 
muskets,  which  they  did.  THOMAS  DITSON,  Jun." 

This  narrative  was  verified  by  the  oath  of  the  deponent,  March  9,  1775,  before  Edmund  CAuincy, 
Esq. 

The  selectmen  of  BUlerica  presented  the  following  spirited  protest  against  the  cruel  outrage  of 
the  soldiers,  to  general  Gage. 

"  May  it  please  your  excellency  : — 

"  We,  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Billcrica,  beg  leave  to  remonstrate  to  your  excellency,  that 
on  the  eighth  day  of  this  instant   March,  one  Thomas  Ditson,  an  inhabitant  of  said  town  of  Bille- 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  [33 

Mr.  Crane  laid  on  the  table  a  number  of  letters,  which  were  Bent  to 
him  from  Stoughton,  and  said  to  be  from  Col.  Gilbert  and  others. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Thomas,  Mr.  Devens,  Mr.  Gardner,  l)«.,i.  ivr- 
kin>  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a  committee  t<>  take  them  into  consideration 
and  report  ;   they  reported  ||"||  that  they  be  read. 

Ordered, That  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  be  direct- 
ed to  wait  on  the  Hon.  governor  Hopkins  and  the  Hon.  governor  Ses- 
sions, and  congratulate  them  on  their  arrival  to  this  town,  and  hold  a 
conference  with  them  on  the  present  state  of  our  public  affairs. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  on  the  application  from  Billeri- 
ca,  Os.  r.  reported;  the  report  [was]  amended,  accepted  and  is  a-  i"l- 
lows  : 

I\  Provincial  Congress,   \Concord,\\  April*,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  letter  be  signed  by  the  president,  and 
directed  to  the  selectmen  of  Billerica  : 

Gentlemen: — This  Congress,  deeply  sensible  of  the  high-handed 
insult  offered  the  town  of  Billerica,  the  colony  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay,  and  this  continent  in  general,  in  the  vile  and  ignoble  assault  in 
the  person  of  Thomas  Ditson,  by  a  party  of  the   king's  troops  under 

rica,  was  tarred  and  feathered,  anil  very  much  abused,  by  a  party  of  his  majesty's  -17th  regiment, 

under  the  command  of  lieutenant  col I  Nesbit.      \s  guardians  for  Baid  town,  and  from  a  regard 

to  tli.-  liberties  and  properties  of  its  inhabitants,  we  cannot  but  resent  this  procedure.     Y.mr  excel- 
lency i  risible,  that  1 1 1 1 ~  act  is  a  high  infraction  of  that  personal  security,  which  every  En 
gliehman  i*  entitled  to,  ami  without  which  his  boasted  constitution  is  but  a  Dame." 

I    i-  sufficiently  unhappy  for  as,  that  «■•■  find  trunks  quartered  ai ig  us  for  the  pur| of  en- 
forcing obedienci                 :  parliament  of  Great  Britain,  in  the  highest  sense  iniquitous,  cruel  and 
It  i-  -nil  more  nnhappy,  if  tin-so  troops,  instead  <>f  preserving  tin'  character  which  British 
bad,  should  pour  in  additional  insult,  ami  he  guilty  of  the   most   brutal  outrages.     We 
rout  excellency  will  take  some  proper  steps  tor  accommodating  this  affair:  for. 
von,  we  cannot,  consistent  with  oui  duty,  pass  iiiis  matter  over.    We  have  been  told  by  your  ex- 
cellency, thai  you  never  meant  to  disturb  the  intercourse  betwei  n  tie-  town  and  country.    Confid- 
ing in  this,  we  have  passed  and  repassed  in  our  usual  manner.     We,  therefore,  hope-  your  excellen- 
cy will  make  ii  evident  by  your  conduct  that  you  are  determined  the  intercourse  shall  he  pre-. 
and  we  he  not  buoj  ed  up  with  promises,  which,  in  the  end,  we  unhappily  find,  are  not  to  he  depended 
upon.     Lieutenant  colonel  Nesbit  is  an  officer  under  your  excellency's  command.    Of  you,  then - 
fore,  ire  demand  satisfaction  for  the  insult  committed  by  him.     We  think  it  is  in  your  power.     We 

>'ir  excellency,  that  tin-  breach,  now  too  wide  between  Great  Britain  and  this  province,  may 
not,  by  the  brutality  of  the  troops,  still  he  increased.  We  assure  you,  -k,  it  always  has  been,  anil 
still  is  our  sentiment  and  prayer,  that  harmony  may   lie    restored,  and    that    we   may  no;  be  driven  to 

the  last  .h-ires-  of  nations.  But,  may  ii  please  >nnr  excellency,  we  must  tell  you,  tint  we  are  de- 
termined, it  tin'  innocent  inhabitants  of  our  country  town-,  lor  we  must  think  this  man  innocent  in 
this  alt'air,  must  he  interrupted  by  soldiers  in  their  lawful  intercourse  with  the  town  of  Cost, m,  and 

1  with  the  most  brutal  ferocity,  we  shall,  hereafter,  use  a  different  Btyle  from  that  of  p 

and  complaint." 

"  If  the  grand  bulwarks  of  our  constitution  are  thus  violently  torn  away,  and  the  powi 
earth  prove  unfriendly  to  the  cause  "I"  virtue,  liberty  and  humanity,  we  nre  still  happy  that  « 
appeal  to  llim  whojudgeth  righteously,  and  to  Han  we  cheerfully  ha.  at." 

a  ||an  expedient.|| 


134  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [April  7, 

general  Gage's  command,  do  highly  approve  of  the  manly  and  resolute 
conduct  of  the  town  of  Billerica,  by  their  manifesting  a  due  resent- 
ment to  the  general,  and  demanding  a  constitutional  satisfaction. 

Notwithstanding  you  have  not  received  that  satisfaction  from  the 
general  which  you  had  a  just  right  to  expect,  yet  this  Congress  humbly 
hope,  under  Providence,  that  the  time  is  fast  approaching,  when  this 
colony  and  continent  will  have  justice  done  them,  in  a  way  consistent 
with  the  dignity  of  freemen,  on  such  wicked  destroyers  of  the  natural 
and  constitutional  rights  of  Americans.  Gentlemen,  we  are  confident 
that  the  town  of  Billerica  will  still  continue  in  that  candid  pursuit  of 
peace  and  good  order,  which  manifestly  appears  in  their  late  conduct. 

Ordered,  That  the  letters  which  have  been  received  or  laid  on  the 
table  by  Mr.  Crane,  be  sent  to  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  prov- 
ince.^! 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  application 
from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Boston  and  others,  reported  ; 
the  report  [was]  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

Gentlemen  : — Your  petition  and  memorial  of  the  31st  of  March 
we  have  received  ;  since  which,  intelligence  of  the  most  extraordinary 
nature  from  Great  Britain  has  come  to  hand.  We  are,  gentlemen, 
much  pleased  with  the  spirit  and  sentiment  of  your  memorial :  but, 
as  ||bmatters  of  the  greatest  importance||  now  demand  our  immediate 
attention,  and  the  consideration  of  them  will  take  up  the  most  impor- 
tant matters  in  your  petition  ;  we,  therefore,  most  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  you,  gentlemen,  as  guardians  of  the  public  interest,  to  exert 
yourselves  that  the  militia  and  minute  men  of  your  counties,  be  found 
in  the  best  posture  of  defence,  whenever  any  exigence  may  require 
their  aid;  but  as  the  plans  laying  for  the  general  good  oblige  us  to  re- 
quest, that,  whatever  patience  and  forbearance  it  may  require,  you 
would  act  only  on  the  defensive,  until  the  farther  order  of  this  Con- 
gress. 

And,  therefore,  though  we  could  wish  a  particular  account  of  the 
ministers'  troops,  while  stationed  among  you,  might  be  taken  on  suffi- 
cient evidence,  yet  we  could  not  advise  to  any  measures,  respecting 
them,  that  our  enemies  might  plausibly  interpret  as  a  commencement 
of  hostilities  :  but,  on  the  contrary,  let  your  characteristic  be,  as  it 
always  has  been,  ||cregard||  of  peace  and  good  order,  and  the  just 
rights  of  mankind. 

a  ||Adjourned  till  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. || 

he  greatest  and  most  important  matters. ||  c  ||conservators.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  135 

We  most  earnestly  wish  that  the  blessing  of  Heaven  may  accompany 
your  laudable  endeavors  to  preserve  the  public  weal  of  this  province 

We  remain,  [&-c] 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  7,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  foregoing  letter  be  signed  by  the  pn-ident,  in 
behalf  of  this  Congress,  and  sent  to  the  committees  of  correspondence 
of  the  towns  of  Boston,  Milton,  Roxbury,  Dorchester,  Cambridge, 
Newton,  Watertown,  Lynn,  .Maiden,  Woburn,  Charlestown  and  Marl- 
borough, directed  to  William  Cooper,  clerk  of  said  committees  of  cor- 
respondence. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Osgood,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  and  Mr. 
Webster,  be  added  t<»  the  committee  appointed  to  disperse  the  hand- 
bills, &c. 

||The  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock. 

Saturday,  April  8,  1775,  A.  M. 

[The]  doorkeeper  [was]  directed  to  call  in  the  members,  and  to  call 
none  out  till  the  farther  order  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve  rela- 
tive to  raising  and  establishing  an  army,  and  that  committees  be 
appointed  forthwith  to  repair  to  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and  New- 
Hampshire,  to  inform  them  of  our  resolution,  and  desire  their  co-ope- 
ration, \Lc. 

Resolved,  That  the  report  be  considered  in  paragraphs :   Ordered, 

that  the  members  be  enjoined  to  attend. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

Aflcrni  K 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  made  in  the 
forenoon,  which  passed:  present  103  [members:]  in  favor  96 — [which 
report]  is  as  follows  : 

l\  Provini  i\i  Congress,  Concord,  April  8,  I77">. 
Resolved,  Thai  the  present  dangerous  and  alarming  situation  of  our 
public  affairs,  renders  it  necessary  for  this  colony  to  make  preparations 
for  their  security  and  defence,  by  raising  and  establishing  an  army, 
and  that  delegates  be  appointed  forthwith  to  repair  to  Connecticut, 
Rhode  Island  and  New-Hampshire,  informing  them  that  we  are  con- 
templating upon,  and  are  determined  to  take  effectual  measures  foi 
that  purpose;  and  tor  the  more  effectual  security  of  the  New  England 
colonies  and  the  continent,  to  request  them  to  co-operate  with  us,  bj 
furnishing  their  respective  quotas  for  general  defence 


L86  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  10, 

Resolved,  That  there  he  sent  two  delegates  to  each  New  England 
colony  with  the  above  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  choose  in  the  first  place  delegates  to 
repair  to  Connecticut  :    accordingly  chose  Col.  Foster  and   Mr.   Bliss. 

lit  solved,  That  they  choose  in  the  second  place  delegates  to  repair 
to  Rhode  Island  :  accordingly  chose  Col.  Timothy  Walker  and  Doct. 
Perkins. 

Resolved,  That  in  the  third  place  (lie  Congress  choose  delegates  to 
repair  to  New  Hampshire:  accordingly  chose  Mr.  Freeman  and 
( lapt.  Osgood. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Adams  and  Capt.  Osgood  draught  a 
letter  to  each  of  the  colonies,  viz.  :  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and 
New  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  take  into 
consideration  what  number  of  men,  in  their  opinion,  will  he  necessary 
In  be  raised  hy  the  lour  New  England  governments  for  their  general 
defence,  and  report. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  next,  nine  o'clock  in  the  forenoon. 

Monday,  April  10,  1 775,  A.  M. 
The  committee  appointed  to  draught  a  letter  to  the  colonies  of  Con- 
necticut,  Rhode    Island    and    New    Hampshire,  reported;    the   report 
[was]  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows: 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  10,  ||*1775.|| 

Sir,  or  Gentlemen  : — In  consideration  of  the  measures  that  have 
been   taken    by   the   British    administration,  to   subjugate   the  North 

American  colonies;  the  rapidity  with  which  their  plans  have  been 
hitherto    executed  ;     the    late    very    alarming    intelligence    from    Great 

Britain;  the  false  and  inflammatory  accounts  that  have  heen  laid  be- 
fore Our  sovereign  and  his  parliament,  to  induce  them  to  consider  this 
colony  as  in  a  state  of  rebellion,  and  our  sister  colonies  as  counte- 
nancing ns  therein,  and  the  violent  measures  that  are  ordered,  in  con- 
sequence  thereof,  together  with  the  daily  and  hourly  preparations  there 
are  making  bj  the  troops  under  the  command  of  general  Gage,  in 
Boston;  (hi-,  Congress  have  come  to  a  full  conclusion,  that  very  little, 
it  BJl)  expectation  of  the  redress  of  our  common  and  intolerable 
gnevanci      i     to  he  h;nl  from  the  hnmhle  and  dutiful  petition  and  other 

wise   met of   the   late    honorable   Continental    Congress,    and 

n  11)810.' 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  193 

therefore  have  come  into  certain  resolutions  i"  !»■  communicated  to 
\uii  by  delegates,  appointed  tor  thai  purpose,  in  which  thej  are  earn- 
estly desirous  of  the  concurrence  of  jrour  colon] 

Wishing  ili.it  the  American  colonies  may,  al  this   important   crisis, 

be  under  the  directi f  Heaven,  I  am,  in  the  name  and  by  order  of 

the  <  longress,  [&c] 

Ordered,  Thai  the  foregoing  be  signed  bj  the  president,  in  the  name 
and  behalf  <>t"  iln>  ( longress. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  co ittee  on  the  Btate  of  the  province  take  into 

consideration,  and  report,  whal  number  of  men,  in  their  opinion,  will 
be  necessarj  for  the  army  [proposed]  to  be  raised 

Resolved,  Thai  there  be  i  an  addition  of  three||  to  the  delegates  ap- 
pointed to  repair  to  the  neighboring  governments,  and  thai  this  Con- 
Income  to  the  choice  of  them||  al  three  o'clock  this  afternoon, 
in  ballot. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  tliis  afternoon 

\ll.rimon. 

The  onlcr  of  the  daj  [was]  moved  lor. 

Ordered,  Thai  Major  Fuller,  Capt.  Greenleaf  and  Mr.  Ellis,  be  a 
committee  to  counl  and  Borl  the  votes  for  the  gentlemen  to  be  added 
to  the  delegates  appointed  to  repaii  to  Connecticut,  Rhode  [aland  and 
New  Hampshire,  and  thai  thej  bring  in  theii  votes  for  .1  gentleman  t<> 
repair  to  <  'onnecticut. 

Having  counted  and||  sorted  the  votes,  [the  committee]  reported 
thai  the  Mom.  Timothj  Daniel  on,  Esq.  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  Thai  votes  be  broughl  in  for  a  gentleman  to  !"■  added  to 
the  dele  ■  ite    appointed  to  repair  i<>  Rhode  Island. 

Mhi  counting  and  sorting  the  votes,  [the  committee]  reported  thai 
the  Hon  James  Warren,  Esq.  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  Thai  votes  be  broughl  in  for  a  gentleman  to  be  added  to 
the  delegates  appointed  to  repair  to  New  Hampshire. 

Alter  counting  and  Borting  the  votes,  [the  committee]  reported  thai 
Mr.  Elbi nl"i-  Gerry  « as  chosen. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  1>«:  di- 
rected to  draught  such  instruction  i  the]  ihall  think  necessary  to  be 
given  to  the  delegates  appointed  to  repair  to  the  neighboring  govern- 
ments, and  repoi  I 

The  c ittee  on  the  state  ol  the  province  reported  a  resolve,  rela- 
tive to  exercising  the  minute  men  in  battalions,  and  thai  thej  be  paid 

li  ||lliroc  added. ||  r  i 

I- 


138  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  11, 

out  of  the  public   treasury,  &c.  :   Ordered,  that   the   consideration  of 
this  report  be  deferred  till  to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock. 
||Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  April  11,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  instructions  to 
the  delegates  appointed  to  repair  to  Connecticut,  &lc.  ;  [which  report 
was]  read  and  accepted,  and  Ordered,  that  it  be  signed  by  the  presi- 
dent, and  is  as  follows  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  11,  1775. 

Gentlemen  : — The  thorough  knowledge  you  have  of  our  public 
affairs,  and  the  distressed  circumstances  of  this  devoted  province, 
makes  it  unnecessary  to  be  particular  in  any  instructions  with  regard 
to  the  important  trust  committed  to  your  care. 

We  would,  notwithstanding,  in  general,  give  you  some  hints,  which 
may  serve  to  cement  and  continue  that  union  which  has  so  happily  taken 
place  in  this  continent.  In  order  to  effect  these  desirable  ends,  [we  in- 
struct you]  that,  ||as||  soon  as  may  be,  you  repair  to  Connecticut,  and  en- 
deavor to  obtain  such  an  early  conference  with  the  governor  and  com- 
pany of  that  colony  as  the  pressing  exigencies  of  our  affairs  may  demand : 
and  as  an  immediate  exertion  of  our  united  efforts  to  recover  and  main- 
tain those  invaluable  blessings  of  liberty,  which  are,  in  part,  wrested  from 
us  by  the  hands  of  arbitrary  power,  and  of  which  we  have  no  other 
prospect  of  a  restoration,  under  God,  but  by  the  firm  and  unsha- 
ken resolutions  and  conduct  of  America ;  and  as  ministerial  ven- 
geance appears  to  be  levelled  at  the  north  east  colonies  in  particular, 
it  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  immediate  measures,  such  as  are 
consonant  with  the  union  of  all  the  colonies,  be  pursued  for  their  mu- 
tual defence  ;  and  that  you  would  endeavor  to  obtain  an  explicit  and  full 
answer,  so  that  we  may  unitedly  exert  our  strength  in  the  common 
cause  for  the  salvation  of  our  country  ;  and  to  this  end  we  would  re- 
commend your  continuance  there  until  this  important  purpose  may  be 
effected,  which  we  presume  will  be  as  soon  as  circumstances  will  ad- 
mit; you  will,  however,  govern  yourselves  with  respect  to  time  and 
conferences,  as  to  you,  in  your  wisdom,  shall  seem  meet ;  and  may  God 
bless  your  endeavors  for  the  common  good. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  to  New  Hampshire  be  directed  to  the  Hon. 
John  Wentworth,  Esq. 

A  letter  from  Mr.  Barber  [was]  read  ;  thereupon  Ordered,  that  it  be 


1775]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CON <,i:  I  130 

committed  to  Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Sargeant  and  Coi  I'omeroy,  to  i 
sider  thereof  and  report.  The  committee  thereon  reported  verbally, 
that  Col.  Thompson  be  desired  immediatel]  to  repair  to  Brunswick, 
Casco  Bay,  Woolwich,  Georgetown,  and  oilier  places,  and  take  the 
most  effectual  measures  to  acquaint  the  people  thai  one  Mr.  Perry  is 
in  the  eastern  part  of  the  country,  endeavoring  to  supply  our  enemies 
with  masts,  spars  and  timber,  and  to  make  use  of  all  proper  and  effec- 
tual measures  to  prevent  their  aiding  him  in  procuring  said  articles. 

Moved,  That  the  propriety  of  this  Congress  advising  the  inhabitants 
of  the  town  of  Boston  to  be  moved  from  thence,  be  now  taken  into 
consideration.  After  a  long  debate  thereon.  Resolved,  that  a  commit- 
tee be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  particular  state  of  the 
town  of  Boston,  and  report.  Accordingly,  Mr.  Sargent,  Mr.  Murray, 
Col.  Henshaw,  Capt.  Stone,  Mr.  Cross,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton, 
Doct.  Taylor  and  Col.  Prescott  were  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  [Mr.]  Murray  be  joined  to  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  province. 

Adjourned  till  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Wednesday,  April  12,  1775,  A.  M. 
The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve,  rela- 
tive to  appointing  county  committees  to  receive  returns  from  the  com- 
mittees of  correspondence,  of  the   state   of  their   towns,  &c.,  [which 
was]  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows: 

K  Provin<  i\i.  Congress,  Concord,  April  12,  1775. 

Whereas,  the  preservation  of  our  county  from  slavery  depends,  un- 
der God,  on  an  effectual  execution  of  the  continental  and  provincial 
measures  for  that  purpose  : 

Resohurl,  That  there  be  now  appointed  for  each  county  in  this  col- 
ony, a  committee,  consisting  of  five  persons,  any  three  of  whom  to  be 
a  quorum,  whose  business  it  shall  be  to  receive  from  the  committees  of 
correspondence  in  their  respective  towns,  a  state  of  the  conduct  of 
the  towns  and  districts  with  respect  to  their  having  executed  the  con- 
tinental and  provincial  plans,  as  aforesaid;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of 
said  committees  to  meet  on  the  first  Wednesdays  of  May,  July,  Sep- 
tember, November,  January  and  March,  and  prepare  a  report  of  the 
same,  to  be  laid  before  the  Congress  at  its  then  next  session,  that  any 
neglecl  of  auch  towns  and  districts  in  exe<  uting  such  plan.-  may  be 
speedily  and  effectually  remedied. 

Also,  Resolved,  That   it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  strongly  recommended 


140  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  12, 

to  the  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  towns  and  districts 
in  this  colony,  sometime  before  the  first  Wednesdays  in  May,  July, 
September,  November,  January  and  March  aforesaid,  to  render  to  any 
one  of  the  members  of  their  county  aforesaid,  a  true  state  of  the 
conduct  of  their  respective  towns  and  districts,  with  respect  to  their 
having  used  each  plan,  recommended  by  the  Continental  and  Provin- 
cial Congresses,  and  to  use  their  utmost  diligence  for  this  important 
purpose. 

And,  whereas,  some  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony  may  be  desti- 
tute of  so  excellent  an  institution  as  committees  of  correspondence : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  and  it  hereby  is  strongly  recommended  to  such 
towns  and  districts  forthwith  to  choose  the  committees  of  correspond- 
ence, and  to  afford  them  assistance,  at  all  times,  in  effectually  suppress- 
ing the  efforts  of  the  enemies  of  America  whenever  they  shall  make 
them. 

||aAlso,||  Resolved,  That  the  county  committees  are  hereby  required 
to  render  their  account  quarterly,  to  this  Congress,  that  they  may  re- 
ceive an  order  therefor  on  the  public  treasury  of  the  colony. 

Resolved,  That  at  three  o'clock  this  afternoon  the  Congress  will 
come  to  the  choice  of  the  county  committees. 

Resolved,  That  the  members  from  each  county  be  together,  and 
agree  on  gentlemen  to  constitute  their  county  committee. 

The  Congress  renewed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee on  the  state  of  the  province,  relative  to  exercising  the  minute 
men  in  battalions,  and  paying  them  for  the  time  they  spend  in  that 
service.  After  a  long  debate  the  question  was  put,  whether  the  report 
be  accepted  ;  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

The  county  of  Suffolk  having  nominated,  the  Congress  chose  Mr. 
John  Pitts,  Mr.  Nathaniel  ||bBailey,||  Col.  Aaron  Davis,  Mr.  Moses 
Bullen  and  Mr.  Abner  Ellis. 

Essex. — Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq.,  Col.  Michael  Farley,  Major  Samuel 
Holten,  Capt.  Samuel  Osgood,  Capt.  Josiah  Batchelder. 

Middlesex. — James  Prescot,  Esq.,  Major  Eleazer  Brooks,  Mr. 
Richard  Devens,  Col.  Simeon  Spaulding,  Capt.  Jonathan  Brown. 

Worcester. — Col.  Jedediah  Foster,  Esq.,  Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow, 
Mr.  Edward  Rawson,  Capt.  Samuel  Brooks,  Col.  Jonathan  Grout. 

a  ||It  i3  furtlier.||  b  ||Baylies.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS,  ill 

Bristol. — Doct.  David  Cobb,  Benjamin  ||aAikin,||  Esq.,  Doct.  Wil- 
liam Baylies,  Capt.  William  Holmes,  Capt.  Thomas  Carpenter. 
Barnstable. — Daniel  Davis,  Esq.,  Capt.  Stephen   Nye,  Mr.  Mo 

Swift,  Mr.  Benjamin  Freeman  and  Mr.  \aaiuan  Holbrook. 

Berkshire. —  Mr.  Samuel  Brown,  Mark  Hopkins,  Esq.,  Capt. 
Charles  Goodridge,  Major  Jonathan  Smith,  Capt.  Caleb  Hyde. 

Plymouth. — Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq., Col.  Edward  Mitchel,  Capt. 
Joshua  White,  Doct.  Jeremiah  Hall,  Mr.  Ebenezer  White. 

Lincoln. — James  Howard,  Esq.,  Mr.  Timothy  Langdon,  Mr.  Dum- 
mer  Sewall,  Mr.  [Samuel]  Cobb,  Mr.  Joseph  Waldo. 

Nantucket. — Josiah  Coffin,  Esq.,  Grafton  Gardner,  Esq.,  Mr.  Jo- 
siah  Barker,  Timothy  Kolinr,  Ksq.,  Mr.  Stephen  Hussey. 

Dukes  County. — Joseph  Mayhew,  Esq.,  John  Summer,  Esq.,  Col. 
Beriah  Norton,  Shuhael  Cottle,  Esq.,  Mr.  Ran  ford  Smith. 

('i  mberland. — Solomon  Lombard,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman,  Mr. 
John  Lewis,  Col.  Samuel  Thompson,  Mr.  Timothy  McDaniel. 

York. — Charles  Chauncy,  Esq.,  Capt.  Daniel  Bragdon,  Mr.  Eben- 
ezer Sawyer,  James  Sullivan,  Esq.,  Major  Ichabod  Goodwin. 

Hampshire. — Major  [Joseph]  Hawley,  Col.  Timothy  Danielson, 
Mr.  Noah  ||bGoodman,||  Col.  Elisha  Porter,  Col.  John  Mosley. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  recommending  the  aforesaid  committees, 
be  printed  in  hand  bills,  and  sent  to  all  the  towns  and  district-. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Devens,  Capt.  Rawson  and  Col.  Davis,  be  a 
committee  to  ||cdisperse||  the  hand  bills.  Ordered,  that  the  committee 
be  enjoined  to  sit  and  ||dperfect  this.|| 

\n  application  from  the  plantation  of  New  Providence  [was]  read  ; 
committed  to  Col.  Dwight,  Capt.  Goodridge,  Col.  Pomeroy,  Col.  Pater- 
son  and  Mr.  Crane. 

Adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  April  13,  1775,  [A.  M.] 
Ordered,  That  the  last  resolve  in  the  report,  which  was  last  night  or- 
dered to  be  published,  be  not  printed. 

The  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve,  [for  J 
engaging  3ix  companies  of  the  train,  and  keeping  them  constantly  in 
exercise,  and  paying  them,  &.C.,  [which  was]  read,  considered  and 
accepted,  and  is  a-  follows  : 

In  Provincial  Cox<;ri-.ss,  Cmu-onl,  April  \'-\,  1775 
Resolved,  That   the  committee  of  safety  be  directed  to  engage  a 

a  ||Atkin.||  Goodwin.||  c  ||Jistribute.||  d  ||complete  the  busineM.|J 


142  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  14, 

suitable  number  of  persons,  and  form  six  companies  of  the  train  for 
the  artillery  already  provided  by  this  colony,  to  immediately  enter  on 
discipline,  and  constantly  be  in  readiness  to  enter  the  service  of  the 
colony,  when  an  army  shall  be  raised ;  and  that  the  committee  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  empowered,  to  draw  on  the  public  treasury  for  paying 
said  companies  a  suitable  consideration  for  their  services. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of 
removing  the  inhabitants  from  the  town  of  Boston,  reported. 

The  consideration  thereof  [was]  deferred  till  three  o'clock  this  af- 
ternoon. 

Afternoon. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  deferred  ; 
after  a  long  debate  thereon,  Ordered,  that  it  be  recommitted. ||a|| 

Friday,  April  14, 1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition 
from  the  plantation  called  New  Providence,  reported  :  the  report  was 
read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  April  14,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  Major  Joseph  Bennet,  be  advised  to  pay  Henry 
Gardner,  Esq.  the  full  sum  assessed  on  the  plantation  of  New  Provi- 
dence for  the  year  1774,  taking  a  proper  and  suitable  receipt  of  said 
Henry  Gardner,  for  the  collector  appointed  by  the  town  of  Lanesbo- 
rough  to  collect  said  sum,  and  that  said  collector  be  advised  to  dis- 
charge the  several  persons'  proportion  of  said  tax,  in  said  plantation, 
and  collect  the  same. 

Per  order  of  committee :     Simeon  Dwight,  Chairman. 

The  [report  of  the]  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston,  was  ||bread  and 
accepted,  1 1  and  is  as  follows  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  14,  1775. 

Whereas,  the  late  accounts  of  the  hostile  intentions  of  the  British 
parliament  towards  this  colony,  have  so  greatly  agitated  the  minds  and 
raised  the  fears  of  many  good  people  in  the  town  of  Boston,  as  to  in- 
duce many  of  those,  who  are  able,  to  remove  with  their  effects  into 
the  country  ;  which  iu  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  is  a  prudent  step ; 
and  as  there  is  no  prospect  of  the  repeal  of  the  cruel  port  bill,  where- 

a  ||Afljourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. ||  l>  ||reported,  which  report  waa  accepted. || 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  COM,  K I  IBS  148 

by  many  poor,  industrious  persons,  if  continued  in  that  place,  must  be 
BtilJ  great  sufferers,  notwithstanding  tin'  if«-mri  >u-  donations;    and 
the  season  of  the  year   i-  now  approaching,  in  which  the]  may  be,  in 
some  measure,  serviceable  t<>  themselves  ami  families  in  Buch  parts  of 
the  countrj  a-  can  find  them  employment  in  their  Beveral  occupations  : 

It  is  therefore  recommended  to  the  committee  "I  donations,  that 
they  afford  to  Buch  poor  persons,  who  are  anxious  to  remove  themselves 
ami  families  into  the  country,  such  assistance  a-  may  enable  them  to 
do  it. 

Voted,  That  the  members  of  the  town  of  Boston  be  desired  to  com- 
inuniciite  this  recommendation,  with  the  schedule,  to  the  committee  of 
donations. 

The  committee  <>n  the  Btate  of  the  province  reported  a  resolve,  rel- 
ative to  appointing  a  committee  to  apply  to  a  suitable  number  of  per- 
sons to  he  in  readiness  t<>  enter  the  service  of  this  colony,  as  officers, 
when  an  army  shall  be  raised. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  thereof  he  referred  to  three  o'clock, 
P.  .M. 

Ordered,  That  at  four  o'clock,  P.  M.  the  Congress  will  come  to  the 
choice,  by  ballot,  of  a  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  safety,  in- 
stead of  Doct.  Fisher,  who  was  excused. 

The  Congress||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

\  i. 'moon. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  referred, 
agreeable  to  the  order  of  the  day  :  after  some  debate  thereon,  u  pass- 
ed, and  i-  as  follov 

In   Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  II.  1775. 

Resolved,  Thai  a  committee  be  now  appointed  to  applj  to  a  suita- 
ble number  of  persons,  to  be  in  readiness  to  enter  the  service  of  this 
colony,  to  act  as  field  officers  :  such  field  officers,  in  conjunction  with 
the  committee,  to  applj  to  proper  persons  as  captains,  and  they  to  de- 
termine on  such  subaltern  officers.,  as  may  be  necessary  for  each  regi- 
ment, when  an  army  shall  be  raised;  the  committee  and  officers  <  eteris 
paribus,  to  give  the  preference  to  persons  who  have  been  chosen  offi- 
cers in  the  regiments  of  minute  men. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  of  safety  he  the  committee  to  apply 
to  a  Buitable  number  of  persons  to  act  as  officers,  as  recommended 
in  the  foregoing  resoh  e. 

Ordered,  That  the  Congress  now  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  gentle- 
man to  serve  on  the  committee  of  safety  in  the  place  of  Mr.  Fisher. 


144  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  15, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cushing,  Col.  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Bigelow,  be  a 
committee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  :  [which  committee]  reported, 
that  Col.  Thomas  Gardner  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  on  the  state  of  the  province  take  the 
late  newspapers  from  England  into  consideration,  and  report  what 
there  is  relating  to  this  province. 

Ordered,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Murray,  Mr.  Mayhew,  and  Col.  Pome- 
roy,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  a  day  of  fast- 
ing and  prayer. 

Congress  adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  April  15,  1775,  A,  M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  a  day 
of  fasting  and  prayer,  reported,  [which  report  was]  amended  and  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  it  hath  pleased  the  Righteous  Sovereign  of  the  universe, 
in  just  indignation  against  the  sins  of  a  people  long  blessed  with  ines- 
timable privileges,  civil  and  religious,  to  suffer  the  plots  of  wicked 
men,  on  both  sides  of  the  Atlantic,  who,  for  many  years,  have  incessant- 
ly labored  to  sap  the  foundation  of  our  public  liberties,  so  far  to  suc- 
ceed, that  we  see  the  New  England  colonies  reduced  to  the  ungrateful 
alternative  of  a  tame  submission  to  a  state  of  absolute  vassalage  to  the 
will  of  a  despotic  minister,  or  of  preparing  themselves  speedily  to  de- 
fend, at  the  hazard  of  ||alife,||  the  unalienable  rights  of  themselves  and 
posterity  against  the  avowed  hostilities  of  their  parent  state,  who  open- 
ly threaten  to  wrest  them  from  their  hands,  by  fire  and  sword ; 

In  circumstances  dark  as  these,  it  becomes  us,  as  men  and  christians, 
to  reflect,  that  whilst  every  prudent  measure  should  be  taken  to  ward 
off  the  impending  judgments,  or  prepare  to  act  a  proper  part  under 
them  when  they  come;  at  the  same  time,  all  confidence  must  be  with- 
held from  the  means  we  use,  and  reposed  only  on  that  God,  who  rules 
in  the  armies  of  heaven,  and  without  whose  blessing,  the  best  human 
councils  are  but  foolishness,  and  all  created  power  vanity. 

It  is  the  happiness  of  ||bhis||  church,  that  when  the  powers  of  earth 
and  hell  combine  against  it,  and  those  who  should  be  nursing  fathers 
become  its  persecutors,  then  the  throne  of  grace  is  of  the  easiest  access, 
and  its  appeal  thither  is  graciously  invited  by  that  Father  of  mercies, 
who  has  assured  it  that  when  his  children  ask  bread  he  will  not  give 
them  a  stone  : 

Therefore,  in  compliance  with  the  laudable  practice  of  the  people  of 

a  (jtheir  lives. ||  b  ||this  || 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  I  \r, 

God  in  all  ages,  with  the  humhlc  regard  to  the  steps  of  Divine  Providence 
towards  this  oppressed,  threatened,  and  endangered  people,  and  espe- 
cially  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  Heaven,  that  ||abids||  us  to  call 
on  him  in  the  day  of  trouble. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is,  recommended  to  the  good  peo- 
ple of  this  colony,  of  all  denominations,  that  Thursday,  the  eleventh 
day  of  M  i\  next,  be  set  apart  as  a  day  of  public  humiliation,  fasting, 
and  prayer;  that  a  total  abstinence  from  servile  labor  and  recrea- 
tion be  observed,  and  all  the  religio  emblies  solemnly  convened, 
to  humble  themselves  before  God,  under  the  heavy  judgments  felt  and 
feared,  to  confess  the  sins  that  have  deserved  them  ;  to  implore  the  for- 
giveness of  all  our  transgressions,  a  spirit  of  repentance  and  reforma- 
tion, and  a  blessing  on  the  husbandry,  manufactures,  and  other  lawful 
employments  of  this  people;  and  especially,  that  the  union  of  the 
American  colonies  in  defence  of  their  rights,  for  which,  hitherto,  we 
desire  to  thank  Almighty  God,  may  be  preserved  and  confirmed  ;  that 
the  Provincial,  and  especially  the  Continental  Congress,  may  be  di- 
rected to  such  measures  as  God  will  countenance :  that  the  people  of 
Great  Britain  and  their  rulers  may  have  their  eyes  open  to  discern  the 
things  that  shall  make  for  the  peace  of  the  nation  and  all  its  connec- 
tions :  and  that  America  may  soon  behold  a  gracious  interposition  of 
II  >aven,  for  the  redress  of  her  many  grievances,  the  restoration  of  all 
her  invaded  liberties,  and  their  security  to  the  latesl  generations. 

Ordered,  That  ||bit||  be  copied,  authenticated,  and  sent  to  all  the  re- 
ligion- assemblies  In  this  colony. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Devens,  Mr.  Cheever,  and  Mr.  Stephen  Hall,  be 
a  committee  to  get  the  resolves  printed  and  dispersed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [in  the  afternoon.] 

Afternoon. 
In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord^  April  15,  1775. 
Ri  solved,  That  Henry  Gardner.  Esq.,  receiver  general  of  the  pro- 
vince of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  be,  and  hereby  is,  directed  to  pay  to 
Messrs.  Edes  and  Gill,  printers,  the  sum  of  thirty-six  pounds,  six  shil- 
lings, and  oinepence,  lawful  money,  for  printing  for  said  province,  to 
the  twenty-seventh  of  Much  last. 

In  Promm  tm.  Congress,  Concord,  April  15,  1775. 
Resolved,  Thai    Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,   receiver  general  of  the  pro- 
vince of  the  Massachusetts   Bay,  be,  and  is  hereby  directed,  to  paj  to 
Richard  Devens,  the  sum  of  eleven  pounds,  nineteen  shillings,  and  Bix- 

aHbiiids.ll  b  ||tln-  foregoing.|| 

19 


146  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  15, 

pence  half  penny,  for  sundry  accounts  by  him  paid  and  discharged  for 
services  done  for  the  said  province. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Concord,  April  15,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general  of  the  pro- 
vince of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  be,  and  hereby  is,  directed,  to  pay 
unto  Jeremiah  Hunt,  the  sum  of  four  pounds,  four  shillings,  for  his  at- 
tendance as  doorkeeper,  for  paper  and  quills,  ||afor||  the  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  Col.  Barrett,  and  Col.  Hen- 
shaw,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  and  return 
him  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  for  his  faithful  attendance  on  and  ||b|| 
officiating  as  their  chaplain  during  this  session. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  be  directed  to  wait  on  the  com- 
mittee of  the  proprietors  of  this  house,  and  return  them  the  thanks  of 
this  Congress  for  the  use  thereof. 

Ordered,  That,  on  the  return  of  the  members  to  their  respective 
towns,  they  use  their  interest  with  the  inhabitants  thereof,  that  they 
immediately  pay  their  public  moneys  to  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver 
general  of  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  members  use  their  interest  to  promote  the  milita- 
ry discipline. 

Resolve  for  adjournment  passed,  and  is  as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  be  adjourned  from  this  day,  to  Wed- 
nesday, the  tenth  day  of  May  next,  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  forenoon,  to 
meet  at  Concord,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex :  and,  considering  the 
great  uncertainty  of  the  present  times,  and  that  important  unforeseen 
events  may  take  place,  from  whence  it  may  be  absolutely  necessary 
that  this  Congress  should  meet  sooner  than  the  day  abovesaid,  not- 
withstanding the  adjournment  aforesaid  ; 

It  is  farther  Resolved,  That  the  members  of  this  Congress  for  the 
towns  of  Charlestown,  Cambridge,  Brookline,  Roxbury,  and  Dorches- 
ter, or  the  majority  of  them,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  in 
case  they  should  judge  it  necessary,  to  give  notice  to  the  several  mem- 
bers of  this  Congress,  in  such  way  as  they  shall  think  proper,  to  meet  at 
Concord  aforesaid,  at  any  earlier  day  than  the  abovesaid  tenth  day  of 
May,  which  shall  be  by  them  appointed ;  and  it  is  further  recommend- 
ed to  the  members  of  this  Congress,  that  they  conform  themselves  to 
such  notice. 

Ordered,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  be  ||cgiven  to  the  presi- 

a  ||by  him  famished  lor  the  use  of.||  b  ||especially  for.|| 

c  ||presented  to  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  n: 

dent||  for  his  constant   attendance  ||on||  ami  faithful  discharge  ol  bia 
duly  as  presidenl  during  the  several  sessions  hereof. 

The  business   being   finished,  the  president  declared  the  Congr 
adjourned  according  ||*to  the  resolve. || 

Concord,  [Saturday,]  April  22,  1775. ' 

Mr.  Richard  Devens  ||\vas  chosen||  chairman,  [and]  Mr.  John  Mur- 
ray clerk. 

Mr.  Gerry  represented  to  Congress,  thai  a  letter  from  Mr.  Q-uincy  to 
.Mr.  Adam-.-'  had  been  delivered  to  him,  with  a  desire  thai  il  might  be 
opened  by  Congress  la  Mr.  Adams's  absence:  after  some  debate,  Or- 
dered, That  the  members  presenl  belonging  to  the  committee  on  the 
state  of  the  pro\  ince  retire,  open,  and  peruBe  the  said  letter,  and  report 
to  Congress  whal  parts  they  think  proper:  the  committee  returned, 
and  desired  that  the  whole  he  read  in  Congress;  winch  being  done, 
Ordered,  That  the  same  be  sent  to  Doct.  Warren,  to  be  used  at  ln< 
discretion. 

Adjourned  to  Watertown,  at  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Watertown,  [April  2*2,]  1775,  4  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Congress  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Watson  notify  the  committee  of  safety,3  of  the 
time  and  place  of  our  adjournment,  and  request  their  attendance,  with 
whatever  plan-  they  may  have  in  readme--    for  as,  and   also  DOtifj    the 

ill  Wedn  tenth  day  of  Ma;  mformably  to  the  preceding  resolve. || 

(1)  Two  days  only  elapsed  after  the  Provincial  Congress  had  adjourned,  and  the  members,  re- 
taining i"  their  respective  ho  apprehensions  of  immediate  dan- 

i,  on  the  l-tli  lit'  April,  grew  so  intense,  that  the  committ (instituted  from  t  !hai 

town,  Cambridge,  Brookline,  Roxbury,  and  Dorchester,  met,  and  issued  the  following  summons  to 
each  del  ; 

••  Sir :  I  In  ing  received  cert intelligence  of  the  sailing  of  a  number  of  troops  to  reenforee  the 

army  under  general  Gage  ;    this,  with  the  industrious  preparations  making  in  Boston  for  a  speedy 
march  into  the  country,  impresses  us  with  the  of  convening  the  Provincial  fon- 

reeably  to  a  vote  of  (  it  the  last  session.     Vou  are 

therefore  requested  immediately  to  rep  ur  to  Concord,  as  the  closest  deliber  ition,  and  th dlected 

wisdom  of  the  people,  at  this  alarming  crisis,  are  indispensably  ai  for  the  salvation  of  the 

country."  RICHARD  DEVENS,  per  order. 

The   notice,  although  circulated  with  the  utmost   speed  of  express  m  mill  not 

bed  many  of  the  members  before  the  march  of  the  British  troo  •        ord  bad  roused  tlio  land 

MIS. 

The  adjournment  of  Congress  from  Concord  to  Watertown,  was  undoubtedly  made,  from  the 

ty,  that  the  body  holding  tl xecutive  and  legislative  pa  government,  should 

be  near  to  the  army  of  the  people,  already  in  the  fii 

'    Phi   letter  of  Mr.  Quincy  has  not  bei  ed,  nor  does  any  paper  on  the  files  of  thi 

indicate  its  conl 

(3)  The  committ f  safety  bad  I n  in  cons  tan  I  session  during  the  pt ding  daj  and  night  in 

Combrj 


148  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  23, 

absent  members  that  are  at  Cambridge,  and  request  their  punctual  at- 
tendance. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Cushing,  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  selectmen,  for  liberty  ||of  the  use||  of  the 
meeting-house  during  the  session  of  Congress  here  :  they  returned,  and 
reported  that  the  selectmen  readily  granted  their  request. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Cushing,  Col.  Barrett,  Capt.  Stone, 
Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Freeman,  Mr.  Watson,  and  Esquire 
Dix,  be  a  committee  to  take  depositions,  in  perpetuam,  from  which  a 
full  account  of  the  transactions  of  the  troops,  under  general  Gage,  in 
their  route  to  and  from  Concord,  &c.,on  Wednesday  last,  may  be  col- 
lected, to  be  sent  to  England,  by  the  first  ship  from  Salem. 
Adjourned  to  this  place,  to-morrow,  at  7  o'clock,  A.  M. 

[Sunday,]  April  23, 1775,  [A.  M.] 

Congress  met  ||aaccording||  to  adjournment,  and  adjourned  to  the 
school-house. 

Upon  a  letter  from  Gen.  Ward1  respecting  the  New  Hampshire 
troops,  Resolved,  unanimously,  that  it  is  necessary  for  the  defence  of 
the  colony,  that  an  army  of  30,000  men  be  immediately  raised  and  es- 
tablished. 

Resolved,  That  13,600  men  be  raised   immediately  by  this  province. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  a  committee  to  bring  in 
a  plan  for  the  establishment  of  the  officers  and  soldiers  necessary  for 
the  army  to  be  ||bimmediately  raised, ||  and    [that  they]  sit  immediately. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Cushing,  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Whitcomb,  and  Mr. 
Durant,  be  added  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

a  ||conformably.||  b  ||raised  at  this  time.|| 

(1)  This  letter  of  Gen.  Ward,  which  is  lost,  probably  related  to  a  communication  from  Col.  Green- 
leaf,  dated  at  Newburyport,  April  21,  stating,  that  "  we  have  sent  forward  the  bearer  to  have  your 
orders,  with  all  possible  despatch,  by  his  return,  whether  the  forces  that  arc  coming  from  the  pro- 
vince of  .New  Hampshire  and  from  the  eastern  parts  of  our  province  should  be  sent  back,  especial- 
ly those  thai  live  near  the  Bea  shore.  We  are  well  informed  that  numbers  passed  our  river  yester- 
daj  at  the  upper  ferry  :  besides,  four  companies  went  through  this  town  on  their  way  to  you.  We 
have  B  parly  of  men  from  this  town,  upwards  of  one  hundred  upon  their  march  to  you:  if  they  are 
not  wanted,  and  you  think  proper,  you  can  order  our  express  to  turn  them  back.  Wc  sent  oft"  last 
evening  two  Geld  pii  cei  i"  you:  if  not  wanted,  they  may  be  of  some  use  here." 

A  letter  6 Gen.  Ward,  of  the  date  mentioned  in  the  text,  is  preserved  ;  it  states  ;  "  My  situa 

tion  is  such  that,  if]  have  not  enlisting  orders  immediately,  I  shall  be  left  all  alone:  it  is  impossi- 
ble to  keep  the  men  here,  excepting  lomething  he  done:"  and  implores  immediate  action  on  the 
•  T,. ssary  for  tie-  organization  of  an  army. 
The  committee  of  safety  write  thus  to  the  Phh  incial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire  :  "  Our  friends 
from  NeM  Hampshire  ha^  ing  abown  their  readiness  to  assist  us  in  this  day  of  distress,  vve  therefore 
thought  it  best  to  give  orders  for  enlisting  such  ae  were  present  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  as 
many  desired  something  may  be  done  to  hold  them  together,  until  the  resolve  of  your  Congress  is 
known,  when  we  are  ready  ami  desirous  that  thej  should  be  discharged  from  us  and  put  under  such 
command  as  you  shall  direct." 


1775.]  SKCOM)  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  149 

Resolved,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan  be  a  committee  to  wan  on  the  New 
Hampshire  Congress,  at  Exeter,  to  inform  them  of  our  resolutions,  and 
request  their  concurrence,  [and  that]  .M  ;ij<  >r  Bliss  \<i<>\  to  Connecticut, 
and  Deacon  Rawson  to  Rhode  Island,  for  the  same  purpose. 

() nli  nd.  Thai  .Mr.  Sullivan  be  a  committee  to  inform  the  c< ittee 

from  the  Congress  of  New   Hampshire,  dow  waiting,  of  our  resolutions 
immediately. 

Resolved,  Thai  Mr.  Murray,  Mr.  Gill,  and  Capt.  Stone,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  draught  a  letter  t<>  each  of  tin-  colonels,  to  be  senl  by  :  the 
expresses.|| 

Adjourned  to  this  place,  at  two  o'clock,  P.  M 

[Afternoon  J 

Two  o'clock.  Congress  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  ad- 
journed t"  the  meeting-house. 

Being  there  met,  the  committee  appointed  todraughl  a  letter  [to  the 
colonels,  reported;  t he  report  was  read,]  which  was  accepted,  and  or- 
dered to  be  copied  by  ('apt.  Stone. 

Mr.  Gerrj  read  in  his  place  a  letter  from  Marblehead,  reporting  thai 
[the  British  man  of  war  Lively  was  lying  off  the  harbor  of  that  town; 
representing,  that  their  means  of  defence  were  inadequate  to  repel  at- 
tack :  and  asking  direction  and  aid:]  upon  which,  I!<<<>/r,t/.  that  the 
matter  subside  till  further  information. 

Doct.  Warren  read  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence 
of  Connecticut:1  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Gill,  and  Doct.  I  y- 
lor,  ommittee  to  draughl  an  answer,  and  report  immediately. 

Or-/, nil.  That  Col.  Orne,  Major  Fuller  [of  Newton,]  and  Major 
Fuller  [of  Middleton,]  he  a  committee  to  count  and  sort  votes  for  a 
pr<  sidenl  pro  tempore. 

The  committee  reported,  that  the  vote  was  full  for  Doct.  Warren. 
Col.  Palmer  was  chosen  secretary  pro  tempore. 

The  report  of  the  committee||  for  an  establishment    for  the   army, 
||°was    read. || 

■.  lii'-li  being  re  id  wa  for  further 

i    They  wrolo  thus  :"  Every  preparation  ie  >  support  your  p  * 

t.j..iru  of  wl  it  i-  doing  with  you:  the  particulars  h  ji  i  »  ■  i > •  prei  i- i->n  :    I 

'•nr  pi  they  cannot  be  kepi         k.     Tlie 

nd  in. ..i  r.  Je:  ili>'  remainder  to  Th'1 

principal  objocl  of  the  letter,  which  was  smi  from  I  ■ 

Natha  .,  and  Joseph  Trumbull,  - 

of  the   British  troops,  and  of  the  condition  of  the  colon] 

.  concert  tl  take."    1 

pedition  to  i  'uncord. 


150  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [April  24, 

A  report  was  made  of  a  draught  of  an  answer  to  the  committee  of 
Connecticut,  which,  after  amendment,  was  accepted. 

Voted,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draw  up  a  narrative  of  the 
massacre  on  Wednesday  last. 

[Ordered,  That]  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Cushing,  be  that 
committee. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  [to  meet]  in  this 
place. 

Watertown,  [Monday,]  April  24,  1775,  A.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 

Rev.  Mr.  Murray  [was]  appointed  president  pro  tempore,  and  Ichabod 
Goodwin  secretary  pro  tempore :  Jonas  Dix,  Esq.,  was  appointed  mon- 
itor. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry  give  the  express  going  to  the  press,  his 
orders  for  the  enlisting  papers. 

Ordered,  That  the  enlisting  paper  going  to  the  press,  shall  be  au- 
thenticated by  the  secretary  pro  tempore. 

Resolved,  That  six  hundred  of  these  papers  be  printed,  and  that  the 
||aexpress||  wait  for  two  hundred  of  them. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety,  or  committee  of  supplies,  be 
empowered  to  impress  horses  or  teams,  and  direct  the  owners  of  them 
to  send  their  accounts  to  the  committee  of  supplies :  also  to  empower 
other  persons  to  impress  on  special  occasions. 

Resolved,  That  the  [resolves  for  the]  establishment  of  the  army  be 
printed  in  handbills,  and  that  a  copy  of  them  be  sent  by  the  express 
who  is  going  for  the  enlisting  papers,  and  that  three  hundred  of  them 
be  printed  immediately. 

Moved,  That  a  member  from  each  county  be  appointed  to  attend  the 
committee  of  safety,  and  let  them  know  the  names  of  the  officers  in 
said  counties  belonging  to  the  minute  men,  and  such  as  are  most  suita- 
able  for  officers  in  the  army  now  raising. 

Ordered,  That  [the  following  gentlemen  be  the  committee  :]  Col. 
Lincoln,  for  the  county  of  Suffolk  :  Major  Fuller,  for  Essex :  Col. 
Prescot,  for  Middlesex  :  Col.  Pomeroy,  for  Hampshire:  Nathan  Cush- 
ing, Esq.,  for  Plymouth  :  Daniel  Davis,  Esq.,  for  Barnstable  :  Col. 
Dagget,  for  Bristol :  Ichabod  Goodwin,  Esq.,  for  York  :  Joseph  Mayhew, 
Esq.,  for  Dukes  County:  Major  Bigelow,  for  Worcester:  Mr.  Samuel 
Freeman,  for  Cumberland  :  Rev.  Mr.  John  Murray,  for  Lincoln  :  Col. 
John  Patterson,  for  Berkshire,  and  [Stephen]  Hussey,  Esq.,  for  Nan- 
tucket. 

I  ongres8.|| 


L775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE88  151 

Orthrul,  Thai  each  of  these  members  attend  the  service  according 
to  their  appointment,  or  write  to  the  committee. 

Ordered,  Thai  Major  Fuller  of  Middletown,  give  a  List  of  the  oami  - 
of  these  members  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

Resolved,  Thai  when  this  Congress  do  adjourn,  thai  they  adjourn  to 
three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  and  the  members  are  enjoined  to  attend 
punctually  a1  thai  tune. 

Adjourned  accordinglj  t<»  three  <> Clock 

Alt'  .  Lpril  84, 11 

Letters  from  Hartford,1  directed  to  the  president   of  this  Congn 
laid  on  the  table,  were  ordered  to  be  read,  and, after  reading,  were  or- 
dered to  be  immediately  forwarded  to  the  committee  of  safety,  then 
sitting  at  ( 'ainbridge. 

Moved,  That  a  committee  be  now  appointed  to  examine  the  records 
and  report  such  matters  contained  therein,  as  may  be  made  public,  and 
such  as  shall  remain  secret  at  present. 

Ordered,  Thai  .Major  Brooks,  Deacon  Fisher,  and  Mr.  Freeman,  be 
a  committee  for  that  purpo 

||Then  the||  Congress  adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  next  morning,  at 
this  place. 

|| Tuesday,  April  25,  177o.|| 

Eight  o'clock,  A.  M.  According  to  adjournment  [the  Congress] 
then  met. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  treasurer  be  inquired  of  ||by  this  Congress||  re- 
specting the  state  of  the  treasury. 

Answered  by  said  treasurer  in  a  general  way,  that,  for  the  year  1 77:5. 
it  was  supposed  thai  aboul  £20,000  was  due,  and  that  he  had  received 
aboul   £5,000. 

Moved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  how 
we  may  ||*ge1  the  knouledge||  of  the  towns  and  districts,  who  are  de- 
linquent; ||but||  passed  in  the  negative. 

Moved,  for  a  reconsideration,  and  passed  negatively. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  report  of  what  they  thought 
might  be  made  public  of  the  natives,  reported,  thai  nothing  relative 
to  our    proceeding    with  the    Indian    nations    he  known,  and  that    other 

matters  be  hit  al  discretion  with  each  member. 

Moral,  That  this  matter  subside  for  the  present. 

in  the  numbor.|| 

'    The*c   letters,  repeating  the  aasui  i  by  the  committee  of  coi 

..I  the  ml  ii  ••!  '  ut  in  -Miiiport  their  brethren  "t   Uui  u  nasi  IU,  •  d 

'  i  to  tli"  number  of  troopa  I  t  to  < 


152  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  26, 

Leave  of  absence  is  granted  [to  Jerathraiel]  Bowers,  Esq.,  to  return 
home. 

||Then||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  afternoon. 

[Afternoon.] 

Three  o'clock.     According  to  adjournment  met. 

The  letter  from  Haverhill1  committed. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Col.  Gerrish,  and  Major  Fuller  of  Middle- 
ton,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  and  to  sit  forthwith. 

Moved,  by  the  committee  of  safety,  for  two  gentlemen  as  engineers, 
and  an  establishment  for  them. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  [Jonas]  Dix,  Esq.,  and  Henry  Gardner, 
Esq.,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose  to  bring  in  a  resolve. 

Ordered,  That  a  resolve  should  be  ||abrought  in||  by  the  committee 
of  safety  to  reduce  the  regiments. 

Moved,  That  the  companies  in  each  regiment  be  reduced  from  one 
hundred  men  each  to  fifty-nine,  including  three  officers ;  one  captain, 
two  subalterns ;   and  passed  unanimously  in  the  affirmative. 

Moved,  That  each  regiment  be  reduced  to  ten  of  these  companies, 
and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Orne,  Col.  Palmer  and  [Henry]  Gardner,  Esq., 
be  a  committee  for  regulating  the  regiments  of  the  army,  and  to  sit 
forthwith. 

A  letter  from  Salem  [was]  read,  setting  forth  the  expediency  [that] 
the  depositions  we  are  now  taking  be  forwarded  as  fast  as  possible  ; 
the  same  [was]  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  committee,  for  that  purpose, 
at  Lexington,  immediately. 

Ordered,  That  the  memorial  from  Marblehead,2  with  the  debate 
thereon,  subside  for  the  present. 

|jThen||  adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  next  day. 

a  ||submitted.|| 

( 1 )  Tin'  |  by  tho  committee,  addressed  to  the  town  clerk  of  Haverhill,  will  explain 
the  content    of  the  letter  received  by  the  Congress. 

■  :    'I  he  I  Ongri        have  this  day  received  a  letter    from  Nathaniel  l'easlee  Hargi  ant,   I'.  i|.,  and 

Jonathan  Wei  tinting  them  that  the  late  dreadful  lire  in  Haverhill,  together  with 

tublfc  distui  ■  I  town,  niake.it  necessary  that  they  should  he  at  home  at  this  time. 

Congi  bat  the  important  business  of  the  colonies  requires  that  every  town  should 

desire  that   if  neither  of  those  gentlemen  can  attend,  others 

should  be    1     t    I  in  their  room,  th  it  the  wisdi if  the  whole  colony  may  be  collected  at  our  hour 

'." 

(2)  Many  memorials,  of  similar  purport,  were  pre  tented  to  the  Congress  from  the  maritime  towns, 
representing  thai  the  li  I  was  without  adequate  defence  ;  that  armed  vessels  were 
hovering  about  the  ports,  ready  to  turn  their  cannon  upon  the  villages  of  the  shore  ;  that  the  people 
were  i  n  nuous  exertions  in  the  common  cause;  and  praying  for  reenforcements  of 
men.  and  supplies  of  arms  and  ammunition. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  158 

\\  ■  i.nksdat,  April  •.'•;,  8  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Then  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordinf/,  Tliat  Mr.  President,  Duct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Freeman,  [Henry] 
Gardner,  Esq.  and  Col.  Stone,  be  a  committee  to  draught  a  letter  to 
our  agent  in  Great  Britain. 

{{'■Resolved,  ,  That  William  Burbeck  be,  add  be  is  hereby  appointed 
an  engineer  of  the  force-  now  raising  in  this  colony  for  the  defence  of 
the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  American  continent,  and  thai  there  be 
paid  to  the  said  William  Burbeck,  Out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this 
colony,  during  bis  continuance  in  that  Service,  at  the  rate  of  one  hun- 
dred and  lit'n  pounds,  lawful  money,  per  annum.  And  it  i-  further 
Resolved,  that  from  and  after  the  time  when  the  said  forces  shall  he 
disbanded,  during  the  life  of  the  said  Burbeck,  there  be  paid  to  him 
out  of  said  treasury,  the  sum  of  ninety-seven  pound-  six  shillings  and 
eight  pence,  lawful  money,  annually. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Deacon  Fisher,  Col.  Orne,  Mr.  Batch- 
elder  and  Capt.  Brown,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the 
letter  laid  on  the  table  by  the  committee  of  safety  from  James  Sulli- 
\an,'  Esq.,  and  the  committee  to  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  drawn  by  the  committee,  to  send  to  Doct. 
Franklin,  as  agent,  be  copied,  and  authenticated  by  the  president  pro 
tempore.     [The  letter  is  as  follows  :] 

[In  Provincial  Congress,  Watertown,  April  26,  1775.] 

[To  tin  Hon.  Benjamin  FrankHn,  Esq.,  at  London.'] 

[Sir: — From  the  entire  confidence  we  repose  in  your  faithfulness 
and  abilities,  we  consider  it  the  happiness  of  this  colony,  that  the  im- 
portant trust  of  agency  for  it,  in  this  day  of  unequalled  distress,  is  de- 
volved on  your  hands,  and  we  doubt  not,  your  attachment  to  the  cause 
and  liberties  of  mankind,  will  make  every  possible  exertion  in  our  he- 
hall'  a  pleasure  to  you:  although  our  circumstances  will  compel  us 
often  to  interrupt  your  repose,  by  matters  that  will  surely  give  you 
pain.  A  singular  instance  hereof,  is  the  occasion  of  the  present  let- 
ter. The  contents  of  this  packet  will  be  our  apology  for  troubling 
you  with  it.  From  these,  you  will  see,  how  and  by  whom  we  are  at 
lasl  plunged  into  the  horrors  of  a  most  unnatural  war.] 

[Our  enemies,  we  arc  told,  have  de-patched  to  Great  Britain  a  falla- 

n  ||Ordcr.'il.|| 

(1)  On.'  lettei  of  Mr.  Sullivan  was  written  t .•  ;isk   immediate   attention   t>>  the   relief 
n  towns,  the  subject  of  a  subsequent  resolve. 

20 


154  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  26, 

cious  account  of  the  tragedy  they  have  begun ;  to  prevent  the  opera- 
tion of  which  to  the  public  injury,  we  have  engaged  the  vessel  that 
conveys  this  to  you,  as  a  packet  in  the  service  of  this  colony  ;  and  we 
request  your  assistance  in  supplying  Capt.  Derby,  who  commands  her, 
with  such  necessaries  as  he  shall  want,  on  the  credit  of  your  constitu- 
ents in  Massachusetts  Bay.] 

[But  we  most  ardently  wish,  that  the  several  papers  herewith  en- 
closed, may  be  immediately  printed,  and  dispersed  through  every  town 
in  England,  and  especially  communicated  to  the  lord  mayor,  aldermen 
and  council  of  the  city  of  London,  that  they  may  take  such  or- 
der thereon  as  they  may  think  proper  ;  and  we  are  confident  your 
fidelity  will  make  such  improvement  of  them  as  shall  convince  all, 
who  are  not  determined  to  be  in  everlasting  blindness,  that  it  is  the 
united  efforts  of  both  Englands  that  can  save  either.  But  that  what- 
ever price  our  brethren  in  the  one,  may  be  pleased  to  put  on  their  con- 
stitutional liberties,  we  are  authorized  to  assure  you,  that  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  other,  with  the  greatest  unanimity,  are  inflexibly  resolved 
to  sell  theirs  only  at  the  price  of  their  lives.] 

[The  following  address  to  the  people  of  Great  Britain,  reported  by 
a  committee,  was  adopted.] 

[In  Provincial  Congress,  Watcrtoivn,  April  26,  1775.] 

[To  the  Inhabitants  of  Great  Britain.] 

[Friends  and  Fellow  Subjects  : — Hostilities  are  at  length  com- 
menced in  this  colony  by  the  troops  under  the  command  of  general 
Gage,  and  it  being  of  the  greatest  importance,  that  an  early,  true  and 
authentic  account  of  this  inhuman  proceeding  should  be  known  to 
you,  the  Congress  of  this  colony  have  transmitted  the  same,  and  from 
want  of  a  session  of  the  honorable  Continental  Congress,  think  it 
proper  to  address  you  on  this  alarming  occasion.] 

[By  the  clearest  depositions  relative  to  this  transaction,  it  will  ap- 
pear, that  on  the  night  preceding  the  nineteenth  of  April  instant,  a 
body  of  the  king's  troops,  under  the  command  of  Col.  Smith,  were 
secretly  landed  at  Cambridge,  with  an  apparent  design  to  take  or  de- 
stroy the  military  and  other  stores  provided  for  the  defence  of  this  col- 
ony and  deposited  at  Concord  :  that  some  inhabitants  of  the  colony, 
on  the  night  aforesaid,  whilst  travelling  peaceably  on  the  road  between 
Boston  and  Concord,  were  seized  and  greatly  abused  by  armed  men, 
who  appeared  to  be  officers  of  general  Gage's  army  :  that  the  town  of 


1775]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  155 

Lexington,  by  these  means,  was  alarmed,  and  a  company  of  the  inhab- 
itants mustered  on  the  occasion  :  that  the  regular  troop-,  on  their  way 
to  Concord,  marched  into  the  said  town  of  Lexington,  and  the  said 
company,  on  their  approach,  began  to  disperse  :  that  notwithstanding 
this,  the  regulars  rushed  on  with  great  violence  ;  and  1 1 r - 1  began  hos- 
tilities, l>\  firing  on  -aid  Lexington  company,  wherebj  they  killed  eight 
and  wounded  several  others:  that  the  regulars  continued  their  fire,  un- 
til those  of  said  company,  who  were  nether  killed  nor  wounded,  had 
made  their  escape  :  that  Col.  Smith,  with  the  detachment,  then 
marched  to  Concord,  where  a  number  of  provincials  were  again  tired 
on  by  the  troops,  and  two  of  them  killed  and  several  wounded,  before 
the  provincials  fired  on  them :  ami  that  these  hostile  measures  of  the 
troop-,  produced  an  engagement  that  lasted  through  the  day,  in  which 
many  of  the  provincial.-,  and  more  of  the  regular  troop-,  were  killed 
and  wounded,  j 

[To  give  a  particular  account  of  the  ravages  of  the  troops,  as  they 
retreated  from  Concord  to  Charlestown,  would  be  very  difficult,  if  not 
impracticable.  Let  it  suffice  to  say,  that  a  great  number  of  the  houses 
on  the  road  were  plundered  and  rendered  unfit  for  use;  several  were 
l.nrnt  :  women  in  childbed  were  driven,  by  the  soldiery,  naked  into 
the  streets  :  old  men,  peaceably  in  their  houses,  were  shot  dead,  and 
such  scenes  exhibited  as  would  disgrace  the  annals  of  the  most  unciv- 
ilized  nation.] 

[These,  brethren,  are  marks  of  ministerial  vengeance  againsl  this 
colony,  for  refusing,  with  her  sister  colonies,  submission  to  slavery: 
hut  they  have  not  yet  detached  us  from  our  royal  sovereign.  We  pro- 
fess to  be  In-  loyal  and  dutiful  subjects,  and  so  hardly  dealt  with  as  we 
have  been,  are  still  ready,  with  our  lives  and  fortunes,  to  defend  his 
person,  family,  crown  and  dignity.  Nevertheless,  to  the  persecution 
and  tyranny  of  his  cruel  ministry,  we  will  not  tamely  submit.  Ap- 
pealing to  Heaven  for  the  justice  of  our  cause,  we  determine  to  die  or 
be  free.] 

[We  cannot  think  that  the  honor,  wisdom  and  valor  of  Britons,  will 
suffer  them  to  be  longer  inactive  spectators  of  measures,  in  which  they 
themselves  are  so  deeply  interested  :  measures  pursued  in  opposition  to 
the  -oleum  protests  of  many  noble  lords,  and  the  expressed  -ense  of 
conspicuous  commoners,  whose  knowledge  and  virtue  have  long  char- 
acterized them  as  some  of  the  greatest  men  in  the  nation:  measures 
executing  contrary  to  the  interest,  petitions  and  resolves  of  many 
large,  respectable  and  opulent  counties,  cities  and  boroughs  in  Great 
Britain:  measures  highly  incompatible  with  justice,  but  still  pursued 


156  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [April  26, 

with  a  specious  pretence  of  easing  the  nation  of  its  burthens  :  meas- 
ures which,  if  successful,  must  end  in  the  ruin  and  slavery  of  Britain 
as  well  as  the  persecuted  American  colonies.] 

[We  sincerely  hope,  that  the  Great  Sovereign  of  the  Universe,  who 
hath  so  often  appeared  for  the  English  nation,  will  support  you  in  every 
rational  and  manly  exertion  with  these  colonies,  for  saving  it  from 
ruin,  and  that,  in  a  constitutional  connection  with  the  mother  country, 
we  shall  be  altogether  a  free  and  happy  people.]1 

The  depositions  taken  by  the  committee  for  that  purpose,  were  laid 
on  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  read.2 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  make  duplicates  of  the  same,  and 
Capt.  Stone,  [Jonas]  Dix,  Esq.,  Col.  Tyng,  Col.  Dwight,  Capt.  Whit- 
temore,  Major  Fuller  and  Mr.  Freeman  assist  as  scribes  in  that 
business. 

And  then  adjourned  till  three  o'clock. 

Afternoon. 

||Three  o'clock,  afternoon.     Met  according  to  adjournment. || 
Ordered,  That  the  letters  and  papers  just  now  received  from  Rhode 
Island3  by  Doct.  Perkins,  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  safety,  now  sit- 
ting in  Cambridge,  by  him,  and  that  he  have  leave  to  go  home  a  few 
days. 

(1)  The  letter  to  Doct.  Franklin,  and  the  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain,  have  been 
restored  to  their  places  in  the  journal  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  from  the  copies  preserved  in  the 
records  of  the  Continental  Congress,  May  11,  1775. 

(2)  These  depositions,  with  the  narrative  prepared  by  order  of  the  Congress,  will  be  found  in  the 
Appendix. 

(3)  The  letters  covered  the  following  resolution  of  the  general  assembly  of  Rhode  Island,  adopt- 
ed April  25,  1775. 

"  At  this  very  daogerous  crisis  of  American  affairs  :  at  a  time  when  we  are  surrounded  with  fleets 
and  armies,  that  threaten  our  immediate  destruction  ;  at  a  time  when  the  fears  and  anxieties  of 
the  people  throw  them  into  the  utmost  distress,  and  totally  prevent  them  from  attending  to  the 
common  occupations  of  life  :  to  prevent  the  mischievous  consequences  that  must  attend  such  a  dis- 
ordered state,  and  to  restore  peace  to  the  minds  of  the  good  people  of  this  colony,  it  is  thought  ab- 
solutely necessary,  that  a  number  of  men  be  raised  and  embodied,  properly  armed  and  disciplined, 
to  continue  in  this  colony  as  an  army  of  observation,  to  repel  any  insult  or  violence  that  may  be 
offered  to  the  inhabitants  ;  and  also,  if  it  be  necessary  for  the  safety  and  preservation  of  any  of  the 
colonies,  that  they  I"-  ordered  to  march  out  of  this  colony,  and  join  and  co-operate  with  the  forces 
of  our  neighboring  colonies." 

"  It  is  Voted,  and  Resolved,  that  fifteen  hundred  men  be  enlisted,  raised  and  embodied,  as  afore- 
said, with  all  the  expedition  anil  despatch  that  the  nature  of  the  thing  will  admit  of." 

In  the  house  of  magistrates,  on  the  |i.-iss:ige  of  t his  resolution,  the  following  protest  was  entered 
by  the  governor,  deputy  governor  and  two  of  the  assistants. 

"  We,  the  subscribers,  professing  true  allegiance  to  his  majesty,  king  George  the  Third,  beg 
leave  to  dissent  from  tin-  vote  of  tin'  house  of  magistrates  for  enlisting,  raising  and  embodying  an 
army  of  observation  of  fifteen  hundred  men,  to  repel  any  insults  or  violences  that  may  he  offered  to 
the  inhabitant  Iso,  if  it  be  m  cessary  for  the  safety  and  preservation  of  any  of  the  colonies, 

to  march  them  out  of  this  colony,  to  join  and  co-operate  with  the  forces  of  our  neighboring  colo- 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


!•»/ 


Resolved,  Thai  Richard  Gridley,  Esq.  be,  and  he  berebj  is  appoint- 
ed chief  engineer  of  the  forces  now  raising  in  tin-  colony,  for  the  de- 
fence of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  the  American  continent  :  and  that 
there  be  paid  to  the  said  Richard  Gridley,  oul  of  the  public  treasury 
of  this  colony,  during  his  continuance  in  thai  service,  at  the  ral 
one  hundred  and  aeventj  pounds,  lawful  money,  per  annum.  And  it 
is  further  Resolved,  that  from  and  alter  the  time  when  the  said  foi 
shall  he  disbanded,  during  the  life  <d'  the  said  Gridley,  there  be  paid 
t<>  him,  oul  of  the  said  treasury,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
three  pounds,  lawful  money,  per  annum. 

Ordered,  That  the  duplicates  laj  on  the  table  till  the  narrative 
comes  in. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Freeman,  Doct.  Taylor,  Deacon  Chee\er,  Doct. 
Baylies  and  Col.  Farley,  l>e  a  committee  to  consider  the  state  of  the 
eastern  part- of  this  province  at  large,  in  regard  to  supplying  them 
with  ammunition,  and  to  sit  forthwith.  [The  committee  presented  the 
following  report,  which  was  accepted.] 

[In  Provincial  Congress,  Wotertown,  April  -2<>,  177.>.] 

[Whereas,  representation  has  been  made  to  this  Congress,  thai  seve- 
ral of  the  towns  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the  colony  are  deficient  in 
such  supply  of  ammunition,  as  it  is  necessary  that  the]  should,  at  this 
day,  be  furnished  with,  for  the  safety  ami  defence  of  the  colony  in 
general  and  that  part  of  it  in  particular:] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  Thai  the  committee  of  supplies  he,  ami  they 
are  hereby  directed,  forthwith,  to  take  some  effectual  measures  to  pro- 
cur,  -neh  ;•  quantity  of  powder  and  hall  as  will  appear  to  them  to  be 
necessary  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  under  the  present  alarming  situa- 
tion of  our  public  affairs  ;  and,  in  particular,  that  the]  immediate!]  -end 
to  the  colonies  of  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island  for  so  much  powder 
as  they  shall  think  necessary,  and  when  procured,  to  deliver  so  much  of 
it,  to  the  order  of  the  selectmen  of  such  deficient  town-,  and    in   such 

oil  - :  because,  wa  are  of  opinion,  thai  such  o  measnie  will  be  attended  with  the  most  I 
quences  to  our  charter  privileges,  involve  thia  colony   in   all  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war,  and, 

iceivo,  be  an  open  violation  of  thi  llegiance,  which  we  have  severally  taken  upon  mir 

admission  into  the  respei  live  offices  we  hold  in  the  colon} ." 

"JOSEPH    i.  U  INTON,  THOMAS  WICKES, 

D  \i:n  S  SESSIONS,  wii.u  \  M   POTTER." 

i      .,  speaker  of  the  house,  writes  thus :    "  Notwithstanding  an  i  of  a 

few  imli\  i'ln  ii-.  you  ■•>:>>  be  assured  th  a  the  colony  are  linn  and  determined,  and  greater  unanimity 

i  pro  vailed  in  the  lower  house  than  was  found  on  tin'  great  quest -  before  them.     i\ 

pray  to  Sod  thai  he  would  be  grocioualj   pleased  to  linn:.-  to  nothing  the  councils  and 
wicked  nun  against  our  liven  ami  liberties,  and  grant  Mi^  blessing  upon  our  righteous  conti  -'■" 


158  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  26, 

quantities  as  they  may  think  will  be  proportional  to  the  exigencies  of 
each  town  respectively,  and  to  the  safety  and  defence  of  the  colony  in 
general  :  such  towns  to  pay  for  the  supplies  which  they  may  receive  of 
said  committee,  according  to  the  net  expense  of  procuring  the  same.]1 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Cutts,  Ichabod  Goodwin  and  Deacon  Fisher,  be 
appointed  to  proportion  the  powder  that  is  recommended  to  be  sold  to 
the  towns  of  York,  Welles,  Biddeford,  Boothbay  and  Sandford,  and  to 
sit  forthwith.  [The  committee  reported  the  following  resolve  which 
was  accepted :] 

[Whereas,  the  towns  of  York,  Welles,  Boothbay  and  Biddeford 
have  applied  to  this  Congress,  setting  forth  the  dangerous  situation 
they  are  in,  being  sea  ports,  and  thereby  exposed  to  the  ravages  of 
the  enemy,  although  but  a  small  force  should  be  sent  to  attack  them  by 
sea;  and  likewise  shewing  that  they  have  not  ammunition  sufficient 
wherewith  to  make  defence  should  they  be  thus  attacked;  and  consid- 
ering them  as  they  ought  to  be,  part  of  the  whole,  and  should  they  suf- 
fer that  the  whole  must  be  affected  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  recommended  to 
the  selectmen  of  the  towns  of  Marblehead,  Salem  and  Newburyport, 
that  they  forthwith  sell  out  of  their  town  stock  four  half  barrels  of 
powder  each,  to  said  towns  of  York,  Welles,  Biddeford  and  Boothbay, 
to  put  the  inhabitants  thereof  in  some  tolerable  state  of  defence  ;  and 
should  the  towns  of  Marblehead,  Salem  and  Newburyport  be  under 
the  necessity  of  having  the  quantities  which  they  have  delivered  to  the 
said  towns  of  York,  Welles,  Boothbay  and  Biddeford  replaced,  in  that 
case,  the  Congress  will  give  orders  for  the  same  as  soon  as  may  be : 
the  powder  to  be  apportioned  according  to  the  number  of  inhabitants 
in  the  said  towns  :  as  also  to  Sandford,  said  town  having  made  appli- 
cation for  supplies  of  the  same  kind.] 

Ordered,  That  Rev.  J.  Murray,  Major  Fuller  and  Jonas  Dix, 
Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  return  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  to  the  rev- 
erend ministers,  who  have  generously  offered  to  supply  the  army  as 
chaplains  each  a  month  in  rotation. 

Ordered,  That  three  o'clock  to-morrow  [abe  assigned]  to  take  into 
consideration  some  effectual  method  of  supplying  the  treasury. 

a  [this  Congress  will  take.] 

(1)  This  resolve,  ami  that  which  immediately  follows,  are  copied  from  the  original  papers  in  the 
office  of  the  secretary  of  the  Commonwealth. 


1775.]  SECOND   PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  i.v.i 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  How  have  leave  to  return  home,  but  ||he 
i-  to  i  return  to  his  dun  immediately. 

Ordered,  That  copies  of  the  order  to  Hon.  Richard  Derby,  Esq., 
for  fitting  out  his  vessel  a-  a  packet,  be  taken  ami  authenticated  by  the 
president  j >r< »  tempore.1 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon  Richard  Derby,  Esq's  order  to  the  treasu- 
ry,  l>e  also  authenticated  by  the  president  pro  tempore. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  supplies   [he   directed]    in   [cause 
the]  draught  of  the  letter  to  our  agent  m  (.real  Britain  ||"to  be  sent, 
with  the  papers  m>u  preparing  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Holten,  Doct.  Baylies,  Capt.  Whittemore,  Col. 
Dwight  and  Mr.  Kollock,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  recommendation 
of  the  committee  of  safety  into  consideration,  «  nh  respect  |jto  armour- 
ers for  1 1  the  arn  i  \  now   forming. 

Mooed,  That  when  this  Congress  do  adjourn,  that  they  adjourn  till 
seven  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

||And  then||  adjourned  accordingly. 

Thursday,  April  27,  [1775,  A.  M.] 

Seven  o'clock — met  according  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Goodman  inquire  of  the  committee  of  safety, 
whether  any  provision  is  made  for  a  post  or  posts  to  ride  from  the 
army  to  Worcester,  agreeably  to  a  request  from  the  selectmen  of  that 
town,  and  also  to  procure  a  writ  for  calling  a  general  assembly  in  Ma\ 
next,  issued  from  general  Gage  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  secretary  pro  tempore  take  extracts  from  the 
minutes  of  the  resolves  of  this  Congress,  and  authenticate  the  same. 
and  deliver  them  to  the  men  now  in  waiting  from  York  and  Welles,  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  some  powder. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry  have  leave  to  bring  in  a  resolve  with  re- 
gard to  the  sea  ports  in  the  count]  of  Essex. 

[Whereupon,  Mr.  Gerry  offered  the  following:] 

[Whereas,  hostilities  have  been  commenced  in  this  colony  by  Gn  at 
Britain,  and  the  sword  ma\  remain  unsheathed  for  a  considerable  time  : 

a  lliiinl  \<v  requested  t"  Bend  the  s  iino.|| 
(1)  The  ordei  t.>  Richard  Derby,  Esq.  \\ as  as  follows  : 

IN  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY,  A 

Resolreil,  That   Capt.  Derby  be  directed,  and  he  bereb)  is  directed,  to  make  for  Dublin,  a 
other  -'""'I  port  in  Ireland,  and  from  thence  t"  cross  I  or  Engl  md,  and  hasten  to  London. 

Thi*  direction  is  given,  iii.it  -•>  he  m  .11  cruisers  thai  may  l»'  in  the  chops  "i*  thi 

i  the  communication  of  the  provincial  intelligence  to  the  agent.     He  «ill  forthwith 
his  papers  to  the  agent  on  reaching  1 don.  J.  W  UtREN,  Chairman. 

P.  B.— i  "N  are  t.>  Icei  p  tin*  order  a  profound  secret  from  everj  person  "n  earth. 


160  SECOND  PROVENCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  27, 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  earnestly  recommended  to  the 
committees  of  the  sea  port  towns  in  the  county  of  Essex,  that  they 
use  their  utmost  endeavors  to  have  all  the  effects  of  the  inhabitants  of 
their  respective  towns  removed  as  soon  as  possible :  that  the  Congress 
highly  approves  of  the  conduct  of  said  towns  in  wearing  a  pacific  ap- 
pearance until  their  effects  shall  be  secured  :  that  the  Congress  con- 
sider it  as  absolutely  necessary  for  said  inhabitants  to  be  in  readiness 
to  go  into  the  country  on  the  shortest  notice,  and  to  avoid  mixing  with 
our  enemies,  as  thereby  their  own  lives  will  ever  be  in  imminent  dan- 
ger when  the  colony  and  the  continent  shall  attack  such  enemies. 
And  it  is  also  recommended  to  them  that  their  application  to  Congress 
for  advice,  and  this  resolve  in  consequence  thereof,  be  kept  a  secret, 
that  their  effects  may  more  easily  be  removed.]1 

Ordered,  That  three  o'clock  next  Tuesday  be  assigned  to  take  up 
the  matter  in  the  resolve  brought  in  by  Mr.  Gerry. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  President,  Col.  Orne,  Doct.  Taylor,  Major  Ful- 
ler of  Middleton,  and  Capt.  Goodman,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with 
the  officers  of  the  army,  relative  to  the  reduction  of  their  pay. 

Col.  Dwight  [was]  appointed  to  wait  on  the  committee  of  safety, 
and  acquaint  them  with  the  names  of  the  officers  in  the  regiments  of 
minute  men  in  Worcester  county. 

Mr.  Hale  ||is||  appointed  to  the  same  business  ||for||  the  county  of 
Hampshire. 

Then  adjourned  till  three  o'clock. 

[Afternoon.] 

|| Afternoon,  three  o'clock — met  according  to  adjournment. || 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Kingsbury,  Doct.  Holten  and  Deacon  Stone, 
are  appointed  to  enquire,  and  endeavor  to  get  an  exact  account  of  the 
men  killed,  and  wounded,  and  murdered,  in  the  late  scene  on  the  19th 
instant. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for,  to  take  up  the  matter  of  sup- 
plying the  treasury. 

Ordered,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  for  that  purpose,  to  con- 
sist of  five,  and  to  be  chosen  by  written  votes. 

Ordered,  Thai  two  be  added  to  this  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Bullen  and  Capt.  Batchelder  be 
appointed  to  count  and  sort  the  votes. 

Ordered,  That  nine  o'clock  be  assigned  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Partridge,  Capt.  Greenleaf  and  Doct.  Baker,  be 
appointed  to  consider  the  petition  from  Gorham,  and  to  sit  forthwith. 

(1)  Mr.  Gerry's  resolution  is  transcribed  from  the  original  on  the  files  of  Congress. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  161 

Ordered,  That  Gapt.  Whittemore,  Mr.  Freeman  and  Doct  Bayli* 
assisl    as   scribes,  the  committees  in  taking  fair   copies  of  the  depo-i 
tions  in  order  t"<>r  the  press;  and  to  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  Jonas  Dix,  Esq.,  [William]  Stickney,  Esq.  and 
Deacon  Stone,  be  appointed  to  take  true  copies  of  the  depositions, 
and  have  them  signed  by  the  deponents,  and  authenticated  by  the  jus- 
tices and  a  notary  public. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hubbarl  have  leave  to  go  home  a  few  days. 

Then  adjourned  till  nine  o'clock  [to-morrow  morning.] 

[Friday,  April  28,  1775,  A.  M.] 

Nine  o'clock — met  l^accordingH  to  adjournment. 

Ordered,  [That]  .Mr.  President,  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Gerry,  Doct. 
Holten  and  Mr.  Gill,  he  appointed  to  confer  with  the  gentlemen  from 
New  Hampshire,  and  are  desired  to  lay  the  letters  just  received  from 
New  York,  before  them.1 

Ordered,  At  the  desire  of  the  secretary  pro  tempore,  that  he  be 
excused  from  that  service  after  another  is  appointed  in  that  place. 

Accordingly  Mr.  [Samuel]  Freeman  was  appointed  to  that  office 
pro  tempore. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  JVatcrtown,  April  28,  177"). 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  commit- 
tee who  this  day  arrived  here  from  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire, 
have  leave  to  report  to  this  Congress  a  draught  of  a  letter,  which  they 
have  prepared  as  an  answer  to  one  received  from  the  convention  of 
the  said  colony  of  New  Hampshire,  dated  26th  instant.  The  said 
draught  was  accordingly  reported,  read  and  unanimously  accepted,  and 
ordered  to  be  authenticated  by  the  president,  and  delivered  to  Col. 
Nathaniel  Folsom,  Col.  Josiah  Bartlet  and  Major  Samuel  Hobart, 
Esq.,  the  committee  from  the  said  convention  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz.  . 

"Gi  mi  I.Mia  : — It  is  with  pleasure  we  have  received  your  letter 
abovernentioned,  and  by  a  committee  of  this  Congress,  have  had  a 
conference  with  your  respectable  committee. 

We  find   the   fullest   conviction   in  the  minds  of  the   inhabitants  of 

mformabl;  || 
(1)  Tin-  letten  from  New  York  eneloied  communication!  from  London,  containing  Intelii 
of  the  proceeding!  of  parliament,  information  of  the  designs  of  the  miniitry,  and  exhortation*  t" 

union  and  firmness  in  resists. >. 

21 


162  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  28, 

our  sister  colonies,  as  well  as  of  this,  that  by  their  immediate  and  most 
vigorous  exertions,  there  is  the  greatest  prospect  of  establishing  their 
liberties  and  saving  their  country ;  and  that  without  such  exertions  all 
must  be  lost. 

It  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  as  already  communicated,  that  a 
powerful  army  on  our  side,  must,  at  once,  cut  out  such  a  work  for  a 
tyrannical  administration,  as,  under  the  great  opposition  which  they 
meet  with  in  England,  they  cannot  accomplish  ;  and  that  their  system 
of  despotism  must  soon  be  shaken  to  the  foundation :  but  should  they 
still  pursue  their  sanguinary  measures,  that  the  colonies  will  then  be 
able  to  make  a  successful  stand. 

We  have  the  utmost  confidence  in  your  patriotic  colony,  whose  in- 
habitants have  signalized  themselves  in  joining  their  brethren  in  this  ; 
and  hope  to  see  New  Hampshire,  and  every  other  government  which 
has  been  exposed  to  the  corruption  of  a  British  ministry,  soon  placed 
upon  such  a  footing  as  will  be  best  calculated  to  promote  the  true  in- 
terest of  the  same,  and  to  prevent  in  future  such  unhappy  disputes  as 
have  taken  place  with  the  mother  country. 

We  have  just  received  an  agreeable  account  of  the  conduct  of  our 
brethren  in  New  York,  and  have  delivered  a  copy  of  the  letter  to  your 
committee. 

We  sincerely  thank  you  for  your  ||late||  measures  taken  ||aby  your|| 
convention  at  Exeter,  and  are  fully  persuaded  that  the  Congress  of 
your  colony,  which  is  to  meet  on  the  17th  May,  will  take  such  effectual 
steps  as  the  present  exigency  of  public  affairs  requires,  and  the  conti- 
nent of  America  must  necessarily  approve. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  authenticate  a  copy  of  the  letter  this 
day  received  from  governor  Hopkins  of  Rhode  Island,  and  deliver  the 
same  to  the  abovementioned  committee  from  New  Hampshire. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Dickenson,  Doct.  Holten  and  Col.  Gerrish,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  upon  the  committee  from  New  Hampshire  to  the 
committee  of  safety  of  this  colony,  now  sitting  at  Cambridge,  to  con- 
sult with  them  respecting  the  New  Hampshire  forces  now  at  Cam- 
bridge. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  Gerry  and  Mr.  Gardner,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  this  day  received  from  the 
Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  dated  Providence,  April  27th,  1775.1 


(1)  This  letter  cannot  he  recovered:  it  related  to  the  rapture  of  Mr.  John  Brown:  the  substance 
i  g  stated  in  the  note  to  the  journal  of  April  29. 


177.-,.]  SECOND  PRO\  I NCIAL  CONGRESS.  IG3 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Grout  and  Mr   Fisher,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  take  into  consideration   the   expediency   of  establishing    p 
riders  between  the  Massachusetts  forces  and  1 1 » « -  town  of  Worcester. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Crane,  Mr.  Grout  and  Mr.  Fisher,  Ik-  a  commit- 
tee to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  recommending  u>  the 
several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  that  tiny  take  no  notice  of 
the  precepts  lately  issued  b)  general  Gage,  for  calling  a  general  as- 
sembly. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller  of  Newton,  Mr.  Goodman,  Doct.  Tay- 
lor, Doct.  Baylies  and  Major  Brooks,  he  a  committee  to  prepare  a 
form  of  a  commission  for  the  several  ollicers  of  the  army  now  forming 
in  this  province. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  tins  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered, That  Mr.  Fisher,  Doct.  Taylor  and  [Benjamin]  Aikin,  Esq., 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  draught  of  rules  and  regulations  to  be  in 
future  observed  by  the  several  members  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  in  the  forenoon  to  take  into  consideration 
a  letter  received  from  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  reported. 

The  report  [was]  accepted,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the 
present. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  introduce  the  honorable 
delegates  from  the  convention  at  Exeter,  in  New  Hampshire,  to  the 
committee  of  safety,  applj  to  said  committee  for  an  authentic  account 
of  what  transactions  have  certainly  taken  place,  with  respect  to  the 
liberation  of  our  friends  in  Bo-ton,  and  report  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Dexter,  Major  Brooks,  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt. 
Batchelder  and  Capt.  Greenleaf,  he  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve 
empowering  the  committee  of  supplies  to  procure  such  provisions, 
military  stores,  and  other  stores,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  tor  the 
army,  now  forming  in  this  colony,  during  its  establishment. 

It  was  Moved,  That  the  sense  of  this  Congress  be  taken,  whether  it 
would  he  expedient  to  reduce  the  pay  of  the  field  officers  of  the  army 
||now  forming  in  this  colony  :||  after  much  debate  the  question  was 
put,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative  by  a  large  majority.  Whereupon, 
it  was  determined,  that  the  pay  of  the  chief  colonel  he  reduced  from 
l'l~>  to  i'\l:  and  that  the  lieutenant  colonels  and  majors  he  reduced 
in  the  Bame  proportion  ;  ||accordingly,||  Ordered, that  Major  Fuller  |jof 
Newton, ||  Col.  Dexter    and    ('apt.   Little,  be    a    committee  to  bring  in  a 

resoh e  tor  that  purpose. 

||This  Congress  was  then  |  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight 

o'clock 


164  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [April  29, 

Saturday,  April  29,  [1775,  A.  M.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  wait  on  the  New  Hampshire  committee 
to  the  committee  of  safety,  at  Cambridge,  and  to  make  inquiry  re- 
specting the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  reported,  that 
they  had  attended  that  business,  and  had  brought  from  the  committee 
of  safety  a  number  of  papers,  which  contain  the  proceedings  of  the 
town  of  Boston  with  general  Gage,  in  respect  to  moving  the  inhabi- 
tants and  their  effects ; 

And  that  the  committee  of  safety,  having  taken  the  substance  of 
them  into  consideration,  desired  that  [the  papers]  might  be  returned  to 
them,  and  that  the  Congress  would  not  pass  any  resolve  respecting  them, 
till  they  had  come  to  some  resolve  concerning  ||the  subject  of  ||  them  ; 

Therefore,  Ordered,  That  the  subject  matter  of  the  said  papers  be 
referred  to  the  consideration  of  the  said  committee  of  safety,  they  to 
make  report  to  this  Congress  as  soon  as  may  be. 

On  a  motion  made,  ||aFo£erf,||  That  the  day  appointed  for  the  first 
meeting  of  the  county  committees,  which  was  the  first  Wednesday  in 
May  next,  be  postponed  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  May  next. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  draught  of  rules  and  regula- 
tions to  be  observed  by  this  Congress,  reported.  The  rules  were  read 
and  severally  accepted,  and  are  as  follow,  viz.  : 

1.  No  member  shall  speak  out  of  his  place,  nor  without  standing 
up,  and  applying  to  the  president  for  leave,  and  shall  sit  down  as  soon 
as  he  is  done  speaking. 

2.  No  member,  speaking  by  leave  of  the  president,  shall  be  interrupt- 
ed by  another,  but  by  rising  up  to  speak  to  order. 

3.  No  member  shall  speak  more  than  twice  to  one  question,  without 
first  obtaining  leave  of  Congress  ;  nor  more  than  once  until  others 
have  spoken  that  shall  desire  it. 

4.  Whenever  any  member  shall  have  liberty  from  the  president  to 
make  a  motion,  and  such  motion  shall  be  seconded  by  another,  the 
same  shall  be  received  and  considered  by  the  Congress,  and  not  other- 
wise. 

5.  No  member  shall  declare,  or  question,  whether  it  be  a  vote  or  not. 

6.  No  grant  for  money  or  other  thing  shall  be  made,  unless  there  be 
a  time  before  assigned  for  that  purpose. 

7.  No  vote  shall  be  reconsidered  when  a  less  number  is  present  in 
Congress  than  there  was  when  it  passed. 

8.  No  member  shall  nominate  more  than  one  person  for  a  commit- 
tee, provided  the  person  so  nominated  be  chosen. 

a  ||OrHcrcd.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  166 

!».  No  member  shall  be  obliged  to  be  upon  mure  than  two  commit- 
tees  at  [the  same]  time,  nor  chairman  of  more  than  one. 

II).  That  no  member  be  permitted  to  Btand  up  to  the  interruption 
of  another,  while  such  other  member  is  speaking. 

Ordered,  That  the  monitors  of  this  Congress  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by directed,  to  see  that  the  foregoing  rules  are  observed  by  the  several 
members  of  this  Congress 

Ordered,  The  letter  and  resolve  prepared  to  be  sent  t<>  the  Hon. 
Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  of  Rhode  Island,  be  recommitted  for  a  suit- 
able addition,  and  the  committee  to  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  .Mr.  Dexter  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a 

resolve    expressive    of  the   vote  of  this  Congress   tor    altering   the  first 
meeting  of  the  county  committees. 

The  committee  ||\vho  \vere||  appointed  to  bring  [in]  a  resolve  empou  er- 
ing  the  committee  of  supplies  to  procure  provisions  and  military  stores, 

reported.     The  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows: 

lv  Provincial  Congress,  Watertovm,  April  29,  1?7.">. 

Hrsolrrd,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
empowered  to  purchase  every  kind  of  military  stores,  provisions,  and 
all  other  supplies  which  they  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  use  of  the 
forces  of  this  colony,  during  the  establishment  of  an  army  for  it-  de- 
fence, or  until  it  shall  be  otherwise  ordered  by  this  or  some  future  con- 
gress, or  bouse  of  representatives,  on  the  credit  of  the  colonv  :  and 
make  drafts  of  suitable  sum-,  from  the  treasury,  for  payment  for 
tli'  same:  also  to  deposit  the  said  stores  in  such  ||suitable||  place-  as 
they,  in  consultation  with  the  generals  of  the  colonv,  shall  judge 
proper:  and  to  deliver  such,  and  SO  many  of  said  store-,  to  the  eoin- 
missarv  ireneral,  from  time  to  time,  as  he  shall  ||'have  demand  for||  to 
BUpply  the  army.  Likewise,  said  committee  of  supplies  are  hereby 
empowered  to  employ  such  and  so  many  assistants,  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary,  to  be  paid  as  aforesaid  ;  said  committee  of  supplies  to  be 
accountable,  when  called  upon,  for  their  doings,  to  this  or  some  future 
congress,  or  house  of  representatives  of  this  colonv. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  addition  to  a  letter  to  the 
Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  reported  the  following,  winch  was  read 
and  accepted  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  WcAertoum,  April  528,  177".. 

It  i>  with  the  deepest  concern  that  we  find  Mr.  Brown,  that  valuable 

friend  to  the  cause  of  America,  betraved    into    the    hand-  of  OUT   COm- 

ihall  judge  ii fbl. 


166  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  28, 

mon  enemies,  and  every  measure  for  his  release,  that  can  be  pursued 
by  us,  shall  most  earnestly  be  adopted.  We  have  ordered  Samuel 
Murray,  son  of  a  mandamus  counsellor,  and  such  officers  of  general 
Gage's  army  as  are  prisoners  of  war  and  not  disabled  from  travelling, 
to  be  immediately  sent,  with  sufficient  guards,  to  Providence,  and 
think  it  best  that  Murray  and  the  officers  should  write  to  their  friends 
in  Boston,  acquainting  them  that  Mr.  Brown's  friends  have  the  same 
advantage  over  them  as  general  Gage  hath  over  Mr.  Brown. 

We  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  you  the  critical  situation  of  this  colony 
at  the  present  time,  which  disables  this  Congress  from  immediately 
seizing  every  crown  officer  in  the  government.  Boston  is  closed,  and 
its  numerous  inhabitants,  so  obnoxious  to  our  enemies,  are  imprisoned 
therein.  Several  of  our  sea  ports  are  ["blockaded]  with  ships,  and 
threatened  destruction  if  they  join  the  army.  Under  this  situation, 
the  inhabitants  of  the  places  most  in  danger  are,  day  and  night,  remov- 
ing their  furniture  and  effects,  and  we  hope  soon  to  see  it  generally 
done.  Should  we,  therefore,  seize  the  crown  officers  as  proposed,  it 
may  hurl  on  our  numerous  sea  ports  sudden  destruction,  before  they 
have  had  opportunity  of  saving  themselves.  We  had  it  in  contempla- 
tion to  send  a  letter  to  the  general,  acquainting  him  that  we  should 
treat  the  crown  officers  with  severity,  if  Mr.  Brown  should  be  so 
treated  by  him.  But  we  are  apprehensive  that  it  would  rather  produce 
an  unhappy  than  good  effect,  as  he  has  a  greater  number  of  our  val- 
uable friends  than  we  can  shew  of  his.  We  desire  you  to  give  us 
your  further  sentiments  in  the  matter,  and  if  any  other  way  is  best 
wherein  the  Congress  can  save  Mr.  Brown,  it  shall  be  readily  pursued. 

We  are,  &c. 

To  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  JVatertotvn,  April  28,  1775. 
Whereas,  a  worthy  friend  to  the  liberties  of  America,  Mr.  John 
Brown,  of  Providence,  hath  been  lately  seized,  and  with  two  other  per- 
sons, carried  on  board  a  British  ship  of  war  at  Newport :  Ordered, 
that  Samuel  Murray,  and  such  officers  of  general  Gage's  army  as  are 
prisoners  of  war,  and  not  disabled  from  travelling  on  account  of  their 
wounds,  be  immediately  sent,  under  a  sufficient  guard,  to  Providence, 
and  delivered  to  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  or  other  friend  of 
said  Mr.  Brown,  to  be  made  such  use  of  as  they  shall  think  proper  for 
obtaining  the  liberty  of  the  said  Mr.  Brown. 

a  [blocked.] 


1775]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  i,;; 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Jf'atertown,  April  29,  1 7  7  ."•. 

Sib  : — The  above  is  a  copy  of  an  order  and  Inter  which  passed  this 
Congress  yesterday,  since  which  we  have  received  from  Boston  copies 
of  sundry  votes  of  that  town  to  general  Gage,  upon  the  Bubjecl  of  a 
license  [for  the  inhabitants]  to  remove,  with  their  effects,  into  tin- 
country  ;  and  by  bis  answers  it  appears,  thai  be  has  consented  to  suffer 
such  inhabitants  as  have  inclination  therefor,  to  leave  the  place,  with 
all  their  effects,  excepting  tin'  arms,  which  are  to  be  delivered  at  Fan- 
euil  hall  to  the  selectmen  of  tin-  town,  and  the  names  of  the  owners  to 
be  placed  on  them  :  and  tin-  general  expect-,  un  the  other  hand,  a  pro- 
clamation from  Congress,  gh  mix  liberty  to  all  inhabitants  of  the  colo- 
ny, having  inclination  therefor,  to  remove,  with  their  i  Sects,  into  Bos- 
ton. Some  of  the  inhabitants  have  alread]  lefl  the  town,  bj  permis- 
sion of  the  general;  ||and  under  these  circumstances, ||  should  we  issue 
the  order  which  has  passed  in  Congress,  it  may  put  a  stop  to  this  un- 
expected favorable  event,  and  prevent  the  emancipation  of  many  thou- 
sands of  friends  to  America.  We,  nevertheless,  purpose  to  detain  tin- 
prisoners  of  war ;  and  if  the  general  should  not  forfeit  his  plighted 
faith,  to  use  all  expedition  in  getting  out  families  and  the  effects  of 
our  friends  from  Boston,  that  we  may  be  at  liberty  to  use  our  prison- 
ers, and  every  other  means  in  our  power,  for  the  release  of  Mr.  Brown, 
as  was  intended. 

P.  S. — We  have  just  heard  the  passages  from  Boston  are  again 
stopped,  but  the  occasion  of  this  extraordinary  maun  in  re  we  cannot 
pel  learn. 

Tu  (In  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  \\qf  Providence. 

Ordered,  Thai    a  postscript   be   added  to  the  letter  just  prepared  to 

be  sent  to  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  purporting  that  we   have 

just   received   intellicrence   that   the   passages   to  and  from    Boston  are 

-tupped  ;   the  reason  of  which  extraordinary  manoeuvre  we  are  not  yel 

acquainted  with. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock  [this  afternoon.] 

[Afternoon.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  with  respect  to  re- 
ducing the  pay  of  the  field  officers,  reported  the  following,  which  was 
read    and    accepted,   and   ordered   to  be  signed    bj    the   secretary,  and 

transmitted  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Watertown,  Ipril  29,  L77& 

Whereas,  the  reducing  of  the  several  regiments  to  be  raised  in  the 
provincial  ->mce.  li one  thousand  men    in   a  regiment  to  five  hun- 


168  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  29, 

died  and  ninety,  makes  the  service  of  the  said  field  officers  of  said 
regiments  less  burdensome ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  pay  of  said 
field  officers  be  reduced  one  fifth  part  from  the  first  establishment,  and 
that  said  field  officers'  pay,  in  said  service  of  this  province,  to  the  last 
day  of  December  next,  unless  dismissed  before,  shall  be  as  follows, 
viz. :  a  colonel's  pay,  twelve  pounds  per  month  :  a  lieutenant  colonel's 
pay,  nine  pounds  twelve  shillings  per  month  :  a  major's  pay,  eight 
pounds  per  month. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Rawson,  Doct.  Dunsmore  and  Col.  Davis,  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  the  committee  of  safety  now  sitting  at  Cam- 
bridge, to  inform  them  of  the  deep  concern  this  Congress  feel,  on  ac- 
count of  the  state  and  situation  of  the  cannon,  and  desire  information 
respecting  the  disposition  of  them — and  that  this  committee  forthwith 
proceed  on  this  business. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  now  proceed  to  choose  a  commit- 
tee, to  consider  some  method  of  supplying  the  treasury. 

Ordered,  That  Esquire  Greenleaf,  Mr.  Hall,  (in  the  room  of  Doct. 
Holten,)  and  Mr.  Batchelder,  be  of  the  committee  to  count  and  sort 
the  votes. 

The  absent  members  were  ordered  to  be  called  in. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  who  was  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  ex- 
pressive of  the  vote  of  this  Congress  for  altering  the  first  meeting  of 
the  county  committees,  reported ;  which  report  being  read  and  amend- 
ed, was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress,  on  the  12th  day  of  this  instant  April,  ap- 
pointed a  committee  for  each  county,  to  receive  from  the  committees 
of  correspondence  in  such  counties,  a  state  of  the  conduct  of  the 
towns  and  districts,  with  respect  to  their  having  executed  the  conti- 
nental and  provincial  measures  for  the  preservation  of  this  country 
from  slavery.  And,  whereas,  the  distressed  circumstances  of  the 
colony  may  probably  render  it  very  inconvenient  that  so  great  a 
number  of  members  should  be  absent  from  the  Congress  on  the 
first  Wednesday  of  May  next,  the  day  mentioned  for  their  first  meet- 
ing; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  first  meeting  of  said  committees  be 
postponed  to  the  fourth  Wednesday  in  said  month ;  and  it  is  recom- 
mended to  the  several  committees  of  correspondence  to  render  a  true 
state  of  the  conduct  of  their  respective  towns  and  districts  on  the  said 
fourth  Wednesday  of  May  accordingly  ;  and  especially  with  respect  to 
their  outstanding  province  rates,  any  thing  contained  in  the  former  re- 
solve of  this  Congress  differing  herefrom  notwithstanding. 


17  75.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  168 

Ordered,  That  the  several  county  committees  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  directed  to  inform  the  committees  of  correspondence  of  the  seve- 
ral ||*towns  in  their  respective  counties||  of  the  purport  of  the  fore- 
going resolve. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to  notify 
the  chairman  of  each  of  the  said  county  committees,  of  the  purport  of 
the  said  resolve. 

The  committee  appointed  to  count  ami  sort  the  votes  for  a  commit- 
tee to  consider  on  some  method  for  supplying  the  treasury,  reported 
that  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen,  viz.  :  Rev.  Mr.  Murray, 
Col.  Dexter,  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Gerry,  Capt.  Stone  ||of  Fra- 
ininghamll  and  Capt.  Greenleaf. 

On  a  motion  made  by  Rev.  Mr.  Murray,  that  he  might  be  ex- 
cused from  serving  on  the  above  committee,  and  having  offered  his 
reasons  therefor,  the  question  was  put,  whether  he  be  excused  agree- 
ably to  hi<  request,  from  serving  on  said  committee,  and  it  passed  in 
the  affirmati\i' 

The  Congress  then  made  choice  of  Doct.  Taylor  to  serve  on  said 
committee,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Murray,  who  hath  been  excused. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  \\Watertoum,\\  April  29,  1775. 
The  president  having  received  a  letter  from  Messrs.  Nicholas  Brown 
and  Joseph  Brown,  dated  Providence,  April  *27th,  1775,  desiring  that 
this  Congress  would  observe  secrecy  in  respect  to  the  capture  of  their 
brother,  John  Brown,  al  Newport,  on  the  26th  instant,  and  also 
another,  from  the  Hon.  Stephen  Hopkins,  Esq.,  dated  Providence, 
April  "27111.  I7  75,1  presented  the  same  to  this  Congress  :  which  being 
read — 

a  ||countiee.|| 

(1)  These  letters  are  not  preserved  on  the  books  or  files  "I"  Congress  ;  the  information  contained 

in  tluit  written  by  Honorable  Stephen   Hopkins  is  repeated  in  a  communication  on  the  following 

iddressed  to  the  president. 

PROVIDENCE,   \|.nl  28,  1775. 

GENTLEMEN  : — Mr.  Joseph  Brown  ami  Mr.  Mini's  lirown,  of  this  place,  principal  merchants, 
mill  gentlemen  of  distinction  ami  probity,  will  wait  upon  you  with  this  letter.  Their  brother,  Mr. 
John  Brown,  of  this  town,  merchant,  was,  two  days  u«o,  forcibly  taken  at  Newport  in  a  packet,  as 
he  was  coming  from  thence  with  a  quantity  of  Hour,  which  be  had  purchased  there.  Be  «  aa  car- 
ried  on  board  a  ship  of  war  ami  confined.  We  have  sim-,-  heard  that  be  t-  sen)  round  to  lioston 
with  the  flour.  I  request  you  to  give  the  bearers  any  aid  and  assistance  in  your  power,  for  pro- 
curing the  relief  and  discharge  of  their  brother.  In  my  letter  of  yesterday  to  the  Congress,  the 
iureofrepris,il    in  holding  the  llntish  prisoners  of  war  u  hostages]  was  recommended;  and 

if  it  i  I  wish  it  may  be  pursued. 

1  am  unit  friend  and  humble  servant, 

STKl'lll'.N    lloi'KINS. 
The  embarrassment  created  by  the  capture  of  the  small  quantitj  ol  uted  by  the  British 

man  of  »ar,  appears  from  the  following  letter  ad. In---.il  to  the  president  "'    Congl 

PRO\  ii'i  N'  i     IprilSK,  i: 
SIR :—  At  the  request  of  his  1 r  the  deputy  governor,  [Hon.  Harm-   -  I  b*v«  under- 

22 


170  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.       [April  29, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Gerrish  and  Doct.  Taylor  be,  and 
hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  abovesaid  Joseph 
Brown,  who  now  waits  the  further  advice  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  said  committee  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized 
to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done ;  to  sit  forthwith,  and  make  re- 
port ||aas  soon  as  may  be.|| 

The  president,  ||blikewise,||  received  a  letter  from  Worcester,1  in- 

a  ||forthwith.||  b  ||aIso.|| 

taken  to  answer  yours  of  the  26th  instant ;  we,  sir,  sensibly  feel  the  distresses  of  our  brethren  in 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  can  only  say,  that,  as  brigadier  of  the  three  battalions  under  my  com- 
mand, in  the  county  of  Providence,  I  will  furnish  you,  upon  any  alarm,  with  six  hundred  men ;  but 
the  situation  of  matters  is  such,  occasioned  partly  by  our  assembly's  not  appointing  officers  for  the 
fifteen  hundred  men,  which  they  ordered  to  be  raised  for  your  assistance  ;  and  partly  by  the  seizure 
made  by  the  man  of  war,  at  Newport,  of  three  hundred  barrels  of  flour,  bought  by  this  colony  for 
supplying  our  army,  that  it  will  be  impossible  for  our  forces  immediately  to  proceed  to  join  your 
army,  unless  they  go  destitute  of  provision,  which  we  imagine  here  would  rather  be  a  burden  than 
a  help  to  our  friends  ;  however,  men  are  enlisting  very  fast,  and,  when  our  assembly  meets  here, 
which  will  be  next  week,  you  may  rely  on  it,  that  our  forces  will,  as  fast  and  as  soon  as  possible, 
march  to  your  assistance. 

I  am,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JAMES  ANGELL. 

(1)  Information  of  the  arrival  of  intelligence  from  Europe,  was  contained  in  a  most  interesting  let- 
ter from  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  who,  on  his  way  to  attend  the  Continental  Congress,  remained  at 
Worcester  two  days,  waiting  for  suitable  escort,  and  for  the  coming  of  his  colleagues. 

WORCESTER,  24th  April,  1775,  Monday  Evening. 

"  GENTLEMEN  : — Mr.  S.  Adams  and  myself,  just  arrived  here,  find  no  intelligence  from  you  and 
no  guard.  We  just  hear  an  express  has  just  passed  through  this  place  to  you  from  New  York,  in- 
forming that  administration  is  bent  upon  pushing  matters  ;  and  that  four  regiments  are  expected 
there.  How  are  we  to  proceed  ?  Where  are  our  brethren  ?  Surely  we  ought  to  be  supported.  1 
had  rather  be  with  you  ;  and,  at  present,  am  fully  determined  to  be  with  you  before  I  proceed.  I 
beg,  by  the  return  of  this  express,  to  hear  from  you  ;  and  pray  furnish  us  with  depositions  of  the 
conduct  of  the  troops,  the  certainty  of  their  firing  first,  and  every  circumstance  relative  to  the 
conduct  of  the  troops,  from  the  19th  instant  to  this  time,  that  we  may  be  able  to  give  some  account 
of  matters  as  we  proceed,  and  especially  at  Philadelphia.  Also  I  beg  you  would  order  your  secre- 
tary to  make  out  an  account  of  your  proceedings  since  what  has  taken  place  ;  what  your  plan  is  ; 
what  prisoners  we  have,  and  what  they  have  of  ours  ;  who  of  note  was  killed  on  both  sides  ;  who 
commands  our  forces,  &c." 

"  Are  our  men  in  good  spirits  ?  For  God's  sake,  do  not  suffer  the  spirit  to  subside  until  they 
have  perfected  the  reduction  of  our  enemies.  Boston  must  be  entered  ;  the  troops  must  be  sent 
away,  or  [blank]  Our  friends  are  valuable,  but  our  country  must  be  saved.  I  have  an  interest 
in  that  town  :  «  bat  can  be  the  enjoyment  of  that  to  me,  if  I  am  obliged  to  hold  it  at  the  will  of 
general  Gage, or  any  one  else?  I  doubt  not  your  vigilance,  your  fortitude  and  resolution.  Do  let 
us  know  how  you  proceed.  Wo  must  have. the  castle.  The  ships  must  be  [blank]  Stop  up  the 
harbor  against  large  vessels  coming.  You  know  better  what  to  do  than  I  can  point  out.  Where  is 
Mr.  Cushing?  An-  Mr.  Paine  and  Mr.  John  Adams  to  be  with  us  ?  What  are  we  to  depend  upon  ? 
We  travel  rather  as  deserters,  which  I  will  not  submit  to.  I  will  return  and  join  you,  if  I  cannot 
travel  in  reputation.  I  wish  to  hear  from  you.  Pray  spend  a  thought  upon  our  situation.  I  will 
not  detain  this  man,  as  I  want  much  to  hear  from  you.  How  goes  on  the  Congress  ?  Who  is  your 
president?  Are  the  members  hearty  7  Pray  remember  Mr.  S.  Adams  and  myself  to  all  friends. 
God  be  with  you. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  faithful  and  hearty  countryman, 

JOHN  HANCOCK." 
To  the  gentlemen  committee  of  safety. 


1775.]  SilCOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGK  ESS  171 

fluking  one  from  New  York,  which  gave  information  of  the  arrival  of 
a  packet  there,  with  despatches  for  general  G  unl  recommended 
that  care  be  taken  to  intercept  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Grout  be  directed  to  carry  the  letter  last  men- 
tioned to  the  committee  of  safetj ,  now  Bitting  at  ( larabridge. 

||The  Congress  then||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  seven 
o'clock. 

Sunday,  April  30,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  wait  on  the  committee  of 
safety,  reported,  that  they  bad  attended  the  business  to  winch  they 
were  appointed,  ami  brought  from  said  committee  the  following  ac- 
count. 

In  Committee  ok  ^ai  i  \\.  Cumliriilge,  April  29,  177".. 

Agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  this  committee 
have  inquired  into  the  Btate  and  situation  of  the  cannon  and  ordnance 
stores,  with  the  provision  made  for  the  companies  of  artillery,  and  beg 
leave  to  report  as  follows,  viz.  : 

///  Cambridge. — Six  three  pounders  complete,  with  ammunition, 
and  one  six  pounder. 

///  Wat i rt own. — Sixteen  pieces  of  artillery  of  different  sizes;  the 
said  six  pounder,  and  sixteen  pieces,  will  he  taken  out  of  the  way  : 
and  the  first  mentioned  six  pieces  will  he  used  in  a  proper  way  of  de- 
fence. 

('apt.  Foster  is  appointed  to  command  one  of  the  companies  of  ar- 
tillery,  and  ordered  to  enlist  said  company. 

('apt.  William  Lee,  of  Marblehead,  [has  been]  sent  for,  to  take  the 
command  of  another,  and  several  other  persons  [have  been]  sent  for, 
to  take  the  command  of  other  companies. 

Joseph  WabJREN,  Chairman. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Grout  be  directed  to  request  of  the  committee 
of  safety  a  report,  respecting  the  inhabitants  of  Boston. 

A  motion  was  made  for  an  addition  to  the  committee  of  safety,  and, 
after  some  debate,  the  matter  was  ordered  to  subside. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  twelve  o'clock  this  day. 

[V.on.l 

The  Congress  l^inet  at  twelve  o'clock,  and  then  adjourned||  to  halt 
an  hour  after  one. 

n  ||thon  adjourned  after  meeting  according  t.>  idjonmment.|| 


172  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS        [April  30, 

[Afternoon] 

||aAt  half  an  hour  after  one,  the  Congress  met  again, ||  and  adjourned 
to  half  an  hour  after  three  :   at  which  time  the  Congress  met  again 

Ordered,  That  another  express  be  immediately  sent  to  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  to  procure  their  result  with  respect  to  moving  out  the  in- 
habitants of  Boston. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mosely  be  directed  to  repair  forthwith  to  Cam- 
bridge on  this  errand. 

The  president  was  then  desired  to  write  a  short  letter  to  said  com- 
mittee on  this  important  purpose.     The  letter  is  as  follows : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  April  30,  1775. 

Sir  : — I  am  directed  to  inform  you,  that  it  is  with  regret,  this  Con- 
gress find  themselves  obliged  to  send  to  the  committee  of  safety  a  third 
messenger,  to  request  their  immediate  report  on  the  subject  of  the  re- 
moval of  the  poor  inhabitants  of  Boston. 

To  wait  for  that  report,  the  Congress  have  suspended  all  proceed- 
ings on  that  matter,  and  sat  in  almost  impatient  expectation,  by  seve- 
ral adjournments,  since  seven  o'clock  this  morning.  I  am  obliged  to 
request  your  answer  by  this  express,  without  loss  of  time,  that  the 
Congress  may  then  see  what  it  is  their  duty  to  conclude  on. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

John  Murray. 
To  Joseph  Warren,  Esq., 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Safety : 

Ordered,  That  Esquire  Dix,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Bullen,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  conduct  of  the  several  towns  relative  to 
the  prisoners  of  war. 

Ordered,  That  the  resolve  relative  to  altering  the  time  ||of  the  first 
meeting  of  the||  county  committees,  be  printed  in  the  Salem  Gazette 
and  in  the  Massachusetts  Spy. 

A  committee  from  the  committee  of  safety  offered  to  this  Congress 
a  resolve,  respecting  the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  which 
being  read  and  amended,  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Waiertoion,  April  30,  1775. 
Whereas,  an  agreement  has  been  made  between  general  Gage  and 

a  HCongrens  met  pursuant  to  adjournment. || 


L776.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  i::; 

the  inhabitants  of  the  city  of  Boston,  for  |the    removal  <>!'  t  lit  -  persona 
and  effects  of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  as  m 
be  so  disposed,  excepting  their  fire  arms  and  ammunition,  into  the 
conntrv  : 

Resolved,  Thai  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  who  maj  in- 
cline to  go  into  the  town  of  Boston  with  their  effects,  fire  .inn-  and 
ammunition  excepted,  have  toleration  lor  that  purpose]  and  that  they 
be  protected  from  anj  injury  and  instill  whatsoever  in  their  removal  to 
Boston,  and  that  this  resolve  be  immediately  published. 

P.  s. — Officers  arc  appointed  for  giving  permits  tor  the  above  pur- 
poses; one,  at  the  sign  of  the  Sun,  at  Charlestown;  and  another,  at 
the  house  of  Mr.  John  Greaton,  Jun.,  al  Roxbury. 

Ordt  red,  Thai  attested  copies  of  the  foregoing  resolve  be  forthwith 
posted  up  at  Roxbury,  Charlestown  and  Cambridge. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  resolution  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  removal  of 
the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  be  authenticated,  and  sent  to  the  selectmen 
of  Bo-ton,   immediately,  to   be  communicated   to  general   Gage,  and 
also  be  published  in  the  Worcester  and  Salem  papers. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Bailey,  Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Holmes 
and  Col.  Farley,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  steps  are  necessary 
to  be  taken  for  the  assisting  the  poor  of  Boston  in  moving  oul  with 
their  effects:  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  that  purpose  :  and  to  -it  forth- 
with. 

||Then!|  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  seven  o'clock. 

Monday,]  Maj  I,  177.".,   A.  M." 
The  committee  who  wi  re  appointed  to  consider  what   steps  are  ne- 
cessary to   be  taken  with   respect  to  assisting  the  poor  of  Boston  in 
moving  oul  with  their  effects,  reported.     The  report  was  recommitted 
for  amendment,  and   Capt.  Smith,   of  Granby,   Col.    Mosely,   Capt. 

Goodridge  and  Major  Smith  were  added  to  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Patridge,  Doct.  Baylies  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a 
committee  to  in-pert  the  papers  of  this  Congress,  and  consider  what 
would  he  proper  to  furnish  the  printer  with  for  publication,  and  make 
report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inspect  the  papers  of  the  Congr<  -- 
ported  Beveral  extracts  of  letters  tor  publication,  which  are  ordered  to 
be  delivi  red  to  Mr.  Hall,  of  Salem,  for  that  purpose 

-  published        dr.  B 

.    to  Iho  incident!  of  the  inarch  to  I  Thej  will  ,ho 

■•native  of  that  excoiaion,  in  the  Appendix. 


174  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  1, 

On  a  motion  made,  that  the  sense  of  the  Congress  be  taken  on  this 
question,  viz.  :  whether  the  commissions  to  be  given  for  the  officers  of 
the  army  now  forming  in  this  colony,  shall  be  signed  by  the  president 
of  the  Congress  :  the  question  was  put,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

Afternoon. 

A  letter  brought  from  North  Hampton,  by  express,  from  Major 
Hawley,  respecting  the  bearer  of  despatches  from  general  Gage,  was 
read  :  on  which,  Ordered,  that  Col.  Gerrish,  Esquire  Gardner  and  Ma- 
jor Gooding,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  Major  Hawley,  re- 
ported, that  the  most  likely  way  of  detecting  the  bearer  of  the  despatches 
to  general  Gage,  was,  to  forward  the  said  letter  by  Major  Gooding  to 
the  committee  of  safety,  at  Cambridge,  that  they  may  take  order 
thereon  ;  which  report  was  accepted,  and  the  said  letter,  together 
with  two  anonymous  letters  from  London,  were  ordered  to  be  sent  to 
the  said  committee  of  safety. 

Moved,  That  William  Reed,  Esq.  be  admitted  in  this  house,  to  rep- 
resent to  this  Congress  the  sufferings  he  met  with  on  the  19th  April, 
at  Lexington.  The  question  being  put,  after  debate  had  thereon,  it 
passed  in  the  negative. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Bragdon,  Capt.  Dix  and  Mr.  Gill,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  confer  with  the  abovenamed  Esquire  Reed,  and  to  make  re- 
port of  their  conference. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Gerry  have  leave  to  bring  in  an  order  of  this 
house,  for  leave  to  the  several  members  of  this  Congress  to  pass  the 
guards  of  the  colony  army  without  molestation. 

Mr.  Gerry  accordingly  brought  in  an  order  for  this  purpose,  and 
after  debates  had  thereon  it  was  ordered  to  be  recommitted. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  form  of  a  commission  for 
the  officers  of  the  colony  army,  reported.  The  form  which  they  re- 
ported was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

The  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay. 

To  Greeting : 

We,  reposing  especial  trust  and  confidence  in  your  courage  and 
good  conduct,  do,  by  these  presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you,  the 
said  to  be  of  the  regiment  of 

foot  raised  by  the  Congress  aforesaid  for  the  defence  of 

said  colony. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  I7fi 

You   are,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently  to  discharge  the  dutj  ol 
a                     in  leading,  ordering  and  exercising  tin-  Baid  in 

ariii>,  both  inferior  officers  and  Boldiers,  and  to  keep  them  in  Lr 1  or- 
der and  discipline ;  and  they  are  hereby  commanded  t .  ■  obey  yon  as 
their  ;  and  you  are  jrourself  i"  observe  and  follow  such  or- 
ders  and  instructions  a-  \>>u  -hall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  the 
genera]  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  forces  raised  in  the  colon] 
aforesaid,  for  the  defence  <>i"  the  same,  <>r  u\  « >t 1 1. -r  your  superior  offi- 
cers, according  to  the  military  rules  and  discipline  in  \\  ar,  in  pursuance 
of  the  tru>t  reposed  in  yrou. 

By  order  of  the  <  'oiiLrre— , 
,  the  of  A.  I).  1775. 

Pri >idt  nt  pre  t,  iii/iiin . 
Secretary  pro  temport . 

Ordered,  Thai  a  fair  copy  of  the  foregoing  form  of  a  commission 
be  taken,  and  transmitted  to  the  press,  and  that  one  thousand  copies 
thereof  be  printed. 

.Mr.  Cerrv  again  reported  the  form  of  a  pass  lor  the  use  ot"  the 
members  ot'  this  Congress,  which  was  accepted,  and  six  hundred  ol 
them  ordered  to  he  printed.     It  is  a--  follows  : 

'I'd    THE    <ii    kRDS    <>r    THE    COLON!     Ai:M\. 
Pursuant    to    a    resolve  of  the   Provincial  Congn •--,  \<>w    arc   hereby 
ordered  to  permit  a  member  of  said  Congress,  to 

pass  ami  repass  at  all  times. 

St  cretary. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  ||  Watertown,\\  May  1,  177.">. 
Resolved,  Thai   the   general  officer  of  the   army  of  this  colon]  be, 
and  he  hereb]  is  directed  to  sii.ni  a  sufficient  number  of  blank  passes  for 
members  of  this  Congress,  ami  to  deliver  the  same  to  the  secretary  ||of 

Congress.|| 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  ot'  measures  for  as- 
sisting tin1  poor  of  Boston  to  move  out  of  Baid  town,  having  amended 
their  report,  again  reported:    which  report  being  read     and   amended, || 

u.i-  accepted,  and  cue  hundred  ami  6ft]  copies  thereof  ordered  to  be 
printed,  and  a  copy  ||thereof||  forthwith  transmitted  to  the  commit! 
of  donations,  in  Boston,  and  that   Mr.  (Jill   take  the  charge  of  trans- 
mitting the  same.      The  report  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 


176  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  1, 

In  Provincial  Congress,  \\Watertoim,\\  May  1,  1775. 

Whereas,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  have  been  detained 
by  general  Gage,  but  at  length,  by  agreement,  are  permitted  to  remove, 
with  their  effects,  into  the  country,  and  as  it  has  been  represented  to 
this  Congress  that  about  five  thousand  of  said  inhabitants  are  indigent, 
and  unable  to  be  at  the  expense  of  removing  themselves : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to 
all  the  good  people  of  this  colony,  and  especially  to  the  selectmen,  and 
committee  of  correspondence  most  convenient  to  Boston,  that  they 
aid  and  assist  such  poor  inhabitants  ||of  said  town||  (with  teams,  wag- 
gons, &c.,)  as  shall  procure  a  certificate  from  the  committee  of  dona- 
tions, that  they  are  unable  to  remove  themselves ;  and  it  is  further  re- 
commended to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  specified  in  the 
schedule  annexed,  to  provide  for  said  inhabitants  in  the  best  and 
most  prudent  way  ||and  manner, ||  until  this,  or  some  future  congress, 
shall  take  further  order  thereon,  and  that  the  said  selectmen  receive, 
support  and  employ  their  proportion  of  said  inhabitants  assigned  them 
in  said  schedule,  and  no  other  ;  and  render  their  accounts  to  this,  or 
some  future  congress,  or  house  of  representatives,  for  allowance,  which 
reasonable  accounts  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  :  and  it  is 
further  recommended,  to  the  committee  of  donations,  to  apply  said 
donations  for  the  removal  of  said  inhabitants,  and  for  their  support 
whilst  removing  ;  and  in  case  that  is  insufficient,  it  is  further  recom- 
mended to  said  committee  of  donations,  that  they  make  up  said  de- 
ficiency, and  lay  their  accounts  before  the  Congress  for  allowance,  which 
reasonable  expense  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  the  col- 
ony :  and  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  thus  re- 
moved shall  not,  in  future,  be  considered  as  the  poor  of  said  town  into 
which  they  remove  ;  and  it  is  to  be  understood,  that  if  the  number  of 
the  poor  who  shall  be  removed  in  consequence  hereof,  should  surpass, 
or  fall  short  of  the  number  herein  calculated,  the  distribution  of  them 
shall  be  increased  or  diminished,  in  proportion  ||according||  to  this 
regulation : 

County  of  Suffolk. — Wrentham,  89  persons  ;  Stoughtonham, 
33  ;  Medway,  3S  ;  Bellingham,  25  ;  Walpole,  31 ;  .  215 

Middlesex. — Concord,66;  Marlborough, 80;  Billerica,54;  Fra- 
mingham,  63;  Chelmsford,  49 :  Sherburne,  31  ;  Sudbury, 
85  ;  Weston,  41  ;  Westford,  45  ;  Littleton,  41  ;  Hopkin- 
ton,  42;  Stow,  36;  Groton,61;  Pepperel,34;  Townsend, 
26;  Natick,20;  Dracut,  35  ;  Bedford,  29;  Holliston,  34; 


177.",.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CO.NfiK!"  irj 

Tewksbury,  28 ;  Acton,  :?2 ;  Dunstable,  80 ;  Lincoln,  29; 
Wilmington,  25  j  .....         1016 

Plymouth. — Bridgewater,  81 ;  4bington,  22 ;  Halifax,  12;   .  ll."» 

Blrirtol.— Taunton,  10:5;  Rehoboth,  129;  Dartmouth,  113; 
Norton,  47;  Mansfield,  30 ;  AttlebOrough,  75 ;  Raynham, 
31 ;  Easton,  3"> ;  Berklej .  25 ;  .  588 

Berkshire. — Sheffield,  54;  Great  Barrington,  24:  Stock- 
bridge,  2">:  Pittsfield,  31;  New  Marlborough,  30 ;  Egre- 
tnont,  13;  Riohmond,  23;  Lenox,  16;  Tyringham,  13; 
LanesborOugh,  32;  Sandisfield,  23;  Williamstown,  20; 
Easl  Hoosock,  III:  .  .  .  .  .  314 

Hampshire. — Springfield,  68;  Wilbraham,  31;  Northamp- 
ton. TO;  Southampton,  25;  Hadley,  30;  South  Hadley, 
23;  Amherst,  34;  Granby,  17;  Hatfield,  35;  VVhately, 
13;  Williamsburg,  9;  Westfield,50;  Deerfield, 36;  Green- 
field, 24  ;  Shelburne,  14;  Conway,  17;  Sunderland,  19; 
Montague,  18;  Northfield,  20;  Brimfield,  44;  South 
Brimfield,  26;  Monson,  23;  Pelham,  25;  Greenwich, 
24;  Blandford,  19;  Leverett,  4  ;  Palmer,  25  ;  Granville, 
44;  New  Salem,  22;  Belchertown,  28;  Colrain,  17; 
Wan-,  L3;  Warwick,  10;  Btirnardslon,  14;  Murraystield, 
17;  Charlemont,  12;  Wbrthington,  6;  Shutesbury,  14; 
Chesterfield,  22;  Southwick,  19;  West  Springfield,  72; 
Ludlow,  10;  .  .  .  .  .       [788] 

Worcester. — Worcester,  82 ;  Lancaster,  103:  Mendon,  70. 
Brookfield,  90;  Oxford,  35;  Charlton,  35;  Sutton,  98; 
Leicester,  30;  Spencer,  31;  Paxton,  20;  Rutland,  48; 
Oakham,  14;  Hutchinson,  42;  Hubbardston,  9;  New 
Braintree,  32;  Southborough,  30;  Westborough,  3<  ; 
Northborough,  25;  Shrewsbury,  32;  Lunenburg,  51; 
Fitchburg,  19;  Oxbridge,  30  ;  Harvard,  50  ;  Dudley,  32  ; 
Bolton,  48;  Upton,  20;  Sturbridge,  l">:  Leominster,  38 
Hardwick,55;  Holden,26;  Weston,  35;  Douglass,  22; 
Grafton,  38;  Petersham,  38 ;  Royalston,  8;  Westminster, 
31;  Atli.,1,  20;  Templeton,  25;  Princeton,  21  ;  Ashburn- 
ham,  12;  Winchendon,  9;  Northbridge,  13;  .       [539] 

W  hole  amouni,  .....  1009 

28 


178  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  2, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Partridge,  Mr.  Lothrop  and  Doct.  Baylies,  be  di- 
rected to  assist  the  secretary  in  copying  the  foregoing  report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  William  Reed,  Esq.,  re- 
ported the  following  [statements  of  losses  sustained  by  each  from  the 
British  troops,]  presented  to  them  by  William  Reed,  Esq.,  of  Lexing- 
ton, in  behalf  of  Joseph  Loring,  Joseph  Loring,  Jun.,  Widow  Mulli- 
ken  and  Joseph  Pond,  viz.  :x 

Whereupon,  Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they 
are  hereby  directed  to  deliver  to  said  William  Reed,  Esq.,  or  to  his 
order,  for  the  use  of  the  said  Joseph  Loring,  Joseph  Loring,  Jun., 
Widow  Mulliken  and  Joseph  Pond,  one  barrel  of  pork. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hollock,  Col.  Howe  and  Capt.  White,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done  with  respect  to  fur- 
nishing the  army  with  some  present  necessaries. 

All  [the]  committees  [were]  enjoined  to  sit. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

[Tuesday,]  May  2,  [1775,  A.  M.] 

Resolved,  That  another  president  be  chosen  pro  tempore,  and  that 
he  be  chosen  by  nomination. 

Col.  Warren  was  then  nominated  and  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Partridge,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  ||aDix,||  be  a 
committee  to  wait  on  Col.  Warren,  and  inform  him  of  said  choice. 

Col.  Warren  accordingly  attended,  and,  after  offering  his  reasons  for 
excuse,  Moved,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  wait  on  Doct.  Joseph 
Warren,  informing  him  of  the  absence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Murray,  who 
has  lately  officiated  as  president  ||of  this  Congress, ||  and  to  know  ||of 
Doct.  Warren||  if  he  can  now  attend  the  Congress  in  that  station. 
Whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Doct.  Dunsmore  be  a  committee  for  that 
purpose.2 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Col.  Warren,  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  Mr. 

a  ||Dickfl.|| 

(1)  These  statements  have  shared  the  fate  of  many  of  the  most  interesting  documents  of  the 
time,  and  are  not  on  the  files.  From  some  representations  subsequently  made,  it  appears,  that  the 
loss  sustained  hy  Deacon  Joseph  Loring,  was  estimated  to  he  £720  ;  that  of  Mrs.  Lydia  Mulliken, 
£431  ;  including  buildings,  household  furniture  and  wearing  apparel.  The  house  of  Deacon  Lor- 
ing, near  the  spot  when'  I  lie  brigade  of  Lord  Percy  joined  the  retreating  detachment  under  Lieut. 
Col.  Smith,  is  stated  In  himself  to  have  heen  the  first  destroyed  hy  the  troops,  in  Lexington,  on  the 
memorable  19th  of  April.  From  the  nature  of  the  relief  granted  by  Congress,  it  may  be  presumed, 
that  some  of  the  petitioners  bid  suffered  so  severely  as  to  be  without  the  means  of  providing  food. 

(2)  The  reply  to  the  invitation  of  Congress  is  brief: 

"  Doct.  Warren  presents  his  respects  to  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress  :  informs   them   that 
he  will  obey  their  order,  and  attend  his  duty  in  Congress  in  the  afternoon." 
Cambridge,  May  2,  1775. 


L775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  <  <>V,i;r  i:-., 

Gill,  and  Capt.  Brown  of  Abington,  be  a  committee  t,,  consider  the 
propriety  of  taking  measures  f'>r  securing  the  records  of  tin.-.-  coun- 
ties winch  are  more  immediately  exposed  in  tin-  day  of  danger. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr  Dexter,  Col.  Warren  and  Mr.  Gill,  be 
a  committee  to  prepare  a  draught  of  a  letter  to  the  delegates  of  Con- 
n-re--, now  in  Connecticut,  giving  them  instructions  with  respeel  to  the 
arrival  at  this  colons  of  two  gentlemen  from  the  assemblj  of  Connec- 
ticut, with  an  address  to  general  (iage,  and  a  commission  to  treat  with 
In  in  respecting  a  cessation  of  hostilities,  &-C 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.  Stone  of  Oakham,  Deacon  Raw-on  and  Ma- 
jor Fuller  of  Newton,  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  the  form  of  an  oath 
to  be  taken  by  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  army  now  forming  in 
\\w<  colon] . 

The  committee  who  were  !  appointed  to  consider  what  ||ais||  proper 
to  be  done  with  respect  to  furnishing  the  annv  with  some  present  ne- 
cessaries, reported  :  the  report  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  ta- 
ble for  the  present. 

A  letter  from  Manchester  to  Doct.  Taylor,  respecting  a  computa- 
tion .if  the  taxes  paid   by  Great  Britain  and  America,  &,c,  was  read  : 

Whereupon,  Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Webster,  Deacon  Cheever,  and 
Capt.  Stone  ||of  Framingham,||  be  a  committee  to  take  the  said  letter 
into  consideration,  and  make  report. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  dele- 
gates of  this  Con^re--  at  Connecticut,  reported  :  which  report  being 
r<  id,  was  unanimously  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Gentlemen: — Although  this  Congress  entertain  the  highest  opin- 
ion of  the  virtue  and  public  -pirit  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  and 
have  not  the  .smallest  doubt  of  the  attachment  of  the  general  assembly 
of  that  colony  to  the  glorious  cause  of  freedom,  now  threatened  with 
total  destruction  by  a  corrupt  ministry  ;  yet,  the  arrival  of  two  gentle- 
men of  the  first  character  from  that  colony,  with  an  address  to  general 
Gage,  and  a  commission  to  treat  with  him  on  the  subject  of  American 
grievances;  and  to  propose,  as  we  are  informed,  a  cessation  of  hostili- 
ty -.  at  a  tune  when  that  gentleman  can  he  considered  in  no  other  lighl 
than  as  an  lii-truinent  in  the  hand-,  and  under  the  absolute  direction 
of  administration,  to  Bubjugate,  and,  for  that  detestable  purpose,  to 
spread  slaughter  and  ||bdesolation  |  among  his  majesty's  loyal  subjects 

of  his  disposition  to  do  which,  he  has  recently  gi\en  a  flagrant  proof'. 
in  ma>sacring    a   number  of  innocent    people,  who  were    in    tin     peace 

hi  b  ||il<  ilruction.il 


180  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  2, 

of  God  and  the  king  ;  and  by  other  acts  of  injustice  and  cruelty ;  we 
cannot  but  be  greatly  alarmed  for  the  consequences.  Any  interrup- 
tions of  that  happy  union  of  the  colonies  which  has  taken  place,  would 
prove  of  the  most  fatal  tendency,  and  we  cannot  but  view  every  kind 
of  negociation  between  any  colony  and  the  chief  instrument  of  minis- 
terial vengeance  here,  as  being  likely  to  operate  towards  such  an  in- 
terruption. We  apprehend  that  things  are  now  reduced  to  such  a 
state,  that  nothing  but  an  immediate  recourse  to  arms,  and  a  steady 
and  persevering  exertion  in  military  operations,  can  possibly  prevent 
our  destruction,  and  that  a  recourse  to  any  other  method  is,  at  best,  nu- 
gatory and  vain.  Any  proposals,  either  to  parliament,  to  the  ministry, 
or  to  their  agents  here,  made  separately  by  a  single  colony,  may  pro- 
duce most  tremendous  events  with  regard  to  America ;  and  we  ap- 
prehend nothing  could  be  more  pleasing  to  our  enemies  than  the 
making  such  proposals.  We  are  so  deeply  impressed  with  the  sense 
of  the  importance  and  absolute  necessity  of  a  thorough  union  of  the 
colonies,  and  particularly  with  respect  to  the  raising  and  supporting  an 
army,  to  act  with  the  utmost  vigor  at  this  alarming  crisis;  and  so  fear- 
ful of  any  measures  taking  place,  whereby  the  common  cause  may  be 
endangered,  that  we  have  unanimously  concluded  it  necessary  to  sug- 
gest to  you  our  fears  respecting  the  effects  of  this  embassy  from  Con- 
necticut to  [general]  Gage;  and  we  expect  ||that||  you  will  make  a 
proper  representation  of  the  sentiments  of  this  Congress  to  their  assem- 
bly, in  hopes  that  you  will  receive  such  an  explanation  of  their  mo- 
tives, and  such  assurances  of  their  intention  immediately  to  co-operate 
with  this  colony,  as  may  remove  every  gloomy  apprehension,  and  con- 
firm us  in  that  high  estimation  in  which  we  have  ever  held  the  respec- 
table colony  of  Connecticut. 

P.  S. — If  the  assembly  should  be  dissolved,  it  is  expected  that  you 
will  tarry  to  treat  with  the  next  assembly.1 

To  Jedediah  Foster,  Timothy  Danielson  and  John  Bliss,  Esquires. 

(1)  Doct.  Samuel  Johnson  and  Col.  Oliver  Wolcot  were  commissioned  to  deliver  the  following 
letter  from  the  governor,  in  behalf  of  the  general  assembly  of  Connecticut,  to  general  Gage. 

HARTFORD,  April  28,  1775. 
To  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage  i 

"  SIR  : — The  alarming  situation  of  public  affairs  in  this  country,  and  the  late  unfortunate  transac- 
tions in  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  have  induced  the  general  assembly  of  this  colo- 
ny, now  sitting  in  this  place,  to  appoint  a  committee  of  their  body  to  wait  upon  your  excellency, 
and  to  desire  me,  in  their  name,  to  write  to  yon  relative  to  these  very  interesting  matters." 

"  The  inhabitants  of  this  eohmy  are  intimate!;  connected  with  the  people  of  your  province,  and 
esteem  themselves  bound,  by  the  strongest  ties  of  friendship,  as  well  as  of  common  interest,  to  re- 
gard whatever  concerns  them.  You  will  not,  therefore,  be  surprised,  that  your  first  arrival  in  Bos- 
ton, with  a  body  of  bis  majesty's  troops,  for  the  declared  purpose  of  carrying  into  execution  certain 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  181 

<  >n  a  motion  made,  Ordered,  That,  ;it  three  o'clock  thia  afternoon, 
this  Congrese  do  take  into  consideration  the  precepts  issued  l •  \  gene- 
ral (ia<re  for  calling  a  general  assembly. 

of  parliament,  which,  in  their  apprehension,  were  unconstitutional  and  oppressive,  ihoald 
have  given  the  good  i pie  of  tin-  colon]  .1  rery  just  and  gi  1 .  yoni  subsequent  ; 

m  fortifying  the  town  of  Bosl and  other  military  preparation*,  greatly  increaied  thi 

hensioiis  for  the  safety  of  their  friends  and  brethren ;  they  coold  not  be  unconcerned  spectators  of 
their  sufferings,  in  that  which  tiny  esteemed  the  common  cause  of  their  country  ;  but  the  kite  h 

tile  and  lecret  inroads  of  aome  of  the  troops  under  your  c land  into  the  heart  of  the  country, 

mid  tin-  vinl  m  •■-  they  have  committed,  have  driven  them  almost  into  .1  it  ■'■■■  "i  d<  -)••  ration.  T 
feel  now,  not  only  for  their  friends,  but  for  themselves,  and  their  dearest  interests  and  eon  Wi 

wish  not  i"  ei  we  are  not  sure  of  .■very  pari  of  our  information;  but,  by  tin-  best  intelli- 

ile  '■'  obi  .in, the  lit'-  transaction  was  .1  mosl  unprovoked atl  tck  u[>on 

tin-  lives  and  property  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  ami  it  has  been  represented  to  as,  thai  such  out- 

•  n  committed  as  would  ■  1  Lns,  and  much  more  Britons,  so  highly 

famed  for  humanity  as  well  as  bravery.     It  1-  (eared,  therefore,  tli  a  we  »ri-  devoted  t>>  destru  :ti 

ami  that  you  have  it  in  command  and  intention  to  1  d  desolate  the  country.    If  this  i*  not 

tl ase,  permit  us  tu  ask,  why  have  these  outrages  been  coi itted  .'    Why  is  the  town  of  Boston 

r..i»  -hut  up?  and  to  what  end  ore  nil  the  hostile  preparations  that  are  daily  making,  and  why  do 
we  continually  hear  of  fresh  destinations  of  troops  for  this  country)  'J '  I  h  •  people  of  this  colony, 
you  may  relj  upon  it,  abhor  the  idea  of  taking  arms  against  the  troops  of  their  sovereign,  and 
dread  nothing  so  much  as  the  horrors  of  civil  war ;  but,  at  the  same  time,  we  beg  leave  to  assure 
your  excellency,  thai  as  they  apprehended  themselves  justified  by  the  principle  of  self-defence,  so 
they  are  most  firmly  resolved  to  defend  their  rights  and  privileges  t"  the  lost  extremity;  nor  will 

tin'.  ined  from  giving  aid  to  their  brethren  if  any  unjustifiable  attack  is  mode  u; them. 

I'..  so  jriHid,  then-fore,  as  to  explain  yourself  upon  this  most  important  sub  i-t- 

ent  with  your  duty  to  our  .on hi  sovereign.     Is  there   no  way  to  prevent  this  unhappy  dispute 

from  coming  to  extremities  .'     I-  there  no  alternative  bul  absolute  submission,  or  the  desolations  of 
war?     By  that  humanity  which  constitutes  so  amiable  a  pari  of  your  character,  for  the  honor  of 
our  sovereign,  and  by  the  glory  of  the  British  ompire,  we  entreat  you,  to  prevent  it,  it"  it  he  possj 
ble:  surely  it  i-  to  In.  hoped  that  the  temperate  wisdom  of  tin-  empire  might,  \pe- 

.1  all  parts  of  tie-  empire  may  enjoy  their  particular  rights,  honors  ami 
i m urn n it  1  I  '»ly,  this  is  an  event  i  devoutly  10  in-  wished  for,  ami  will  ii  ma  he  consist- 
ent with  your  duty  to  suspend  the  operations  of  war  on  your  part,  ami  in  ible  us  nr-  to  quiet 

the  minds  of  the  people,  al  least  till  the  result  of  Borne  further  deliberations  may  he  known  ?    The 
importance  of  the  occasion  will,  we  doubt  not,  sufficiently  apologise  lor  tin'  earnestness  with  which 
we  address  yon,  and  any  seeming  impropriety  which  may  attend  it,  as  wall  as  induce  you  I 
the  most  explicit  ami  favorable  answer  in  your  powi  r. 

I  am,  with  great  esteem  ami  respect,  in  behalf  of  the  general  assembly,  Sir,  Sec, 

JONATH  \.\    1  i;i  MB!  LL." 

The  reply  of  general  Gage,  a  dignified  ami  able  paper,  follow- : 

BOSTON,  3d  May,  1775. 

■■  .-11;  :— I  am  to  acknowledge  tie-  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  28th  April  last,  in  behalf  of  the 
genera]  assembly  of  your  colony,  relative  to  the  alarming  situation  of  public  affairs  in  this  country, 
ami  ilo   late  transactions  in  this  province.     Thai  thi-  situation  is  greatly  alarming,  and  that  1. 
transactions  an-  truly  unfortunate,  an-  iruths  to  he  regretted  In  every  friend  to  Imerica,  and  by  •  v 

ery  well  wisher  for  tin-  peace,  prosperity  ami  happiness  of  this  province.    The  intimal 1 tion 

ami  strong  in-  of  friendship  between  tie.  inhabitants  of  your  colony  ami  the  deluded  people  of  this 
proi  ince,  c  moot  fail  of  inducing  tin-  former  to  interpose  theii  goo  .  '1.  com  ince  the  I  itti  r  ol 

the  impropriety  of  their  past  conduct,  and  to  persuade  them  to  return  to  their  allegiance,  ami  to 

■   r-.tr.  --  of  any   sup| a  grievances,  in  those  decent  ami  constitutional  methods,  in  which 

alone  they  can  hope  to  in.  sui isful." 

•'  'I'1"'  troops  -1 hi  I...  employed  for  thi  purpose  of  protecting  the  m  igistrati    in  the  •  \  •  utioo 

.it  theii  duty,  when  opposed  with  violence,  i<  not  a  new  thing  in  the  English,  or  any  othi  r  _•..-. 
mrnt.    That  any  mts  of  the  British  parliament  are  unconstitutional  or  oppressive,  I  am  not  to  «u|>. 


182  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  2 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Goodman  be  ||adesired||  to  take  the  charge  of 
transmitting,  forthwith,  the  letter  to  the  delegates  of  this  colony  now 
in  Connecticut. 

pose  ;  if  any  such  there  are,  in  the  apprehension  of  the  people  of  this  province,  it  had  been  happy 
for  them  if  they  had  sought  relief,  only  the  in  way  which  the  constitution,  their  reason  and  their 
interest  pointed  out." 

"  You  cannot  wonder  at  my  fortifying  the  town  of  Boston,  or  making  any  other  military  prepara- 
tions, when  you  are  assured,  that,  previous  to  my  taking  these  steps,  such  were  the  open  threats, 
and  such  the  warlike  preparations  throughout  this  province,  as  rendered  it  my  indispensable  duty 
to  take  every  precaution  in  my  power,  for  the  protection  of  his  majesty's  troops  under  my  command, 
against  all  hostile  attempts." 

"  The  intelligence  you  seem  to  have  received,  relative  to  the  late  excursion  of  a  hody  of  troops 
into  the  country,  is  altogether  injurious,  and  contrary  to  the  true  state  of  facts.  The  troops  dis- 
claim, with  indignation,  the  barbarous  outrages  of  which  they  are  accused,  so  contrary  to  their 
known  humanity.  I  have  taken  the  greatest  pains  to  discover  if  any  were  committed,  and  have 
found  examples  of  their  tenderness,  both  to  the  young  and  the  old,  but  no  vestige  of  cruelty  or 
barbarity-  It  is  very  possible,  that  in  firing  into  houses,  from  whence  they  were  fired  upon,  that  old 
people,  women  or  children  may  have  suffered  ;  but  if  any  such  thing  has  happened,  it  was  in  their 
defence  and  undesigned.  I  have  no  command  to  ravage  and  desolate  the  country  ;  and  were  it  my 
intention,  I  have  had  pretence  to  begin  it,  upon  the  sea  ports,  who  are  at  the  mercy  of  the  fleet. 
For  your  better  information  I  enclose  you  a  narrative  of  that  affair,  taken  from  gentlemen  of  indis- 
putable honor  and  veracity  who  were  eye  witnesses  of  all  the  transactions  of  that  day.  The  lead- 
ers here  have  taken  pains  to  prevent  any  account  of  this  affair  getting  abroad,  but  such  as  they 
have  thought  proper  to  publish  themselves  ;  and,  to  that  end,  the  post  has  been  stopped,  the  mails 
broke  open,  and  letters  taken  out  ;  and,  by  these  means,  the  most  injurious  and  inflammatory  ac- 
counts have  been  spread  throughout  the  continent,  which  have  served  to  deceive  and  inflame  the 
minds  of  the  people." 

"  When  the  resolves  of  the  Provincial  Congress  breathed  nothing  but  war,  when  those  two  great 
and  essential  prerogatives  of  the  king,  the  levying  of  troops  and  disposing  of  the  public  moneys, 
were  wrested  from  him,  and  when  magazines  were  forming,  by  an  assembly  of  men,  unknown  to 
the  constitution,  for  the  declared  purpose  of  levying  war  against  the  king,  you  must  acknowledge 
it  was  my  duty,  as  it  was  the  dictate  of  humanity,  to  prevent,  if  possible,  the  calamities  of  a  civil 
war,  by  destroying  such  magazines.     This,  and  this  alone,  I  attempted." 

"  You  ask,  why  is  the  town  of  Boston  now  shut  up  ;  I  can  only  refer  you,  for  an  answer,  to  those 
bodies  of  armed  men  who  now  surround  the  town,  and  prevent  all  access  to  it.  The  hostile  prepa- 
rations you  mention,  are  such  as  the  conduct  of  the  people  of  this  province  have  rendered  it  prudent 
to  make,  for  the  defence  of  those  under  my  command.  You  assure  me,  the  people  of  your  colony 
abhor  the  idea  of  taking  up  arms  against  the  troops  of  their  sovereign  ;  I  wish  the  people  of  this 
province,  for  their  own  sakes,  could  make  the  same  declaration." 

"  You  enquire,  is  their  no  way  to  prevent  this  unhappy  dispute  from  coming  to  extremities  ?  is 
there  no  alternative  but  absolute  submission  or  the  desolations  of  war?  I  answer  I  hope  there  is. 
The  king  and  parliament  seem  to  hold  out  terms  of  reconciliation,  consistent  witli  the  honor  and 
interest  of  Great  Britain,  and  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  colonies.  They  have  mutually  de- 
clared their  readiness  to  attend  to  any  real  grievances  of  the  colonies,  and  to  afford  them  every 
just  and  reasonable  indulgence,  which  shall,  in  a  dutiful  and  constitutional  manner,  be  biid  before 
them  ;  and  his  majesty  adds,  it  is  his  ardent  wish,  that  this  disposition  may  have  a  happy  effect  on 
the  teinper  ;in,|  conduct  of  his  subjects  in  America.  I  must  add,  likewise,  the  resolution  of  the 
'JVth  February,  on  the  grand  dispute  of  taxation  and  revenue;  leaving  it  to  the  colonies  to  tax 
themselves,  under  certain  conditions.  Here  is  surely  a  foundation  for  an  accommodation,  to  people 
vi  bo  wish  a  reconcili  ttion,  r  ither  than  a  destructive  war,  between  countries  so  nearly  connected  by 
the  tic§  of  blood  and  inter  !Sl  :  'hi!  I  tear  that  the  leaders  of  this  province  have  been,  and  still  ar", 
intent  only  on  shedding  blood." 

"I  am  much  obliged  by  your  favorable  sentiment--  of  my  personal  character;  and  assure  you,  as  it 
li  i,  been  my  constant   wish  and  I  ndoavot  hitherto,  so  I  shall  continue  to  exert    my  utmost    efforts  to 

a  ||directed  || 


L775.]  SKC'OND  PROVING  l\I.  <<>.\<;KESS  183 

did, ml.  Thai  a  postscript  be  added  to  Bald  letter,  instructing  said 
delegates,  that  if  their  assemblj  should  be  dissolved,  thej  tarr\  th 
to  treat  with  the  new  assembly. 

The    Congress  then    adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

\  i       ii. 

\  letter  was  presented  to  this  Congress  bj  Esquire  Aikin,  from  Mr 
Lemuel  Williams,  dated  I  Dartmouth,  Maj  1 ,  1 775,1  to  Baid  Aikin,  \\  bich 
was  read:  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Mr  Batchelder,  Esquire  Dix, 
Col.  Farley,  Mr.  Greenleafand  Mr.  Bent,  be  a  committee  to  take  the 
Baid  letter  into  consideration,  and  reporl  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  thai 
Esquire  Aikin  be  desired  to  attend  on  Baid  committee. 

The  onler  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  further  consideration  of  the  precepts  for  calling 
a  genera]  assembly,  he  referred  to  Thursda}  next,  ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  Thai  Deacon  Cheever,  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Gill,  Hon.  Mr. 
Dexter,  and  the  president,  be  a  committer  to  bring  in  a  resolve  tor  the 
purpose  of  granting  libert}  to  such  persons  in  Boston  as  incline  to 
send  into  the  country  for  their  effects,  thai  so  another  obstacle  maj  be 
removed  to  the  liheratine  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston. 

||The  committee  on  the  letter  from  Lemuel  Williams  to  Esquire 
Aikin,  reported  verbally.     The  matter  was  ordered  to  Bubside. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Gerry,  Presidenl  Warren,  Don.  .Mr.  Dexter, 
Col.  Warren  and  Col.  Gerrish,  be  a  committee  to  forward  an  expri  ss 
to  the  Hon.  Continental  Congress,  with  authenticated  copies  of  the 
depositions,  and  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Greal  Britain,  and  letter 
to  Mr.  Franklin,  lately  senl  to  Greal  Britain,  per  Capt.  Derby  of  S 
h-m  :  also  i"  send  another  original  sel  of  Baid  papers,  by  said  ex] 
to  be  forwarded  by  the  vessel  in  the  southern  colonies  to  London,  and 

•   all  lii>  Hi   jestj '-  liege 
whether  it  will  not  bi  I  with  my  duty  to  suspend  th"  operations  of  war  on  my  pi  it,  A 

I  ommenced  no  operations  of  war  but  di  fensive  ;  su  rid,  while  1 

am  bui  I  country,  who  have  alreadj  begun,  and  I  I  irther  to  pi 

offensn  ••  war  ;  and  are  now  violently  depriving  me,  the  king's  troops,  and  manj  oth<  rs  of  the  king1 
jects  under  my  immediate  protection,  of  all  the  conveniences  nnd  m  of  life,  «  itb  which  the 

country  abounds.     But  it  must  quiel  the  minds  of  all  reasonable  people,  wh  ml     isi       you,  thai  I 
have  ii"  disposition  t"  injure  or  moles)  quii 
t •■••in  it  in)  greatest 

■<in. 

I   im,  with  great  regard  and  esteem,  >'ir,  your  ma  il  humble  - 

I'llnM  \~  QA( 

'I'hf   Hon.  On.   1'rumhull. 

(1)  The  enquiry  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Williams,  whether  it  would  !»•  (.r.<{..-r  f<>r  the  m 
Dartmouth  to  send  their  vessels  to  I  (pressed  by  tho  committi 

-tiinii!  be  restri ined  in  port. 


184  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  2, 

to  report  an  application  to  be  sent  by  said  express  to  the  Continental 
Congress. 

Col.  Learned  Moved,  That  the  sense  of  this  Congress  might  be 
taken,  whether  the  regiment  he  is  now  raising  may  be  a  regiment  ol 
grenadiers  :  the  matter  was  ordered  to  subside. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  a  committee  be  appointed, 
to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  drafting  a  certain  propor- 
tion of  the  town's  stock  of  powder,  &c,  from  such  towns  as  they  shall 
think  proper,  for  the  present  supply  of  the  army  now  establishing  in  this 
colony.  The  matter  was  ordered  to  subside,  till  the  Congress  had 
passed  upon  a  report  for  giving  license  to  such  persons,  in  Boston,  as 
incline  to,  send  into  the  country  for  their  effects  :  which  report  was 
read,  amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

[In  Provincial  Congress,  Watertoivn,  May  2,  1775.] 
[Resolved,  That  such  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  as  have  repaired  to 
the  town  of  Boston,  there  to  take  up  their  residence,  and  have  effects 
in  the  other  towns  of  this  government,  be  permitted,  each  of  them,  to 
send  out  a  servant,  or  other  person,  without  arms,  to  put  up  and  trans- 
port, into  the  said  town  of  Boston,  any  such  goods  or  effects,  except- 
ing arms  and  ammunition  ;  and  that  the  officers  appointed  for  granting 
permits,  at  Roxbury  and  Charlestown,  be,  and  hereby  are,  directed  to 
provide  a  suitable  attendant  to  each  person  so  sent  out,  whose  business 
it  shall  be  to  continue  with  him  till  he  returns,  and  that  permits,  agree- 
able to  the  intention  of  this  resolve,  be  granted.]1 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  ways  and  means  for  supplying 
the  treasury,  reported  as  to  the  first  step,  and  asked  leave  to  sit  again. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Freeman,  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Lewis,  Col.  Dwight 
and  Esquire  Gardner,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  measures  are 
proper  to  be  taken  for  liberating  those  persons  who  were  taken  prison- 
ers by  the  troops  under  the  command  of  general  Gage,  on  the  19th 
[of  April  last.] 

All  the  committees  ||of  the  Congress  were||  enjoined  to  sit,  ||and 
then  the  Congress||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

[Wednesday,]  May  3, 1775,  [A.  M.] 
Ordered,  That  Deacon  Cheever  be  desired  to  make  application  to 
the  Rev.  Doct.  Cooper,  to  request  that  he  would  officiate  as  chaplain 
for  this  Congress  during  its  session  in  this  place. 

(1)  This  resolve  i*  restored  to  the  journal  from  :r  copy  made  by  Mr.  Secretary  Freeman. 


1775.]  S I :COND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  186 

Ordered,  That  Doct, Taylor,  Mr  Lothrop  and  Mr.  Paine,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  forward  the  proclamations,  for  a  fast,  into  the  country,  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  Thai  this  last  mentioned  order  be  reconsidered  ;  and 
thereupon,  Ordered,  thai  the  committee  who  were  appointed  al  Con- 
cord for  dispersing  the  proclamations,  be  required  to  perform  their  duty 
w  1 1 1 1  all  possible  expedition. 

On  tlic  application  from  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  supplv- 
niLr  Col.  Arnold  with  one  hundred  pounds  [lawful  money,]  and  sundry 
m  arlike  stoi 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Greenleaf,  .Mr.  (Jill  and  Mr.  Partridge,  be  a 
committee  to  take  Baid  application  into  consideration,  and  report. 

The  committee  <>n  the  application  from  the  committee  of  safety,  re- 
ported :  [the  report  was]  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth  : 

In  Provincial  Congkess,  Watertoum,  Ma\  :i.  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  within  request  of  the  committee  of  safety  be 
granted,  and  that  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
directed,  to  furnish  Col.  Benedict  Arnold  with  ten  horses,  two  hun- 
dred pounds  of  gunpowder,  two  hundred  pounds  of  lead  halls,  and  one 
thousand  llints,  at  the  expense  of  the  colony,  and  that  said  committee 
draw    upon    Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver    general,  tor   one   hundred 

pounds,  [lawful  in ■v,]  in  favor  of  said  Arnold,  and   take   his   receipt 

for  the  whole — said  Arnold  to  he  accouutahle  therefor  to  this  or  some 
other  congress,  or  future  house  of  representativi  a 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Warren,  Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Dix,  Col.  Farley 
and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a  committee  to  ||aoverlook  the  commission  of  the 
committee  of  safety,  and  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  sup- 
ping, and  to  see  whether  it  be  necessarj  thai  the]  be  invested  with 
other  power-  than  they  now  have. 

The  committee  [  appointed  ]  to  bring  in  the  form  of  a  resolve,  em- 
powering the  treasurer  to  horrow  a  certain  sum  of  money,  and  the 
form  of  a  note,  to  he  hy  him  given  to  the  lender,  &C,  reported  ;  the 
report  [was]  amended,  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  followeth 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  he,  and  hereby  is  empowered 
and  directed,  to  horrow  the  sum  of  One  hundred  thousand  pound-, 
lawful  money,  and  issue  colony  securities  for  the  same,  payable  with 
annual  interest,  at  -i\  per  cent.,  June  I,  1777,  and  that  the  Continen- 
tal Congress  be  desired  to  recommend  to  the  several  colonies  to  give  a 
currency  to  such  securities. 

1 1,  tl  ■  power  of  the  committeei  "i  rappliei  and  ol 

■2  1 


186  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  3 

Resolved,  That  the  securities  given  by  the  receiver  general  for  the 
moneys  borrowed  by  him,  in  pursuance  of  the  aforegoing  resolve,  be 
in  the  form  following,  viz  : 

No.  The  day  of  AD.  177     . 

Borrowed  and  received  of  A.  B.  the  sum  of  pounds,  lawful 

money,  for  the  use  and  service  of  the  colony  of  the  Massachusetts 
Bay  ;  and  in  behalf  of  said  colony,  I  do  hereby  promise  and  oblige 
myself,  and  my  successors  in  the  office  of  treasurer  or  receiver  general, 
to  repay  to  the  said  A.  B.,  or  to  his  order,  on  the  first  day  of  June, 
1777,  the  aforesaid  sum  of  pounds,  lawful  money,  in  Spanish 

milled  dollars,  at  six  shillings  each,  or  in  the  several  species  of  coined 
silver  and  gold,  enumerated  in  an  act  ||made  and  passed  in  the  twenty- 
second  year  of  his  late  majesty  king  George  the  Second,  entitled  an 
act 1 1  for  ascertaining  the  rates  at  which  coined  silver  and  gold,  English 
half-pence  and  farthings,  may  pass  within  this  government,  and  accord- 
ing to  the  rates  therein  mentioned,  with  interest,  to  be  paid  annually, 
at  six  per  cent. 

A.  B.  )  Witness  my  hand, 

C.  D.  }£ 

E.  F.  J  H.  G. 


The  committee  on  the  letter  from  Mr.  Lee  to  Doct.  Taylor,  reported 
verbally,  that  a  copy  of  said  letter  be  forwarded  to  our  members  of  the 
Continental  Congress  :  upon  a  motion,  the  question  was  put,  whether 
the  above  report  be  accepted,  and  passed  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  orders  for  impressing  horses  and  carriages, 
the  horses  and  carriages  of  the  members  of  this  Congress  be  excepted, 
and  that  a  copy  of  this  resolve  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  safety  and 
committee  of  supplies. 

Ordered,  That  at  three  o'clock  this  afternoon,  the  Congress  will 
take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  establishing  pay  for  a  brigade 
major. 

Ordered,  That  at  five  o'clock  this  afternoon,  the  Congress  will  come 
to  the  choice  of  a  committee  of  three  [persons,]  by  ballot,  to  procure 
a  copper  plate  for  printing  the  colony  notes,  and  to  countersign  them. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  reported  a  resolve  relative  to  bor- 
rowing money,  &c,  bring  in  a  resolve  that  no  note  be  given  by  the 
receiver  general  for  a  less  sum  than  four  pounds. 

Adjourned  till  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  that  no  note  be  given 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  181 

by  the  receiver  genera]  foi  anj  Bum  less  than  four  pounds,  reported ; 
and  the  repoii  was  amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows; 

Whereas,  inconveniences  may  arise  by  the  receiver  general's  issuing 
notes  for  -mull  Bums:  therefore,  Resolved,  thai  1 1 »* -  receiver  general 
be,  and  li»-  hereby  is  directed,  nol  to  issue  anj  aotes  tor  a  less  sum 
than  four  pounds,  lawful  monej . 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  t<>  take  into  consideration 
the  advance  pay  to  the  soldiers,  was  taken  up  and  read  ;  bul  as  part  of 
the  report  i>  superseded  l>y  a  resolve  in  the  1 1 1 1 » r 1 1 1 1 1 lt .  therefore,  Or- 
dered, that  the  report  be  recommitted,  and  that  part  thereof  which  hath 
been  superseded  be  It-It  OUt,  and  that  each  soldier  be  allowed  twenty 
shillings,  lawful  money,  in  advance. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  ino\fd  for. 

Resolved,  Thai  Capt  Parker,  Col.  How  and  Col.  Parley,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  coii-hI.  ration  the  propriety  of  establishing  pay  for 
a  brigade  major. 

The  above  vote  was  reconsidered. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  the  form  of  an  oath,  reported  : 
the  report  was  read,  and  recommitted. 

Ordered,  Thai  Major  Fuller,  ||Capt.  Brown  ||  and  Capt.  Brown  of 
Watertown,  be  a  committee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  commit- 
tee to  procure  a  copperplate  for  printing  the  colony  notes,  and  to 
countersign  them.  Tin-  committee  havin<r  attended  that  service,  re- 
ported, that  the  Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Doct  Joseph  Warren  and 
Mr     Moses  (iill,  were  chosen. 

Mr  Cheever,  who  was  appointed  to  wan  <»n  the  Rev.  Doct.  Cooper, 
and  desire  his  attendance  on  this  Congress,  to  officiate  as  their  chap- 
lain, reported,  thai  he  had  attended  the  service  assigned  him,  and  thai 
the  Btate  of  the  Doctor's  affairs  was  such,  that  he  could  nol  attend  ac- 
cording to  the  desire  of  the  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  report  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, reported.  The  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to 
be  copied,  and  forwarded  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  is  as  follow-,  \iz.  : 

To  tin    Honorabh     Imerican  Continental  Congress,  to  I"   convened  m 
Philadelphia,  mi  tin  tenth  of  May  instant: 
Mai   it  please  roua   honors: — The  Congress  of  this  colony,  im- 
pressed with  the  deepest  concern  for  their  country,  under  the  presenl 

critical    and    alarming    Btate    Of   its    public    a  flairs,  beg    leave,   with    the 

most   respectful   submission,  whilst   acting  in  supporf  ol  the  cause  of 
America,  to  request   the  direction  and  assistance  of  your  respectable 
embly. 


188  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  3, 

The  enclosed  packet,  containing  the  copies  of  depositions  which  we 
have  despatched  for  London,  also  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Great  Britain,  and  a  letter  to  our  colony  agent,  Benjamin  Franklin, 
Esq.,  are  humbly  submitted  to  your  consideration. 

The  sanguinary  zeal  of  the  ministerial  army,  to  ruin  and  destroy 
the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  hath 
rendered  the  establishment  of  an  army  indispensably  necessary.  We 
have  accordingly  passed  an  unanimous  resolve  for  thirteen  thousand 
six  hundred  men,  to  be  forthwith  raised  by  this  colony  ;  and  proposals 
are  made  by  us  to  the  congress  of  New  Hampshire,  and  governments 
of  Rhode  Island  and  Connecticut  colonies,  for  furnishing  men  in  the 
same  proportion.  The  sudden  exigency  of  our  public  affairs  preclu- 
ded the  possibility  of  waiting  for  your  direction  in  these  important 
measures  ;  more  especially,  as  a  considerable  reenforcement  from  Great 
Britain  is  daily  expected  in  this  colony,  and  we  are  now  reduced  to 
the  sad  alternative  of  defending  by  arms,  or  submitting  to  be  slaugh- 
tered. 

With  the  greatest  deference,  we  beg  leave  to  suggest,  that  a  power- 
ful army,  on  the  side  of  America,  hath  been  considered  by  this  Con- 
gress as  the  only  mean  left  to  stem  ||a||  the  rapid  progress  of  a  tyrannical 
ministry.  Without  a  force  superior  to  our  enemies,  we  must  reasona- 
bly expect  to  become  the  victims  of  their  relentless  fury  :  with  such  a 
force,  we  may  still  have  hopes  of  seeing  an  immediate  end  put  to  the 
inhuman  ravages  of  mercenary  troops  in  America,  and  the  wicked  au- 
thors of  our  miseries  brought  to  condign  punishment,  by  the  just  in- 
dignation of  our  brethren  in  Great  Britain. 

We  hope  that  this  colony  will,  at  all  times,  be  ready  to  spend,  and 
be  spent,  in  the  cause  of  America.  It  is,  nevertheless,  a  misfortune, 
greatly  operating  to  its  disadvantage,  that  it  has  a  great  number  of  sea 
port  towns  exposed  to  the  approach  of  the  enemy  by  sea,  from  many 
of  which  the  inhabitants  have  removed,  and  are  now  removing  their 
families  and  effects,  to  avoid  destruction  from  ships  of  war:  these,  we 
apprehend,  will  be  generally  distressed  from  want  of  subsistence,  and 
disabled  from  contributing  aid  for  supporting  the  forces  of  the  colony; 
but  we  have  the  greatest  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and  ability  of  the 
continent  to  support  us,  so  far  as  it  shall  appear  necessary  for  support- 
ing the  common  cause  of  the  American  colonies. 

We  also  enclose  several  resolves  for  empowering  and  directing  our 
receiver  general   to  borrow  the  sum  of  ,£100,000,  lawful  money,  and 

a  ||the  torrent  aml.|i 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  180 

to  issue  his  notes  for  the  Bame;  it  being  the  only  measure  which  we 
could  have  recourse  t"  for  supporting  <>ur  forces  ;  and  we  request  your 
assistance,  in  rendering  our  measures  effectual,  bj  lmuiil:  our  not 
currency  through  the  continent. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Da\i<  be  desired  to  wan  "n  the  Rev.  Mr  Gor- 
don,  and  desire  thai  In-  would  attend  on  this  Congress,  and  officiate  as 
their  chaplain,  during  their  session  in  the  town  of  \\  atertown. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  take  under  consideration  the 
advance  pay  to  the  soldiers,  reported.  The  report  was  recommitted, 
and  ('apt.  Stone  ||of  Framingham||  and  Doct.  Taylor,  added  to  the 
committee. 

[The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  what  measures  are 
l>r< >[>tr  tu  be  taken  for  liberating  those  persons  who  were  taken  prison- 
ers by  the  troops,  under  general  Gage,  on  the  19th  of  April,  reported 
a  resolve,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Ordered,  that  any  mem- 
ber who  desires  a  copy  may  have  one.     The  resolve  is  as  follows  :] 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Watertovm,  Ma]  3,  I77.">. 

[  Whereas,  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony  were  taken 
prisoners  by  the  troops,  under  the  command  of  general  Gage,  on  the 
19th  of  April  last,  and  are  by  him  so  held  :] 

[Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  Congress  thai  an  applica- 
tion be  -''tit  to  genera]  Gage,  signed  by  the  wives  <>r  n<  aresl  relations 
of  such  prisoners,  and  the  selectmen  of  the  towns  to  which  they  re- 
spective!] belong,  desiring  thai  he  would  discharge  their  friends  from 

tlnir    said    imprisonment  ;    and    they  are   empowered    hereby  to  otl'er  to 

send  in  to  the  general  an  equal  number  of  his  troop-,  now  in  the  hands 
of  this  people,  who  were  taken  prisoners  on  the  aforesaid  19th  of 
Aprd,  upon  lu>  liberating  their  friends  as  aforesaid.] 

||The  Congress||  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

[Thursday,]  May  I.  [177:.,  A.  M.] 

Col.  Davis,  who  was  appointed  to  wail  upon  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon, 
to  desire  thai  he  would  officiate  as  chaplain  to  this  Congress,  reported, 
thai  lie  had  waned  upon  Mr.  (iordon.  and  that  Mr.  Gordon  informed 
him  he  would  attend  accordingly. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the 
advance  pa]  to  the  soldiers,  again  reported;  which  report  was  read. 
amended   and   accepted,  and  ordered   to  ho  authenticated,  and  senl 

forthwith  to  head  <jiiarter>.      It  is  BS  follows 


190  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  4, 

Whereas,  the  distressed  state  of  this  colony,  at  this  alarming  crisis, 
calls  for  its  utmost  exertions,  that  the  army  now  to  be  raised  be  forth- 
with completed  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  each  non  commissioned  offi- 
cer and  private  soldier,  who  has,  or  shall,  enlist  himself  into  the  ser- 
vice of  this  colony,  shall  have  twenty  shillings  paid  him  out  of  the  re- 
ceiver general's  office,  as  advance  ||pay  ;||  and  that  the  commanding 
officer  of  each  regiment  who  shall  be,  ||and  hereby  is,||  empowered  to 
act  as  muster  master  for  his  said  regiment,  shall  draw  from  the  receiver 
general's  office  the  sum  of  twenty  shillings,  for  each  non  commissioned 
officer  and  private  soldier  in  his  said  regiment,  and  pay  the  same,  ac- 
cording to  the  tenor  of  this  resolve,  as  soon  as  said  men  shall  have  en- 
listed  themselves,  and  be  duly  sworn,  and  give  his  bond,  with  suffi- 
cient surety,  to  the  receiver  general,  therefor  ;  said  bond  to  be  dis- 
charged by  a  receipt  produced,  by  said  officer,  from  each  non  commis- 
sioned officer  and  private  soldier,  that  he  has  received  the  same. 

On  an  application  made  to  this  Congress,  for  an  order  on  the  com- 
mittee of  supplies,  for  one  barrel  of  powder,  for  the  use  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  Falmouth,  in  Casco  Bay ;  Ordered,  that  this  matter  be  refer- 
red to  the  said  committee  of  supplies,  they  to  act  thereon  as  they  think 
best. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

The  absent  members  were  ordered  to  be  called  in. 

On  a  motion  made,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  bring  in  a  re- 
solve containing  a  reconsideration  of  a  resolve,  passed  by  this  Con- 
gress, at  Concord,  the  first  of  April  last,  giving  it  as  their  opinion, 
that  "  if  writs  should  be  issued  for  calling  a  general  assembly,  to  be 
held  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next,  that  the  several  towns  in 
this  colony  ought  to  obey  such  precepts,  and  to  bring  in  a  resolve  re- 
commending to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony  not  to 
obey  such  precepts," — after  a  long  and  serious  debate,  the  question 
was  put,  and  it  passed  in  the  affirmative :  for  the  question,  94  :  the 
whole  number  of  the  house,  107. 

Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Gerrish,  Doct.  Holten  and  Col.  Man- 
dell,  were  accordingly  appointed  for  this  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone  of  Framingham,  Mr.  Bent  and  Major 
Fuller,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  returns  of  the  several  town 
and  district  stocks  of  powder,  and  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending 
to  such  towns  as  they  think  proper,  which  are  not  immediately  ex- 
posed, to  furnish  the  towns  of  Falmouth  and  Arundel  with  one  barrel 
of  powder  each. 

Then  adjourned  to  three  o'clock  this  afternoon. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  191 

Resolved,  That  Gen.  Putnam  and  Col.  Porter,  who  were,  with  other 
of  the  committee  of  safety,  appointed  by  the  said  committee  of  Bafety, 
and  the  council  of  war,  to  la)  Borne  special  matters  before  tin-  <  on- 
gress,  he  admitted  into  this  bouse,  ni«l  that  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Devene 
and  Col.  Gerrish,  be  a  committee  to  introduce  them  ||accordingly.i| 

The  lefl  hand  front  pew  waa  assigned  them  to  -it  in. 

The  absent  members  were  directed  t<>  attend. 

The  said  committee  having  accordingly  attended  this  Congri 
thej  informed  the  Congress,  that  the  gentlemen  delegated  bj  the  as- 
sembly of  Connecticut,  to  execute  an  embassj  to  genera]  Gage,  had 
come  "in  of  Boston,  with  letters  from  bim  to  the  assemblj  of  Connec- 
ticut, of  which  they  thought  it  proper  to  inform  this  Congress,  that 
the;  might  take  order  thereon,  if  they  thought  tit:  whereupon,  Or- 
dered, that  the  president,  Col.  Warren,  Doct.  Holten,  Col.  Gerrish, 
Col.  Palmer,  Doct.  Baylies,  Doct. Taylor,  Mr. Gardner,  .Mr.  Partridge, 
Mr.  Gerry  and  Mr.  Mills,  together  with  the  committee  from  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  and  council  of  war,  be  a  committee  to  hold  a  confer- 
ence with  the  said  Connecticut  delegates,  and  to  attend  forthwith. 

The  committee  appointed  to  enquire  into  the  conduct  of  the  several 
towns,  relative  to  the  prisoners  of  war,  reported  :  whereupon,  Ordereds 
that  Mr.  Wyman  apply  to  the  committee  of  saf<  ty,  desiring  that  they 
would  take  such  measures  with  respect  to  the  colony  .-tores,  and  two 
regular  officers,  with  their  waiter-,  now  at  Woburn,  as  will  remove  the 
necessity  of  keeping  so  large  a  ifuard  as  i<  now  plac<  d  there  to  guard 
the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Connecticut  delegates, 
reported,  that  they  had  conferred  with  them  on  the  subject  of  their 
embassy,  and  of  the  letter  to  their  assembly  from  general  Gage,  but 
that  they  thought  it  inconsistent  witli  their  honor,  and  the  interest  ol 
the  colonies,  to  open  it;  but  that  they  would  use  their  influence,  when 
they  returned,  to  have  the  contents  of  it  communicated  to  this  colony 

Moved,  That  the  delegates  from  Connecticut  be  desired  to  attend 
tin-  Congress  :   after  debate  the  matter  was  ordered  to  subside. 

Or, I, nil.  That  the  president,  Col.  Warren,  Col.   Dwight,  Mr.  Gerrj 
and  Col.  Holten,  be  a  committee  to  return  the  compliments  to  the 
tlemen  from  Connecticut,  for  their  patient  attendance  to  the  inquiry 
made  of  them  by  this  Congress,  respecting  their  embassj  \<>  general 
i '   i,re. 

Moved,  That  the  resolve  passed  yesterday,  respectin<:  advance  pay 
for  tin'  soldiers,  be  reconsidered,  bo  far  as  n  respects  muster  masters, 


192  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  5, 

and  that  two  muster  masters  be  appointed  by  this  Congress.  After  de- 
bate [the  matter  was]  ordered  to  subside. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  Gerry  and  Col.  Warren,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  assembly  of  Connecticut,  respecting 
their  late  application  to  general  Gage. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Mr.  Mills,  Capt.  McCobb,  Doct.  Per- 
kins, Col.  Grout  and  Mr.  Kollock,  be  directed  to  copy  the  depositions 
of  the  late  hostile  proceedings  of  general  Gage's  troops,  to  be  trans- 
mitted to  Connecticut. 

Then  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

[Friday,]  May  5,  1775,  [A.  M.] 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Stickney  and  Mr.  Webster  be  added  to  the 
committee  who  were  appointed  to  examine  the  returns,  and  districts' 
stock  of  powder,  &c,  May  4th,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Batchelder  and  Doct.  Holten,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative  to  an  obstruction  to  the  remov- 
ing the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  as  expressed  in  a  letter  to  this  Congress 
from  the  selectmen  of  Boston,  and  other  papers :  and  that  said  re- 
solve, when  passed,  together  with  the  resolve  which  passed  this  Con- 
gress the  2d  instant,  giving  license  to  those  persons  in  Boston,  who 
incline,  to  send  a  servant  out  for  their  effects,  be  authenticated,  and 
transmitted  to  Gen.  Ward. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  bring  in  two  resolves  respect- 
ing general  Gage's  writs  for  calling  an  assembly,  reported  :  both  of 
which  were  read  and  accepted,  and  are  as  follow,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress  did,  at  their  session  at  Concord,  on  the  first 
day  of  April  last,  resolve,  as  their  opinion,  that  if  writs  be  issued  in 
form  as  the  law  directs,  for  calling  a  general  assembly,  to  be  held  on 
the  last  Wednesday  of  May  next,  that  such  writs  should  be  obeyed, 
&x.  ;  and  whereas,  many  reasons  now  prevail  to  convince  us  that  con- 
sequences of  a  dangerous  nature  would  result  from  the  operation  of 
that  resolution  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  said  vote  and  resolution 
be  reconsidered,  and  it  is  hereby  reconsidered,  and  declared  null  and 
void. 

Whereas,  his  excellency  general  Gage,  since  his  arrival  into  this  col- 
ony, hath  conducted  as  an  instrument  in  the  hands  of  an  arbitrary 
ministry  to  enslave  this  people,  and  a  detachment  ||of  the  troops, ||  un- 
der his  command,  have,  of  late,  been  ||by  him||  ordered  to  the  town  of 
Concord,  to  destroy  the  public  stores  deposited  in  that  place  for  the 
use  of  the   colony  :  and,  whereas,  by  this   clandestine   and  perfidious 


177.",. j  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  193 

measure,  a  Dumber  of  respectable  inhabitants  of  the  colony,  without 
any  provocation  |given  by  them, ||  have  been  illegally,  wantonly  and 
inhumanly  slaughtered  bj  the  troop-:  therefore,  Resolved,  thai  the 
said  general  < i :iir<"  hath,  by  these  means,  and  many  others,  utterly  dis- 
qualified himself  to  serve  this  colon]  as  a  governor,  and  in  every  other 
capacity,  and  thai  no  obedience  ought,  in  future,  to  be  paid  by  the 
Beveral  town-  and  districts  in  t hi-  colony,  to  his  writs  tor  calling  an  as- 
sembly, or  to  his  proclamations,  or  an]  other  of  his  acts  or  doings; 
but  that,  on  the  other  hand,  he  ought  to  be  considered  and  guarded 
against,  as  an  unnatural  and  inveterate  enemy  to  this  country. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gardner,  Col.  Dwight  and  Col.  Warren,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  Beveral  towns 
and  districts  in  this  colonv,  to  choose  delegates  tor  a  new  Provincial 
Congress,  to  be  held  on  the  last  Wednesdaj  of  the  present  month. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  the  form  of  an  oath, 
to  be  taken  by  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  army  now  raising  in  this 
colonv,  reported  :   which  report  was  ordered  for  the  presets  to  subside. 

The  committee  who  were  this  day  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve 
for  the  purpose  of  removing  an  obstruction  to  the  liberating  the  inhab- 
itants of  Boston,  reported  :  which  report  was  ordered  to  be  recommit- 
ted, and  that  Mr.  Gijl  and   Mr.  Partridge  be  added   to  the  committee. 

The  committee  who  were  yesterday  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to 
the  assembly  of  Connecticut,  reported  a  letter,  which  was  r<  ad,  amend- 
ed and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

To  tin    Honorable,   tin  Governor  and  Company  of  tin    \\* Colony \\  <>/' 

Count  i  in  ut  : 

ii\  \m  i  \n  \  : — The  delegates  appointed  by  your  ^'respectable!!  as- 
sembly, to  treat  with  general  Gage  on  the  late  unhappy  event-  which 
have  occured  in  this  colony,  have  favored  us  with  a  conference,  and 
communicated  the  substance  of  their  interview  with  him.  We  are 
greatly  alarmed  at  the  unparalleled  wickedness  of  our  unnatural  ene- 
mies,  in  endeavoring  to  persuade  our  sister  colony,  that  the  inhabitants 
of  this,  first  commenced  hostilities;  a  suggestion  which,  we  cannot  but 
think,  will  appear  absurd,  when  the  greal  inequality  of  the  Lexington 
company  and  the  detachment  of  regular  troop-,  which  attacked  them, 
l-  coollj  considered. 

liui  to  put  tin-  matter  in  the  clearest  light,  we  beg  leave  to  enclose 
you  the  copies  of  depositions,  taken  b)   order  of  tin-  Congri         nil 


I.  ||reipecUul.|| 


25 


194  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  5, 

despatched  for  London,  containing  the  most  incontestable  evidence, 
that  the  king's  troops  first  fired  upon,  and  killed,  several  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  this  colony,  before  any  injury  was  offered  to  them.  We  also 
enclose  you  the  copies  of  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, and  of  a  letter  to  our  colony  agent,  and  think  it  expedient  to  sus- 
pend the  publication  of  the  address  and  letter,  until  they  shall  have 
had  their  effect  in  England. 

The  experience  which  we  have  had  of  general  Gage,  hath  fully  con- 
vinced us,  that  but  little  dependence  can  be  placed  in  his  professions. 
Whilst  he  has  been  collecting  his  forces,  fortifying  our  capital,  and  in 
every  other  respect  preparing  for  war,  we  have  been  amused  with  his 
pretensions  to  benevolence  and  kindness,  evidently  calculated  to  retard 
the  measures  which  we  were  necessarily  pursuing  for  self  defence. 
And  we  are  constrained  to  declare,  that  should  he  be,  at  any  future 
time,  possessed  of  forces  superior  to  those  raised  for  opposing  him,  we 
should,  from  his  past  conduct,  have  no  hopes  ||left||  of  escaping  the 
heaviest  vengeance  which  ministerial  tyranny  can  devise,  assisted  by 
the  most  inveterate  enemies  to  mankind  in  general,  and  of  this  their 
native  country  in  particular.  On  the  exertions  of  the  colonies,  and 
blessings  of  heaven,  we  alone  can  depend  for  safety  and  support.  And 
it  is  clearly  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  the  establishment  of  a 
powerful  army,  is  the  best  and  only  measure  left,  to  bring  the  present 
disputes  to  a  happy  issue.  It  is  evidently  the  business  of  the  general, 
to  subjugate  these  and  the  other  colonies ;  and,  we  think,  there  are 
the  most  convincing  proofs  that,  in  order  to  effect  it,  he  is  constantly 
aiming  to  suspend  their  ||apreparations||  for  defence,  until  hisreenforce- 
ments  shall  arrive  ;  but,  although  we  have  been  under  great  apprehen- 
sions with  respect  to  the  advantages  which  the  conference  of  Connec- 
ticut, with  general  Gage,  ||bmight||  give  our  enemies,  yet,  we  have  the 
greatest  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and  vigilance  of  your  respectable 
assembly  and  colony,  as  well  as  of  our  other  sister  colonies ;  and  have 
reason  to  hope,  that,  while  he  fails  in  his  intentions  to  lull  and  deceive 
this  continent,  he  can  never  accomplish  his  designs  to  conquer  it. 

Ordered,  That  the  foregoing  letter  be  fairly  ||ctranscribed||  and  au- 
thenticated, and  committed  to  the  care  of  Col.  Dwicrht,  together  with 
a  copy  of  the  depositions  respecting  the  late  hostile  proceedings  of 
general  Gage's  troops,  attested  by  the  secretary,  to  be  delivered  by  Col. 
Dwight  to  the  governor  and  company  of  Connecticut  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

(i  ||opirntioiiR.||  b  ||may.||  c  ||copied.|| 


177.3]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  195 

[  \i'' 
The  committee  who  were  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  1 1 1  *  -  purp 
of  removing  an  obstruction  to  the  liberating  the  inhabitants  of  Boston, 
again  reported:   which  report,  being  read  and  accepted,  it    was  Order- 
ed, that   -Mr.   Partridge  carry  the  aame  immediately  to  ||*Gen.||  Ward. 
It  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

"Resolved,  That  the  following  letter  be  sent  to  Gen.  Ward,  and  a 
copy  of  the  same  to  the  selectmen  of  Boston. 

Sik  : — By  the  enclosed  papers  you  will  see,  that  the  liberation  of 
our  good  friends  in  Boston  is  greatly  obstructed  :  therefore,  Sir,  you 
are  directed  to  examine  into  the  matter,  and  <:i\e  such  orders  as  shall 
be  effectual,  for  the  future,  strictly  to  execute  the  resolutions  of  this 
Congress,  respecting  permits  into  the  country,  and  protection  of  all 
persons  thus  permitted ;  and  also  communicate  your  doing  hereon  to 
the  selectmen  of  Boston,  with  all  possible  despatch,  that  our  friends 
may  not  be  detained  any  longer  :  and  also,  that  you  give  directions  to 
your  officers  carefully  to  execute  the  resolves  of  Congress,  in  all  mat- 
ters in  which  they  are  to  act,  without  any  levity,  or  indecency  of  ex- 
pression or  behavior. 

To  tin  Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  E.<<j.: 

P.  S. — The  pass  given  by  the  selectmen  must  be  in  strict  conform- 
ity to  the  resolve  of  Congress,  viz. :  that  the  bearer  is  sent  out,  to  put 
up  and  transport  into  the  town  of  Boston,  the  goods  and  (fleets  of 
such  persons  as  have  repaired  to  Boston,  there  to  take  up  their  resi- 
dence. 

On  a  petition  from  Charles  Glidden  and  others,  for  a  supply  of  pow- 
der, &c.  :  Ordered,  that  Doct.  Taylor  inform  said  Glidden,  now  in 
waiting,  that  this  Congress  would  gladly  comply  with  their  request,  did 
not  the  present  exigencies  of  the  colony  make  it  necessary  that  all 
their  stock  of  ammunition  be  retained  in  the  colony  magazine. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommend- 
ing the  choice  of  delegates  for  a  new  Provincial  Congress,  reported 
the  following:   which   was    read    and   accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  \iz.  : 

Whereas,  the  term  for  which  this  present  Congress  was  chosen,  ex- 
pires on  the  :{()th  instant,  and  the  exigencies  of  our  public  affairs  ren- 
der it  absolutely  necessary,  for  the  safety  of  this  colony,  thai  a  new 
Congress  be  elected  and  convened,  to  consider  of,  and  transact,  the 
public  affairs  thereof:  Resolved,  that  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  recom- 
mended to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  that  the\  each 

«  ||Mr.|| 


196  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  5, 

of  them  do,  forthwith,  elect  and  depute  as  many  members  as  to  them 
shall  seem  necessary  and  expedient,  to  represent  them  in  a  Provincial 
Congress,  to  be  held  at  the  meeting-house  in  Watertown,  on  the  31st 
day  of  May  instant,  to  be  chosen  by  such  only  as  are  qualified  by  law 
to  vote  for  representatives  in  the  general  assembly,  and  to  be  contin- 
ued by  adjournment,  ||a||  as  they  shall  see  cause,  until  the  expiration 
of  six  months  from  their  being  first  convened  on  the  31st  of  this  instant 
May,  and  no  longer ;  and  consult,  deliberate  and  resolve  upon  such 
further  measures,  as,  under  God,  shall  be  effectual  to  save  this  people 
from  impending  ruin,  and  to  secure  those  inestimable  liberties  derived 
to  us  from  our  ancestors,  and  which  it  is  our  duty  to  preserve  for  pos- 
terity. 

Ordered,  That  this  last  mentioned  resolve,  together  with  the  resolve 
passed  in  the  forenoon,  respecting  general  Gage's  precepts,  be  printed 
in  hand  bills  ;  and  that  Major  Fuller,  Capt.  Batchelder  and  Esquire 
Dix,  be  a  committee  to  get  the  same  printed,  and  dispersed  to  the  sev- 
eral towns  and  districts  in  this  colony. 

The  gentlemen  who  were  appointed  delegates  for  this  colony  to  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  reported,  that  they  had  attended  the  business 
to  which  they  were  appointed,  and  had  brought  a  letter  from  the 
speaker  of  the  Connecticut  assembly,  which  they  laid  before  this  Con- 
gress.1 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  which  passed  in  Congress  this  day,  respect- 
ing a  petition  made  by  Charles  Glidden  and  others,  for  powder  and 
ball,  be  reconsidered,  and  that  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  here- 
by are  ||bdirected,||  to  furnish  the  said  Charles  ||Glidden,||  for  the  use 
of  the  subscribers  to  said  petition,  one  half  barrel  of  powder,  and  such 
a  quantity  of  lead  as  will  be  proper  and  proportional  thereto. 

Resolved,  That  the  assembly  of  Connecticut  be  supplied  with  the 
rules  and  regulations  which  have  been  recommended  to  be  observed 
by  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony. 

a  ||from  d;iy  to  day.||  1>  ||desired.|| 

(1)  Governor  Jonathan  Trumbull  replies  to  the  letter  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  from  Hartford, 
Mny  4j  1775,  in  behalf  of  tin-  colony  of  Connecticut  : 

"  Yonr  letter  of  th(  second  of  May  instant,"  lie  writes,  "is  received.  You  need  not  fear  our 
firmness,  deliberation  and  unanimity,  to  pursue  the  measures  which  appear  best  for  our  common  de- 
fence and  safety,  and  in  no  degree  to  relax  our  vigilant  preparations  for  that  end, and  to  act  in  union 
and  concert  with  our  Bister  Colonies.  We  shall  he  cautious  of  trusting  promises  which  it  may  be 
in  ihe  power  of  any  one  to  evade.  We  hope  no  ill  consequences  will  attend  our  embassy  to  gene- 
ral Gage.  We  should  he  glad  to  lie  furnished  wish  the  evidence,  duly  authenticated,  concerning 
the  attack,  on  the  19th  of  April  last,  at  Lexington,  which  it  is  presumed  you  have  taken.  Although 
we  are  at  a  distance  from  the  most  distressing  scenes  before  your  eyes,  yet  we  are  most  sensibly 
affected  with  the  alarming  relations  of  them." 

The  letter  from  the  speaker  stated,  that  preparations  were  made  for  raising  an  army  of  fifteen 
hundred  men,  in  the  colony  of  Connecticut. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRKSS  |o/j 

( )a  n  motion  made  by  Capt.  Mc(  'obb,  that  some  measures  might  be  ta- 
ken to  preserve  a  Dumber  of  large  masts,  plank,  &c,  nom  lying  inKenne- 
beck  river,  and  to  prevent  their  being  carried  to  Halifax,  where  tht 
might  l>c  Unappropriated!!  to  the  injury  of  this  country  :  Ordered,  that 
the  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  safety,  and 
that  Capt.  McCobb  be  desired  to  attend  the  said  committee,  and  give 
them  all  the  information  he  can  relative  thereto. 

A  resolution  of  the  committee  of  Bafety,  giving  it  as  their  opinion, 
that  government,  in  lull  form,  ought  to  he  taken  up  immediate  ly,  was 
read:  whereupon,  Ordered,  thai  the  consideration  of  tins  matter  be 
referred  to  Tuesday  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  .M. 

||Then||  adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

[Saturday,]  Maj  ti.  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  ||''supplies||  be,  and  they  are  here- 
by empowered,  to  procure  powder,  in  such  quantities  as  they  shall 
think  necessary,  not  only  at  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island,  hut  at 
New   York,  or  any  other  colony  on  the  continent. 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Sawyer,  Capt.  Stone  and  Doct.  Taylor,  he  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  appointing  two  offi- 
cers,  one  in  each  camp  of  the  colony  army,  whose  business  it  shall  be 
to  pass  muster  on  the  soldiers,  and  draw  lor  them,  out  of  the  treasury, 
their  half  month's  pay. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Col.  Dexter,  Col.  Warren,  Doct.  llol- 
ten  and  .Mr.  Mills,  be  a  committee  to  take  ||cunder||  consideration  the 
letter  received  yesterday  from  the  speaker  of  the  general  assembly  of 
(  onmcticiit. 

A  form  of  a  pass,  and  resolve  thereon,  brought  in  by  Col.  Warren, 
was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

To  the  Guards  oi'  rur.  Colony  Army  : 

Pursuant  to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  you  art'  hereby 
ordered  to  permit  a  member  of  said  Congress, 

to  pass  and  repass,  with  his  company,  at  all  times. 

President  />rt>  tempore. 
May  1775. 

KesTtlved,  That  the  general  officer  of  the  army  of  this  colon)  be, 
and  hereby  is  directed  to  gi\e  orders  to  his  officers,  to  pay  obedience 
to  all   permits  of  the  foregoing  form,  signed  by  the  president  of  this 

ied.||  b  ||mifoty.||  c  |inl 


198  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  C, 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Dwight  proceed  with  the  letters  and  depositions 
as  ordered  by  this  Congress,  with  all  possible  speed,  to  Hartford,  there 
to  tarry,  if  at  his  discretion  he  thinks  necessary,  till  he  receives  an  an- 
swer to  said  letter,  and  a  copy  of  the  letter  sent  by  general  Gage  to 
the  assembly  at  Connecticut ;  and  to  inform  the  said  assembly  of  the 
alteration  made  by  this  Congress  in  the  pay  of  the  field  officers  of  the 
army  now  raising  in  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Whiting,  Major  Fuller,  Col.  Thurston,  Doct. 
Taylor,  Col.  Field,  Doct.  Sawyer  and  Col.  Warren,  be  a  committee,  to 
bring  in  a  resolve  containing  a  reconsideration  of  the  resolve  passed 
yesterday,  respecting  the  choice  of  delegates  for  a  new  Congress, 
so  far  as  to  determine  what  towns  should  send  members,  and  how 
many  members  each  town  and  district  ought  to  send.  This  last  order 
reconsidered  :  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Rawson  of  Mendon,  Col. 
Gardner,  Mr.  Thurston,  Esquire  Davis  and  Mr.  Sawyer,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  take  into  consideration  an  equal  representation  of  this  colony, 
and  report  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thurston,  Esquire  Dix  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  form  of  an  establishment  for 
the  train,  and  report  a  resolve  thereon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  appointment 
of  muster  masters,  reported. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock  this  afternoon  be  assigned  for  choosing 
two  muster  masters,  and  that  they  be  chosen  by  ballot. 

Col.  Lincoln  brought  in  a  resolve,  empowering  the  committee  of 
supplies  to  import  military  stores  from  such  place,  and  in  such  ||a|| 
quantities  as  they  shall  judge  proper  :  which  was  read  and  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  in  the  course  of  the  present  disputes  with  Great  Britain, 
it  may  be  necessary  to  import,  on  the  risque  of  the  colony,  many  kinds 
of  military  and  other  stores  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
empowered  and  directed,  to  import,  or  cause  to  be  imported,  from  any 
place  whatever,  such  and  so  many  stores  aforesaid,  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary  for  the  defence  of  the  colony,  and  the  same  to  risk,  at  their 
discretion,  with  or  without  making  insurance  on  the  vessels  and  car- 
goes  which  may  be  so  |[employed,||  sent  out,  or  imported. 

Ordered,  That  this  resolve  be  kept  an  absolute  and  entire  secret 
by  every  member  of  this  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  four  o'clock  this  afternoon  be  assigned   to  consider 

a  llmanncr  and. II 


1 775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  190 

if  an)  method   can   be  taken  for  Bettling  tin-  appointment  of  the  held 
ofBc 

||Th«Mi||  adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

(  Aliii, ii  ] 

The  order  of  the  day  [  \\  as]  read. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  I)i\,  .Mr.  (iill  and  Doct.  Sawyer,  be  a  committee 
to  sort  and  count  the  votes  foi  two  muster  masters. 

The  committee  appointed  to  sorl  and  count  the  votes  for  two  mus- 
ter masters, |  reported,  thai  Gen.  John  Wl  itcomh  and  Col.  Benjamin 
Lincoln,  were  unanimous!)  chosen. 

The  report  of  the  committee  respecting  the  appointmenl  of  muster 
masters  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  Gen.  John  Whitcomb  and  Col.  Benjamin  Lincoln, || 
be,  and  hereb)  arc  appointed  muster  masters  in  the  M  ssachusetts 
army,  whose  business  it  shall  be  to  pass  muster  on  every  Boldier  that 
[-It  ill]  l>e  enlisted  into  -aid  army,  and  by  no  means  to  accept  of  an) 
l»nt  such  as  are  able  bodied,  effective  men  ;  and  also  to  examine  if 
their  arms  ami  accoutrements  are  in  proper  order  :  and  said  muster 
masters  are  hendty  directed  and  empowered  to  receive  from  Henry 
Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general,  or  his  successor  in  office,  twenty 
shillings,  lawful  money,  for  each  and  ever)  mm  commissioned  officer 
and  private  soldier  thus  mustered  ami  sworn,  who  shall  appear  with 
their  arms  and  accoutrements ;  and  shall  Lri\e  bonds  to  said  receiver 
general,  with  sufficient  surety,  for  such  monies  drawn  out  of  the  treas- 
ury; and  shall  forthwith  pay  out  said  sum  of  twenty  shillings,  as  ad- 
vance pay,  to  each  ami  every  non  commissioned  officer  and  private 
soldier,  and  on  producing  receipts  from  them  to  said  receiver  general, 

said  bonds  shall  be  camelled. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  consideration  of  the  pay  of  the  muster  masters 
be  referred  to  some  future  time. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thurston  and  Mr.  Sawyer  be  a  committee  to 
appl)  to  the  committee  of  safety  for  a  list  of  all  such  persons  to  whom 
the\  ha\e  inven  encouragement  to  receive  commissions  a- field  officers 
of  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony:  and  they  are  directed  to  in- 
quire  of  said  committee  of  safety,  what  field  ollicers  they  expect  will 
be  most  likely  to  succeed  in  rilling  up  their  regiments. 

Ordered,  That   Esquire   Rawson,  Mr.  Partridge,  Major    Brooks,  Ml 
Webster,  Col.  Mosely,  Mr.  Bliss  and  Capt.  Stone    of  Oakham,    be  a 

committee  to  inquire  what    niunlier  of  province    arm-   there    are  m  the 
province,  and  in  what  place;   and,  in  particular,  that  they  apply  to  the 

n  ||*  h 


200  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  [May  7, 

committee  of  supplies,  to  know  what  number  of  fire   arms  they  have 
procured,  and  how  they  have  disposed  of  them. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  form  of  an  es- 
tablishment for  the  train,  reported  verbally,  that  the  pay  was  in  their 
opinion  reasonable,  but,  as  to  the  number  of  matrosses,  they  were  not 
proper  judges.  The  establishment  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz.  : 

An  establishment  for  the  company  of  the  train,  as  fixed  upon 
by  the  committee  of  safety  : 
l^captain,  ....  £6  10s  per  month. 

2  lieutenants,  each,     .  .  .  4  10 

1  lieutenant  fire  worker,    .  .  .  3  10 

4  serjeants,  each,         .  .  .  .         2  10  " 

4  corporals,  each,  .  .  .  2  6 

32  matrosses,  each,        .  .  .  .23  " 

1  drummer,  .  .  .  .  2  6 

1  fifer,  .  .  .  .  .26" 

46  men,  officers  included,  in  each  company  of  matrosses ;   a  blanket 
and  coat,  as  for  the  rest  of  the  army. 

William  Cooper,  Secretary. 

||The  Congress  then||  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Sunday,  May  7,  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
empowered  and  directed,  to  procure  at  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island, 
New  York,  or  any  other  colony  on  the  continent,  such  a  number  of 
fire  arms  and  bayonets,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  as  they  shall  think 
necessary. 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  application  to  the  committee  of 
supplies,  to  know  what  number  of  fire  arms  they  had  procured,  report- 
ed verbally,  that  they  had  not  procured  any. 

On  an  application  made  to  this  Congress,  by  Capt.  Benjamin  Dun- 
ning, of  Harpswell,  for  powder,  this  Congress  passed  the  following  re- 
solve, viz. : 

Whereas,  the  district  of  Harpswell,  in  the  county  of  Cumberland, 
lies  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the  enemies,  and  is  unprovided  with  a 
supply  of  powder  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended,  ||and 
it  is  hereby  accordingly  recommended, ||  to  the  selectmen  of  the  town 
of  Haverhill,  that  they  deliver  to  Capt  Nehemiah  Curtis  and  Mr.  Ben- 
jamin Dunning,  for  the  use  of  the  said  district  of  Harpswell,  one  half 


1776.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  201 

barrel  of  powder,  1 1 » *  -  x  paying  for  the  same     which  shall  be  replaced, 

if  deeded,  as  Boon  as  the  colony  magazine  can  be  supplied. 

Adjourned  to  twelve  -.Clock  t ln>  day. 

i  Noon  ] 

Mel  al  twelve  O'clock,  and  adjourned  to  tour  o'clock,  P.   M 

[AAeroooD.] 

Mel   al  four  o'clock,  and  adjourned  to   to-morrow   morning,  nine 

o'clock. 

NfonsAT,  Ma]  8,  17  7*,.  \.  M. 

Ordered, Thai  Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Partridge,  Mr.  Mills,  Mr.  Whiting, 
I  Stone,  Col.   Howe,  Col.  Mandell,  Col.  Mosely,  Col.     'Pierce 

and  Col.  Thurston,  be  a  committee  to  transcribe  the  narrative  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  km/-  troop-,  on  tin-  19th  nit.,  together  with  depo- 
sitions thereof  accompanying,  to  be  transmitted  to  Mr.  Thomas  for 
immediate  publication. 

A  letter  from  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Hopkin- 
ton,  was  read:  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Doct.  Church,  Col.  Foster 
and  Deacon  Etawson,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  se- 
lectmen of  that  town,  giving  the  opinion  of  the  Congress  on  the  sub- 
ject thereof. 

The  form  of  an  oath,  to  be  administered  to  the  officers   and    pri" 
soldiers  of  the  army  now  raising  ||bin||  this  colom.  was   read   and   ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  all  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Massachusetts  army 
now  raising  f"r  the  defence  and  security  <>f  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
this  and  our  -i-ter  colonics  m  America,  shall  each  and  e\er\  of  them, 
excepting  only  the  general  officers,  repeat  and  take  the  following  oath, 
\  iz.  : 

I,  A.  B., swear,  1  will  truly  and  faithfully  serve  in  the  Massachusetts 
army,  to  winch  I  belong,  for  the  defence  and  security  of  the  estates, 
lives  and  liberties  of  the  good  people  of  tins  and  the  sister  colonies  in 
America,  in  opposition  to  ministerial  tyranny,  bj  winch  the)  are  or 
may  be  oppressed,  and  to  all  other  enemies  and  opposers  whatsoever; 
that  I  will  adhere  to  the  rules  and  regulations  of  said  arm)  .  observe 

and  obey  the  generals  and  other  officers  set   "\er  me  ;    and  disclose  and 

make-  known  to  said  officers  all  traitorous  conspiracies,  attempt-  and 
designs  whatsoever,  which  I  shall  know  to  be  made  against  said  army, 
or  an)  of  the  English  American  colonies.     So  help  me  God. 

Ordered,  Thai   Col.  Warren,  Col.  Gerrish  and   Col.    Poster,   in 

■  ||Princc.||  b  ||l"ur  tli«-  d<  •■■ 

26 


202  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  8, 

committee  to  prepare  the  form  of  an  oath  to  be  administered  to  the 
general  officers. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Esquire  Dix  and  Col.  Foster,  be  a 
committee  to  draw  up  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  committees  of 
correspondence  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  and 
to  the  selectmen  of  towns  and  districts  who  have  no  such  committees, 
to  take  effectual  care  to  ||adisarm||  all  such  persons,  in  their  respective 
towns,  who  will  not  give  them  an  assurance  of  their  good  intentions 
and  regard  to  the  interest  of  this  country  ;  and  also  to  recommend  to 
the  people  of  this  colony  to  take  effectual  measures  to  oblige  all  who 
are  liable  by  law  to  appear  in  arms  in  the  militia,  to  appear,  when 
properly  called  upon  by  their  officers. 

Resolved,  That  the  muster  masters  be,  and  hereby  are  empowered 
and  directed,  to  administer  the  oath  to  the  officers  and  private  soldiers 
of  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony,  agreeably  to  the  form  pre- 
scribed by  this  Congress. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  select- 
men of  the  town  of  Hopkinton,  reported  the  following,  which  was 
read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  dated,  signed,  and  delivered  to 
the  messenger  in  waiting  : 

"  Gentlemen  : — Your  favor  of  the  7th  instant  was  duly  considered 
in  Congress.  We  cannot  but  regret  that  any  persons,  who  have  here- 
tofore evidenced  their  attachment  to  the  rights  and  liberties  of  their 
country,  should,  in  this  day  of  trial  and  hazard,  be  so  far  influenced 
by  an  inordinate  attachment  to  their  personal  safety,  or  the  security  of 
their  property,  as  to  desert  the  common  interest,  and  basely  refuse  to 
contribute  of  their  wealth,  or  assist,  personally,  in  that  struggle,  which 
they  are  conscientiously  led  to  approve.  Nevertheless,  gentlemen, 
such  is  the  peculiar  delicacy  of  our  situation,  that  true  policy  suggests 
we  should  act  with  extreme  caution  respecting  these  fugitives.  A  vio- 
lation of  the  natural  right  of  an  individual  to  remove  his  person  and 
effects  wherever  he  pleases,  ||we  apprehend ||  would  ill  become  those 
who  are  contending  for  the  unalienable  right  of  every  man  to  his  own 
property,  and  to  dispose  of  it  as  he  pleases.  We  would  likewise  sug- 
gest, that,  should  we  restrain  any  inhabitant  from  conveying  his  goods 
to  Philadelphia,  our  brethren  there  might  justly  arraign  us  of  selfish- 
ness in  such  a  transaction,  and  it  would  evidence  such  a  distinction  of 
interests  in  the  two  colonies,  as  might  have  a  tendency  to  disunite  us, 
at  a  time  when  the  safety  of  the  whole   must   ultimately  depend  upon 

liscov<>r.|| 


I  IT.",.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRES  203 

the  firmest  confederac]       W<   are    thorough]]     aware  of  the  mischiefs 

tun  i_rrncr.il  a  removal  imi'lit  produce;  l>ut  we  have  bo  much  confi- 
dence in  the  disinterested  virtue  of  our  countrymen,  as  to  indulge 
hopes  that  .Mr.  Barrett's  example  will  not  become  infectious.  We 
highly  approve  the  ateadj  patriotism  and  manly  jealous)  of  our  breth- 
ren in  Ilopkinton,  and  arc,  with  much  esteem, 

Gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  president  pro  tempore,  l>.  -  ( 'hurch,  Duet.  Tay- 
lor, Doct.  Holten  and  Doct.  Dun-inure,  be  a  committee  to  examine 
Buch  persons  as  are,  <>r  rnaj  be,  recommended  for  Burgeons  for  the 
army  now  forming  in  this  colon) 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  recommended  by  the  commanding  offi- 
cers of  the  several  regiments,  be  appointed  as  Burg is  to  their  respec- 
tive regiments,  provided  they  appear  to  be  duly  qualified  upon  examin- 
ation. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence,  in  Portsmouth,  was 
received  by  a  messenger,  express.  The  messenger  was  admitted  on 
the  floor.1 

Ordered,  That  said  letter  be  committed,  for  an  answer,  to  Doct. 
Church,  the  presidenl  and  ('apt.  Foster. 

A  letter  from  Gen.  Ward  was  read  ;  whereupon, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Danielson,  Doct.  Church,  Col.  Foster,  Mr. 
Bliss  and  .Mr.  Etawson,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  Bubject  thereof  into 
consideration,  and  report. 

L<  ave  of  absence  was    lgiven||  to  Mr.  Partridge. 

The  committee  on  the  letter  from  Portsmouth,  in  New  Hampshire, 
reported  the  following  answer,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  or- 
dered to  be  copied  and  sent  : 

Q  ||gl 

(1)  Til.-  letter  mu  addressed  to  the  president  of  Congress,  and  i*  as  follow  i  \ 

PORTSMOUTH,  Maj  6,  IT 

SIR : — We  have  received  intelligence,  thai  Mr.  Edward  Parry,  of  this  town,  together  with  Mr. 
J..I111  Barnard  and  Mr.  Wilson,  => r>-  now  confined  in  irons,  in  the  > ■ . >»  1  n t >  of  Lincoln  ;  for  whal 
» ■•  I.  ire  nol  tie  i"  explore. 

Bat,  from  the  i>i*t  conduct  of  Mr.  Parry,  in  tin*  town,  we  ore  convin I  he  never  merited  inch 

treat i.t;  and,  that   it  cannot  bnl   meet  «iili  the  disapprobation  of  your  Congress,  which  have 

ntlj  manifested,  in   ill  their  i>r...  oedings,  a  contrary  temper. 
We  trust  the  Congress  will  exert  ilxir  influence  to  procure   the   immediate  release  of  tii  I 
tleman,  and  wish  that  humanity  and  candor  may  distinguish  all  our  noble  struggles  in  the  c  . 
liberty. 

Bj  order  of  the  oomroitt 

1   uns  your  moit  obedient  servant, 

will. I  wt  wiiiiti  I 


204  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  8, 

Gentlemen  : — The  Congress  have  considered  the  subject  of  your 
express ;  are  surprised  that  a  gentleman,  of  the  character  you  have 
mentioned,  should  have  such  just  reason  to  complain  of  unmerited  se- 
verity, from  any  of  our  brethren  in  this  colony.  From  a  regard  to 
justice,  as  well  as  to  your  recommendation,  gentlemen,  we  shall  not 
fail  to  make  immediate  inquiry  into  this  transaction  ;  and  if  any  out- 
rage has  been  offered  to  innocent  persons,  the  perpetrators,  you  may 
be  assured,  will  be  properly  censured,  and  the  sufferers  meet  with  all 
that  redress  which  it  may  be  in  the  power  of  this  Congress  to  obtain. 
Be  assured,  gentlemen,  we  shall  be  studious  to  maintain  that  character 
for  humanity,  which,  we  would  wish,  may  ever  be  the  characteristic 
of  Americans  ;  and  [we]  cannot  but  applaud  those  generous  and  be- 
nevolent sentiments,  which  influenced  you  in  your  application. 

We  are,  &c. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  the  form  of  an  oath, 
to  be  taken  by  the  general  officers,  reported  :  the  consideration  where- 
of was  referred  to  some  future  time. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mosely  and  Major  Bliss  be,  and  are  hereby  em- 
powered and  directed,  to  collect  all  the  province  arms  which  are  in 
the  county  of  Hampshire;  and  that  Doct.  William  Whiting  be  em- 
powered and  directed  to  collect  all  the  province  arms  which  are  in  the 
county  of  Berkshire. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon.] 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Trueman  Wheeler,  of  Great  Barrington,  be 
desired  to  assist  Doct.  Whiting  in  collecting  the  province  arms  which 
are  in  the  county  of  Berkshire. 

Mr.  Sawyer  informed  the  Congress,  that  Gen.  [John]  Whitcomb, 
on  account  of  his  various  avocations,  could  not  acccept  of  the  office 
of  muster  master  to  which  he  had  been  appointed.     Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  now  proceed  to  the  choice  of 
another  person,  by  ballot,  in  his  room;  and  that  Mr.  Sawyer,  Esquire 
Dix  and  Major  Fuller,  be  a  committee  to  sort  and  count  the  votes. 

On  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  that  this  last  resolve  be  reconsider- 
ed, and  that  to-morrow  morning,  eleven  o'clock,  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  a  muster  master,  in  the  room  of  Gen.  [John]  Whitcomb,  who 
declines  that  trust. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Bliss,  Deacon  Whitney  and  Col.  Patterson,  be 
a  committee  to  give  notice  to  such  members  of  this  Congress  as  are 
now  at  Cambridge   and   Roxbury,  and  other  absent  members  whom 


L775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  206 

thej  can  notif] ,  that  a  matter  of  the  greatest  importance  ia  to  be  tak.  d 
into  consideration,  at  three  o'clock,  to-morrow  afternoon,  and  to  dirt 
their  attendance  at  thai  time. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recom- 
mending the  disarming  certain  persons  in  the  colony,  reported  :  vvhn  h 
report  teas  read,  amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.: 

••  Whereas,  their  are  divers  persons  now  in  this  colony,  who  have, 
l>v  their  conduct,  discovered  themselves  to  be  enemies  t>>  the  rights  of 
mankind,  and  the  interest  of  America;  and  whereas, our  verj  peculiar 
situation  renders  it  absolutely  necessary,  nol  onlj  to  discriminate 
them  from  those  who  have  shewn  a  disposition  to  be  friendly  to  their 
country,  hut  'likewise  to  put  it  out  of  their  power  to  join  with  the 
open  and  a\owed  enemies  of  America,  in  their  endeavors  to  injui 
and 1 1  subjugate  then-  countrymen  to  the  full  operations  of  the  tyranni- 
cal Bystem  of  the  British  administration,  and  the  ruin  and  destruction 
concerted  by  the  British  parliament   againsl  the  secolonies :  therefoi 

Resolved,  That  it  he,  and  hereby  is  recommended,  to  the  Beveral 
committees  of  correspondence,  in  the  several  towns  and  districts 
where  such  committees  !  have  been  appointed,  and  to  the  selectmen 
of  such  towns  and  districts  as  have  nol  appointed  them,  to  inquire 
into  the  principles  and  conduct  of  such  suspected  persons,  and  that 
thej  cause  all  such  to  be  disarmed,  who  do  not  give  them  full  and  am- 
ple assurances,  in  which  thej  can  with  Bafetj  confide,  of  their  readi- 
ness to  join  their  countrymen,  on  all  occasions,  in  defence  of  the 
rights  and  liberties  of   America;   and  likewise,  that  thej  take  effectual 

ps  to  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  such  persons  to  obstruct,  by  any 
means  whatever,  the  measures  which  shall  be  taken  for  the  common 
defence  .  and  it  is  also  hereby  recommended,  to  the  good  people  of  this 
colony,  that  thej/  take  effectual  care  to  secure  obedience  to  the  several 
resolves  of  Congress  for  the  regulation  of  the  militia,  and  cause  a  due 
regard  to  be  paid  to  the  orders  of  the  several  militarj  officers,  who 
have  been  elected  by  the  suffrages  of  the  several  companies  and  n 
ments,  agreeably  to  the  resolves  of  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Dock  Taylor  and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a 
committee  to  get   the  resolve  la<t   mentioned  printed,  and  dispersed 

through  the  several  town-  and  districts  ill  litis  colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  subjeel  matter  of  the  letter  from  Gen,  Ward,  now  .-end  a 
written   message,  by  the  messenger  in  waiting,  to  the  general,  inform- 

■  Hulao.il  b  llreiidaj.H 


206  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  8, 

ing  him  that  they  are  considering  the  same,  and  will  make  report  as 
soon  as  possible. 

Ordered,  That  said  committee  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher  be  added  to  said  committee,  in  the  room 
of  Mr.  Bliss,  who  is  going  to  Cambridge  on  other  business  of  the  Con- 
gress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lothrop,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  province  to  save  their  straw. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mosely,  Esquire  Davis,  Col.  Walker,  Deacon 
Hovey,  Mr.  Lewis,  Capt.  McCobb  and  Major  Smith,  be  a  committee 
to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety,  with  respect  to  settling  the  ap- 
pointment of  field  officers,  and  to  sit  forthwith. 

Mr.  Gerry,  by  leave  of  Congress,  brought  in  a  resolve,  empowering 
the  committee  of  supplies  to  furnish  commissaries  ||with  necessaries|| 
for  the  army,  &c,  which  was  recommitted. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  Gen.  Ward, 
reported  an  answer  thereto,  which  was  amended  and  accepted,  and  is 
as  follows : 

Sir  : — This  Congress  received  your  letter  of  this  day,  and  the  com- 
plaint enclosed,  informing  that  several  persons,  falsely  pretending  to 
have  your  order  to  search  for  fire-arms,  have  committed  robbery  on 
private  property  ;  we  have  taken  the  matter  ||ainto||  consideration,  and 
are  of  opinion  that  such  criminals  ought  to  meet  with  condign  punish- 
ment. The  persons  suspected  to  be  the  offenders  are  one  Saunders, 
Samuel  Mallows,  Jacob  Whittemore,  Edward  Bugby  and  Ebenezer 
Smith,  all  of  Roxbury,  with  two  other  persons  unknown.  Therefore, 
Sir,  you  are  directed  to  apprehend  the  abovesaid  persons,  by  a  number 
of  men  under  your  command,  and  cause  them  to  be  carried  before  the 
committee  of  safety,  who  are  hereby  empowered  and  directed  to  exam- 
ine them  touching  their  offence,  and  search  for,  and,  if  possible,  to 
find  the  goods,  and  direct  that  they  are  immediately  replaced  from 
whence  they  were  taken.  And  if,  on  examination,  the  said  persons 
are  found  guilty  of  the  said  robbery,  the  committee  of  safety  are  here- 
by directed  to  imprison  them  till  the  further  order  of  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  just  now  appointed  to  confer  with  the 
committee  of  safety,  respecting  the  appointment  of  field  officers,  be  in- 
structed to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  army  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury, and  if  they  find  the  numbers  ||thereof||  reduced,  as  is  reported  to 

a  ||seriounly  into.|| 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

this  Congress,  thai  they  advise  the  committee  of  safetj  t<>  send  oat 
immediately  for  reenforcements. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  consideration  of  the  expediency  of  assuming 
government,  which  was  to  have  been  entered  upon  to-morrow  after- 
noon, be  postponed  to  Fridaj  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  .M.,  and  that 
the  committee  who  were  just  now  appointed  to  confer  with  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  be  directed  to  Lri\«'  notice  hert  of  to  the  Beveral  mem- 
bers of  tins  Congress  who  are  now  at  < ' .- 1 1 1 1 1  >  r  i  <  1  lt  •  •  and  Roxbury, 
Then    adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

I -i  i  sdat,]  Maj  '.'.  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed, 
to  give  public  notice  of  the  resolve,  latelj  passed  bj  this  Congress,  for 
borrowing  monej  on  the  credit  of  the  colony,  and  assign  certain  time 
and  place  when  he  will  attend  thai  business. 

The  <  -ranied  permission  to  Col.  Trumbull,  to  have  a  copy 

of  the  resolve  of  this  Congress,  relative  to  the  ["inhabitants]  moving  out 
of  Boston. 

Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general,  requested  that  this  Congress 
would  excuse  him  from  serving  anv  longer  in  that  office;  the  consid- 
eration  thereof  was  ordered  to  subside  for  the  present. 

.Mr.  Gerry  broughl  in  again  a  resolve  respecting  the  supply  of  the 
soldiers,  which  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  it  hath  frequently  happened,  thai  sutlers,  whilst  permitted 

to  supply  soldi.r-   in   the  service  of  this   colony,   have  vended   their 

Is  ai  extravagant   rate-,  and  thereby,  in  a  great  measure,  deprived 

the  families  of  such  soldiers  of  the  benefil  of  their  wages;  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  hereby  are 
directed  and  empowered,  to  purchase  and  supply  the  commissary,  for 
the  time  being,  with  such  !_r'><>ds,  wan-  and  merchandize  as  they  shall, 
at  any  time,  judtfe  necessan  for  supplying  the  colony  forces,  and  to 
draw  on  the  public  treasury  therefor.  And  the  commissary  aforesaid, 
as  also  his  deputies,  who  shall  be  accountable  to  him,  are  hereb]  di- 
rected and  empowered  to  supply,  at  the  firsl  cost,  the  soldiers  who 
shall  belong  to  the  regiments  in  which  they  shall  be  stationed,  with 
such  article-  as  their  respective  captains  shall,  at  an]  time,  order ;  and 

to  keep  and  render  to  the  captain-  aforesaid,  true  and  exact  accounts 
thereof,  any  time  before  the  making  up  of  the  inu-ter  rolls.  And  the 
.-aid  captains  are  hereby  directed    to    give   orders  for  such  articles  only 

as  the]  judge    requisite  and||  necessary  for  their  respective  soldiers, 


208  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  9, 

not  exceeding  one  half  of  the  wages  that  shall,  at  any  time,  be  due  to 
them,  and  to  cause  the  same  to  be  deducted  from  their  wages,  on 
making  up  the  muster  rolls. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Church,  the  president,  Col.  Dexter,  Col.  War- 
ren and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  spirited  application  to 
general  Gage,  respecting  his  treatment  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston. 

Ordered,  That  the  same  gentlemen  be  a  committee,  to  consider 
what  provision  shall  be  made  for  furnishing  such  enlisted  soldiers,  as 
are  unprovided  with  fire  arms,  with  such  effective  fire  arms  as  are  ne- 
cessary for  them  to  carry  into  the  field. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett,  Doct.  Holten  and  Col.  Danielson,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  printed  false  account  of  the 
late  excursion  of  the  king's  troops  to  Concord. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Farley,  Doct.  Molten  and  Col.  Danielson,  be  a 
committee  to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  muster  master. 

The  committee  appointed  to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  muster 
master,  in  the  room  of  Col.  John  Whitcomb,  who  declined  accepting 
that  trust,  reported,  that  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb  was  chosen. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  restraining  the  people  of  this 
colony  from  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  with  provisions.  Af- 
ter debate,  the  question  was  put,  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon  J 

On  a  motion  made,  that  the  resolve  passed  yesterday,  assigning  Fri- 
day next,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  for  the  consideration  of  the  expediency 
of  assuming  government,  [be  reconsidered,]  and  that  an  earlier  day  be 
assigned  for  that  purpose.  The  question  was  put,  and  it  passed  in  the 
negative. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering  be  added  to  the  committee  appointed 
to  take  into  consideration  an  equal  representation  of  this  colony,  in 
the  room  of  Mr.  Rawson,  absent. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sawyer,  Col.  Foster  and  Mr.  Dix,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  establishing  post  offi- 
ces and  riders  in  this  colony. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  a  remonstrance  to 
general  Gage,  reported.  The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table 
till  the  further  orders  of  this  Congress. 

The  same  committee,  agreeably  to  their  appointment,  reported  a  re- 
solve, relative  to  furnishing   those  enlisted  soldiers  with  fire  arms  who 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINt  I  M.  CONGRESS 

an-  unequipt  therewith;  which,  after  debate,  was  ordered  to  be  reeoob 

nutted. 

Ordered, That  Capt  Stone  of  Framingham,||  be  added  t«.  the  com- 
mittee  who  were  appointed  to  ooneidei  of  Borne  measures  to  be  taken 
with  respect  to  the  count]  records,  in  the  room  <>r  .Mr.  Brown,  ofAb- 
ington,  now  absent 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediencj  of  establishing 
posl  offices  ami  riders,  in  this  colony,  reported:  whereupon,  %Order* 
ill.  thai  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  to-morrow 
morning,  ten  o'clock. 

The  committee  appointed  to  oonsider  the  false  account  of  the  late 
excursion  of  the  king's  troop-,  reported;  winch  report  being  read, 
amended  and  completed,  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  i 

Whereas,  a  printed  paper,  Baid  to  be  a  circumstantial  account  of  an 
attack,  winch  happened  on  the  l'.Hh  of  April,  177.">,  on  ln>  majesty's 
troops,  by  a  number  of  the  people  of  the  province  of  the  M  a ss  ichu- 
setts  Bay,  has  been  read  in  this  Conine.—  ,  which  contain-,  among 
man]  falsehoods,  the  following  paragraph,  viz. : 

"When  Capt.  Parsons  returned  with  the  three  companies  over  the 
bridge,  at  Concord,  they  observed  three  soldiers  on  the  ground,  one  of 
them  scalped,  his  head  much  mangled,  and  his  ears  cut  off,  though  not 
quite  dead." 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Barrett  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to  make 
strict  impiirv  of  the  persons  who  saw  the  three  soldiers  aforemention- 
ed lying  at  the  said  bridge,  and  also  of  those  who  buried  them,  and 
take  their  depositions,  that  so  the  truth  or  falsity  of  the  aforesaid  as- 
m  i  Hon  may  be  ascertained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  some  method  for  furnishing 
those  soldiers  with  lire  arm-,  who  are  not  therewith  equipt,  again  re- 
ported :   the  report  was  read  ||and  accepted, ||  and  is  as  follows,  \i/ 

Whereas,  a  few  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  who  are  enlisted 
into  its  service,  are  destitute  of  tire  arms,  bayonets,  and  other  accou- 
trements : 

Resolved,  That  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 

tin-  colony  be,  and    hereby  are,    directed    and    empowered   to    examine 

into  the  state  of  the  equipment  of  such  inhabitants  of  their  respective 
towns  and  districts  a-  are,  «»r  mav  be,  enlisted  into  the  service  ol  tins 
colony,  and  w  here  any  are  dencieni  in  arms  or  accoutrements,  as  afore- 
said, it  is  recommended  to  the  selectmen  to  supply  them  out  of  the 
town  >toek,  and  in  case  of  a  deficiency   there,  to  apply  to  such  inhahi- 

B  ||rcsolvcd.|| 

27 


210  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  10, 

tants  of  their  respective  towns  and  districts  as,  in  their  opinions,  can 
best  spare  their  arms  or  accoutrements,  and  to  borrow  or  purchase  the 
same  for  the  use  of  said  inhabitants  so  enlisted :  and  the  selectmen 
are  also  directed  to  take  a  bill  from  such  persons  as  shall  sell  their 
arms  and  accoutrements,  in  the  name  of  this  colony,  and  receipts  from 
the  soldiers  to  whom  they  shall  cause  them  to  be  delivered,  and  render 
the  same  to  the  committee  of  supplies  for  this  colon/:  and  each  sol- 
dier, so  supplied,  shall  pay  for  the  use  of  such  arms  and  accoutrements, 
out  of  his  wages,  the  sum  of  six  shillings :  and  if  he  does  not  return 
the  said  arms  and  accoutrements,  there  shall  be  deducted  from  his 
wages,  at  the  time  of  making  up  the  muster  roll,  the  full  value  of  said 
arms  and  accoutrements,  as  appraised  by  the  selectmen,  at  the  time  of 
borrowing  or  purchasing  the  same ;  and  it  is  strongly  recommended  to 
such  inhabitants  of  the  colony  as  the  selectmen,  as  aforesaid,  shall  ap- 
ply to  for  arms  or  accoutrements,  that  they  supply  the  colony  with  the 
same.  And,  as  many  arms  in  this  colony  which  are  now  useless  may, 
by  small  repairs,  be  rendered  fit  for  service,  Resolved,  that  a  sufficient 
number  of  armourers,  not  exceeding  twenty,  be  appointed  by  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  to  mend  and  repair  such  arms  as  shall  be  brought  to 
them  by  the  soldiers  enlisted  into  the  Massachusetts  army. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Webster,  Major  Fuller  and  Mr.  Batchelder,  be 
a  committee  to  get  this  resolve  published  and  dispersed. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  May  10, 1775,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  upon  the  general  state  of  the  army,  be  directed  particu- 
larly to  confer  with  them  on  the  propriety  of  removing  the  whole  or 
part  of  the  cannon  and  stores,  now  at  Cambridge,  further  back  into 
the  country. 

Resolved,  That  the  general  officers  be,  and  are  hereby  directed, 
forthwith  to  call  in  all  the  soldiers  who  are  already  enlisted  in  the  ser- 
vice of  this  colony,  and  that  they  give  immediate  orders  to  all  the  en- 
listed soldiers,  and  all  others  now  in  the  camp  at  Cambridge  and  Rox- 
bury,  that  they  do  not  depart  till  the  further  orders  of  this  Congress. 

A  petition  from  the  committees  of  correspondence,  and  the  commit- 
tees of  inspection,  for  the  town  of  Pownalborough,  was  preferred  by 
Joseph  Tinkhani  : 

Ordered,  That  this  petition  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  That  the  resolve  passed  by  this  Congress  the  23d  ulti- 
mo, recommending  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  in  this  colo- 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  211 

ay,  to  furnish  each   aon   commissioned   officer   and     'soldier|    with  a 

blanket,  be  fairly  copied  by  tli<-  secretary,  and  printed    in   a   h 
and  sent  i<>  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  th< 
<>n\ . 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  from  Pownalborough,  just  now  read,  be 
delivered  to  .Mr.  Joseph  Tinkham,  agreeable  to  his  request 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lothrop,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Doct.  Molten,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  proceedings  of  the  town  of 
Bristol,  presented  to  this  Congress  l>\  Mr.  Thomas  Bracket,  in  behalf 
of  said  town 

The  committee  appointed  to  brim:  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to 
the  inhabitants  of  this  culoin  to  save  theii  atraw,  reported;  which  re- 
port was  read  and  accepted,  ami  ordered  to  be  copied,  and  sent  to  the 
printer  of  the  Cambridge  newspaper,  and  t<>  the  printer  of  the  Wor- 
cester newspaper,  for  publication      ||bIt|l  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  it  will  be  indispensably  necessary  that  large  quantities  of 
straw  be  provided  for  the  use  of  the  army  now  forming  for  the  defence 
and  protection  of  this  colony ; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  strongly  recommended  to  all 
such  inhabitants  of  this  colony  as  have,  or  may  have,  of  that  article 
by  them,  that,  as  they  regard  the  lives  and  health  of  their  brethren, 
who  engage  in  the  service  abovesaid,  they  take  immediate  care  the 
same  be  preserved  for  the  purpose  above  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  ('apt.  foster,  Mr.  Lothrop  and  Mr.  Pickering,  be  a 
committee  to  transcribe  the  depositions  taken  l>\  a  committee  of  this 
Congress,  of  the  proceedings  of  the  troop-,  under  command  of  gene- 
ral (iaLre,  the  I'.Mh  ultimo,  and  that  they  transmit  them  to  Mr.  Hall,  at 
Cambridge,  to  be  published  in  a  pamphlet,  and  that  said  committee 
agree  with  him  for  the  expense  of  publication. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett  attend  the  business  to  which  be  was  yes- 
day  appointed,  of  inquiring  into  the  truth  or  falsity  of  a  paragraph, 
taken  from  a  printed  account  of  the  action  of  the  king's  troops,  on 
the  19th  instant. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  measures  for  securing 
the  county  records,  reported  ;  the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  for  each  county,  on  the 
L2th  of  April  last,  be  instructed  to  take  proper  measures  tor  securing 
the  records  of  their  several  counties  where  they  are  exposed. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for. 

a     prirat*  tuldmr.  .     .ud  ' 


212  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  10, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  on  the  expediency  of  estab- 
lishing post  offices,  &c,  reported  ;  the  report  was  recommitted,  for 
the  purpose  of  settling  the  rates  of  postage,  and  taking  into  conside- 
ration some  method  of  establishing  post  offices.  Mr.  Hall,  of  Med- 
ford,  and  Mr.  Cross,  were  added  to  the  committee  ;  also  Mr.  Batchel- 
der,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Dix. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  for  accepting  the  establishment  for  the 
train,  which  passed  this  Congress  the  6th  instant,  be  reconsidered,  and 
that  Col.  Mandell,  Capt.  Baker,  Doct.  Taylor,  Major  Perley  and  Col. 
Coffin,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  of  es- 
tablishing a  regiment  of  the  train,  and  that  they  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Gerry  and  Col.  Foster,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety, 
recommending  to  this  Congress  to  establish  a  court  of  inquiry. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Richard  Gridley  be,  and  hereby  is  directed, 
forthwith  to  recommend  to  the  committee  of  safety,  for  officers  of  the 
train  of  artillery,  such  persons  as  he  thinks  are  qualified  for  that  ap- 
pointment. 

On  a  complaint  of  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Worcester,  against 
Samuel  Paine  and  William  Campbell,  prisoners  from  that  town,  Or- 
dered, that  said  prisoners  be  committed  to  the  care  of  Capt.  Brown,  or 
such  persons  as  he  shall  appoint,  to  be  kept  in  custody  till  the  further 
orders  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  transcribe  the  deposi- 
tions of  the  late  proceedings  of  the  king's  troops,  be  directed  to  pre- 
pare a  narrative  thereof,  as  an  introduction  to  the  said  depositions, 
which  are  ordered  to  be  printed. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon.] 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Col.  Warren,  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Dix  and 
Doct.  Perkins,  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  complaint  made  by 
the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Worcester,  against  Samuel  Paine  and 
William  Campbell,  and  report  to  this  Congress. 

The  consideration  of  the  remonstrance  to  general  Gage  was  re- 
sumed  :  and  [the  same  was]  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  authenticated, 
and  sent  forward.     It  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

To  His  Excellency  Gen.  Gage: 

Sir  : — This  Congress  have  received  frequent  intelligence,  that  their 
brethren,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston,  have  to  contend,  in 
their  removal  therefrom,  with  numerous  delays  and  embarrassments, 


1775.]  SBOOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  ji;{ 

contrary  to  the  stipulation  proposed  and  agreed  to  between  row  excel* 
lenc]  arid  the  selectmen  of  thai  town, 

We  think  it  our  dutj  i"  remonstrate  to  your  excellency,  that,  from 
the  papers  communicated  to  as  bj  the  said  selectmen,  it  appeared,  that 
the  inhabitants  were  promised,  upon  surrendering  their  arm-,  thai  they 
Bhould  be  permitted  to  leave  the  town,  and  carry  with  them  their 

effects.     The  condition  was  a idiately  complied  with,  on  the  pan  of 

the  people;  since  which,  though  a  number  of  days  have  elapsed,  but  a 
very  small  proportion  of  the  inhabitants  have  been  allowed  to  take  the 
benefit  of  your  covenant. 

We  would  not  affronl  your  excellencj  bj  the  most  distant  insinua- 
tion, that  you  intended  to  deceive  and  disarm  the  people,  1>\  a  cruel 
act  of  perfidy.  A  regard  to  your  own  character,  as  well  as  the  fatal 
consequences  which  will  necessarily  result  from  the  violation  of  \<>ur 
sdrum  treaties,  must  ||*suggesl  sufficient  re:ison>,  to  deter  a  gentle- 
man of  your  rank  and  station  from  so  injurious  a  design.  But  your 
excellency  must  be  sensible,  that  a  delay  of  justice  is  a  denial  of  it, 
and  extremely  oppressive  to  the  people  now  held  in  duress. 

This  Congress,  though  not  the  original  party  in  the  treaty,  have 
taken  every  step  in  their  power  to  facilitate  the  measure,  and,  in  the 
whole  of  their  conduct,  have  endeavored  to  evidence  a  disposition  to 
act  upon  the  principles  of  humanity  and  good  faith,  and  -till  indulge 
hopes,  that  the  confidence  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  jrour  excel- 
lency's honor  and  faithfulness,  is  not  misplaced;  and  that,  notwith- 
standing any  disagreeable  occurrence-,  nattrrallj  resulting  from  the 
confused  state  of  the  colony,  which  this  Congress  have  discounte- 
nanced, ami  endeavored  to  rectify,  your  excellency  will  no  longer  suf- 
fer \oiir  treats   with  a  distressed    people,  who  ought  by   no  mean-  to  be 

a&ected  thereby,  to  be  further  violated. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  expedienc] 
of  establishing  ||a  regiment||  of  the  tram,  reported. 

Part  of  the  establishment  reported  was  accepted  ;  the  consideration 
of  the  residue  was  referred  to  a  future  time. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  which  this  Congress  passed  at  Concord, 
the  13th  ultimo,  direct itiir  the  committee  of  safety  to  engage  a  suitable 
number  of  persons,  tor  forming  >i\  companies  of  the  train,  be  BO  far 
reconsidered,  as  that  it  be,  and  hereby  is  Resolved,  that  the  committee 
of  safety  be  directed  to  engage  a  suitable  number  of  persons,  and  form 
ten  companies  of  the  tram,  for  the  artillery  already  provided  by  this 

»  l|b«.|| 


•214  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  10, 

colony,  to  enter  immediately  on  constant  discipline,  and  be  in  readi- 
ness to  enter  the  service  of  the  colony  ;  and  that  said  committee  be, 
and  they  are  hereby  empowered,  to  draw  on  the  public  treasury,  for 
said  companies,  a  suitable  consideration  for  their  services. 

The  petition  of  Timothy  Langdon1  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on 
the  table  till  some  of  the  eastern  members  should  be  present. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  directed,  pursuant  to  a  request  of 
the  committee  of  safety,  to  furnish  them  with  copies  of  all  such  re- 
solves as  have  passed  the  Congress  in  any  ways  relative  to  the  duty  en- 
joined them. 

The  secretary  pro  tempore  represented  to  the  Congress,  that  the 
multiplicity  of  the  business  of  his  office  was  such,  as  made  it  necessa- 
ry that  he  should  have  some  assistance;  whereupon,  Ordered,  that 
Capt.  Stone,  of  Oakham,  assist  him  in  that  service. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  army,  and 
to  settle  the  appointment  of  the  field  officers,  reported  a  letter  from 
head  quarters. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inqu're  into  the  complaint  of  the  se- 
lectmen of  the  town  of  Worcester,  against  Samuel  Paine  and  William 
Campbell,  reported ;  which  report  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 
transcribed,  and  delivered  to  Capt.  Jonas  Hubbard  and  Mr.  Edward 
Crafts,  who  exhibited  the  above  complaint,  together  with  a  printed  re- 
solve of  Congress,  lately  passed,  for  disarming  the  disaffected  inhabit- 
ants of  the  colony.     The  report  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  hear  the  complaints,  exhibited  by  the 
selectmen  of  Worcester,  against  William  Campbell  and  Samuel  Paine, 
have  attended  that  service,  heard  the  parties,  and  beg  leave  to  report, 
that  we  find  the  charges  against  them  proved  by  depositions,  and  con- 
ceded by  them  ;  and  that  William  Campbell  has  been  guilty  of  leaving 
the  town  of  Worcester  without  a  permit  from  the  selectmen,  contrary 
to  his  own  enslavements  :  and  that  the  said  Samuel  Paine  has,  in  one 
instance,  propagated  reports  with  regard  to  our  Massachusetts  soldiers' 
riflincr  the  house  of  Mr.  Bradish,  instead  of  the  regular  troops,  and 
that  those  which  were  quartered  in  the  colleges  were  lousy,  and  desert- 

(1)  This  petition  represented,  that  the  committee  of  safety,  formed  from  ten  towns  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Lincoln,  after  consultation,  came  to  the  determination,  that  the  king's  masts,  in  the  dock  yard 
at  Georgetown,  should  not  ho  removed  or  fitted  for  use,  and  received  assurances  from  Edward  Par- 
ry, Esq.,  who  had  procured  the  timher,  that  it  should  remain  :  that  when  the  result  of  the  delibe- 
rations of  the  committee  were  known,  Col.  Samuel  Thompson  of  Brunswick,  with  twenty  armed 
men, seized  .Mr.  Parry,  and  compelled  him  to  give  honds,  with  the  penalty  of  £-3000,  to  abide  in  the 
town  until  the  pleasure  of  Congress  could  be  known,  and  exacted  money  for  the  refreshment  of  the 
captors  :  and  prayed  that  the  bondi  might  be  cancelled,  and  Mr.  Parry  discharged  from  false  impris- 
onment 


1775.]  SF.COND  PRO  VINCI \\.  CONGRESS  21  i 

ed  in  ^rr»':it  numbers;  which,  however  indiscreet,  <\^»--  not  appear  u,  us  n> 
be  done  with  any  bad  design,  and  that  be  ought  to  I"-  dismissed  imme- 
diately; and  that  the  said  Campbell  maj  I"-  returned  to  the  town  of 
Worcester,  t'>  l>e  dealt  with,  by  the  committee  of  correspondence  of 
that  town,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  this  Congress,  passed  the  Sth  in- 
-t .nit.  Tlic  matter,  however,  we  think  not  important  enough  to  be 
brought  before  tln<  Congress. 

Tlif  consideration  <>f  the  petition  of  Timothy  Langdon  was  again 
resumed,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.  McCobb,  Mr.  Lewis  and    Doct.    Perkins,  b< 
committee  to  take  under  consideration  the  Beveral   applications  made 
to  tin-  Congress,  from  the  eastern  part-  of  the  province,  for  arms  and 
ammunition. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Thursday,  May  11,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  petition  of  James  Cargill,  of  Newcastle,  committed  to  the  com- 
mittee who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  [[several ||  applications  to 
this  <  longress  for  ammunition,  &x. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  several  ap- 
plications to  this  Congress  for  a  supply  of  ammunition,  vS.  c,  reported  : 
the  report  was  recommitted,  and  the  committee  directed  to  inspect  the 
list  of  returns  of  the  town-  stock  of  powder,  &.c,  that  it  maybe 
known  whether  this  Congress  can,  with  prudence,  recommend  to  any 
town  which  mav  he  stocked  therewith,  to  supply  those  towns  winch  are 

destitute. 

Adjourned  to  twelve  o'clock  this  dai 

[Noon] 

The  Congress  mel   at  twelve  o'clock,  ||"according||  to  adjournment. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  several  application-  made 
to  tin-  ( longress  for  ammunition,  and  to  inspect  the  list  of  returns,  &c, 
reported.     The  report   was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  the  towns  of  Falmouth  and  Arundel,  and  the  district  of 
Cape  Elizabeth,  being  >ea  port  places,  and  much  exposed  to  the  rage 
of  our  enemies,  and  not  having  a  snilicieiit  tpiantit)  of  gunpowder  to 
defend  themselves  in  case  of  anj  long  attack  ;  and  the  town  ol  Ando- 
ver  being  well  stocked  with  gunpowder,  and  not  so  much  exposed  ; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  selectmen  ol 
the  town  of  Andover,  that  the\  delivei  to  Mr.  Joseph  McLellan,  of  Fal- 
mouth, two  half  barrels  of  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of  the  town  ol  I 

a  l|Ugruf:il>l)'.l| 


216  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  11, 

mouth,  in  the  county  of  Cumberland  ;  also  to  deliver  to  Mr.  Zebulon 
Trickey,  of  Cape  Elizabeth,  one  half  barrel  of  gunpowder,  for  the 
use  of  Cape  Elizabeth  :  also  to  deliver  to  Mr.  John  Hovey,  of  Arundel, 
two  half  barrels  of  gunpowder,  for  the  use  of  said  Arundel,  they  pay- 
ing them  for  said  powder,  which  shall  be  replaced,  if  needed,  as  soon 
as  the  colony  magazine  can  be  supplied. 

Whereas,  the  towns  of  Brunswick,  Pownalborough,  Bristol  and 
Newcastle,  being  sea  port  places,  in  the  eastern  parts  of  this  colony, 
and  much  exposed  to  the  rage  and  incursions  of  our  unnatural  ene- 
mies, and  not  having  a  sufficient  quantity  of  gunpowder  to  defend 
themselves,  in  case  of  any  attack  ;  and  the  towns  of  Marlborough, 
Sudbury  and  Framingham,  being  well  stocked  with  gunpowder,  and 
not  so  much  exposed; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  selectmen 
of  the  above  mentioned  several  towns,  that  they  deliver  as  follows,  viz. : 
the  selectmen  of  Sudbury,  one  half  barrel  of  gunpowder,  to  Nathaniel 
Larrabee,  for  the  use  of  Brunswick  :  the  selectmen  of  Marlborough, 
two  half  barrels  of  gunpowder,  one  to  Joseph  Tinkham,  for  the  use  of 
Pownalborough,  the  other  to  Lieut.  John  Farley,  for  the  use  of  New- 
castle :  the  selectmen  of  Framingham,  one  half  barrel  of  gunpowder, 
to  Thomas  Bracket,  for  the  use  of  Bristol :  they  paying  them  for  said 
powder,  which  shall  be  replaced,  if  needed,  as  soon  as  the  colony  mag- 
azine can  be  supplied. 

Ordered,  That  each  person  now  in  waiting,  who  has  made  applica- 
tion to  this  Congress  for  powder,  be  served  with  a  copy  thereof. 

Information  beino-  made  to  this  Congress,  that  two  men  of  war,  with 
troops,  had  sailed  from  Boston  to  New  York,  with  a  design,  as  is  sup- 
posed, of  frustrating  a  design  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  colony  and 
Connecticut,  to  secure  the  arms  and  ammunition  now  in  the  fort  at 
New  York  ; 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Warren  and  Col.  Lincoln,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  New 
York,  informing  them  of  the  sailing  of  said  men  of  war,  and  inserting 
such  articles  therein  as  will  put  the  people  upon  their  guard  against 
any  attempt  that  may  be  made  against  them  by  said  ships. 

Ordered,  That  this  committee  prepare  said  letter,  and  forward  it 
forthwith,  without  waiting  to  report  to  this  Congress,  said  committee 
laying  before  this  Congress,  as  soon  as  may  be,  a  copy  of  said  letter.1 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M. 

(1)  The  following   letter  was  Rent  to  the  committee  of  inspection  of  New  York,  subscribed  by 
Elbridge  Gurry.  James  Warren  and  Benjamin  Lincoln: 
••  GENTLEMEN  :— We  are  directed  by  the  Congress  of  this  colony,  who  are  juet  informed  that 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  ji; 

|  Utarnoon  ] 
Met  at  four  o'clock,  according  to  adjournment 

Adjourned  to  eighl  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

FlUDAT,  Ma\    1_\   177.-,,    \.   M. 

Moved,  Thai  a  committee  be  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency 
of  recommending  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  in  the  colony, 

to  furnish    such    as    1 1 1 a \   enlist    in   their  respective  towns,  with  i 

ries  for   then-  march  to  head  quarters.     The  question  was  put,  and  it 

passed  in  the  oegath  e. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Col.  Warren  and  .Mr.  Sullivan,  be  a 
committee,  to  take  into  consideration  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the 
Hon.   Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  of  Falmouth,  to  Samuel  Freeman.1 

two  mi  1      ,  and  one  other  ship,  with  three  or  font  compa s  of  troops  on  board, 

sailed  yesterda]  from  Boston  for  your  ptaci  rliest  notioe  th  n  of.     h 

that  tiny  have  orders  i"  secure  the  ammunition  and  military  stores  in  the  fori  of  \.mr  city.     5 

mo ns  in  the  common  cause,  have  given  the  Congress  reason  to  think,  that  timet) 
■nation,  rotative  to  this  matter,  would  be  important  to  yon.    The  post   i-  bow  m  ating,  which  pre- 
vents  ns  from  indulging  an  inclination  fur  enlarging. 

Wi  are,  i  spectfully,  gentlemen,  yours,  ! 

(I)  The  extracts  which  follow  are  from  a  letter  of  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  dated  Falmouth,  Maj 
f>,  1775,  probably  rel  tting  to  the  subjei  t-  presented  for  th.'  consideration  of  <  longi 

■■  We  have  lately  heard  that  th.-  Penobscot  indiana  are  highly  exasperated  ■•  I      it. G 
for  Buffering  the  tendei  to  dismantle  the  fort  there,  and  carrying  off  the  powder:  and  truck  ti 
stopped,  as  we  are  informed  ;  and  that  there  were  a  number  of  men  round  about  there,  going  t.i  take 
Goldthwaite,  for  delivering  up  the  tort,  into  tlmir  custody,  but  what  thi  to  do  with  him  I 

dont  hear.  Perhaps  it  would  !>.■  prudent  lor  the  Congri  --  to  send  down  thore,  and  secure  the  Indi- 
an- in  our  interest,  by  keeping  the  truck  trade  open,  supplying  them  powder,  or  onj  other  method 
in  th.-ir  wisdom,  upon  mature  consideration  they  may  think  best.     A  hint  on  this  hi  ugh." 

"The  selectmen  of  this  town  have  this  moment  agreed  with  on..  Jabez  Matthews  am! 
Dinsmore,  of  Nevt  Gloucester,  to  go  over  to  Quebec,  to  maki    discover)  whether  anj  Canadians 

an'  in  motion  to  com ut  b  ick  settlements,  or  to  excite  tin'  indians  to  do  it  ;  ami  I  have  wrote 

to  Mr.  Remington  Holby,  ol   \  orough,  to  procure  on.-  or  two  to  go  with  them,  as  ha 

ami  the]  an-  charged  to  be  cautious  not  to  let  tin-  Canadians  have  reason  bo  much  as  to  i 
their  business,  and  they  will  depend  on  your  endeavoring  to  gel  the  Congr —  to  order  them  adequate 
satisfaction  out  of  tin'  public  fund.     If  tin  \  discover  an)  evil  designs,  » e  shall  la-  glad  to  know  it, 
that  we  may  prepare  according))  for  our  defence,     rf  the)  find  there   is  no  •'<  in-,  it  will 

itiefaction  ;  item  country." 

■    I    ..iiia  writ.-  a  g I  deal  in  favor  .a'  Bending  such  an  embassy,  hut  as  my  time  is  almost  wholly 

token  up  on  public  matters,  I  have  Intl.'  in...   to  spare." 

ences,  in  tin-  journal,  to  original  papers,  too  often  lead  to  the  repetition  of  the  Sam 

tale  of  loss  and  destruction.    The  letter  of  the  lion.   I'. sh   Freeman ntioned  on 

undoubtedly  related  to  a  transaction  full)  detailed  in  th.'  following  communication  from  G 
i  io  thr  president  of  th.-  Proi  incial  I 

I     \l.\|"[     I'll.    M  L)     14,   J 

" HONORED  SEE. :— The  committee  of  correspondence  in  tins  town,  beg  leavi  to  inform  yon, 

tim.'  past,  ■■■■  d  advices  from  Georgetown,  that  Col.  TI pson  was  fittii 

sets  there,  with  dooign  to  attempt   the  taking  th.-  king's  ship  Canceaux,  stationed  in  t 

commanded  b)  Capt.  Mowat,  a  gentleman,  whose  conduct  sinoe  be  has  I n  hen 

ground  ion  ho  hod  any  design  to  distress  or  injure  us ;  but,  on  tl thoi  band,  he  has  of- 

28 


218  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  12, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Col.  Warren  and  Mr.  Sullivan,  above 
mentioned,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency 
of  taking  measures  for  raising  a  company  or  two  of  indians. 

Resolved,  That  to-morrow  morning,  at  ten  o'clock,  be,  and  is  now 
assigned,  for  the  purpose  of  choosing  some  person  to  preach  a  sermon 
to  the  Congress,  on  the  31st  May  instant. 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  who  have  the  care  of  any  prisoners  de- 
tained at  Concord,  Lexington,  or  elsewhere,  be,  and  hereby  are  direct- 
ed, to  give  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  free  access  to  them,  whenever  he  shall 
desire  it ;  and  it  is  recommended  to  all  civil  magistrates,  and  others,  to 
be  aiding  and  assisting  him  in  examining,  and  taking  depositions  of 
them,  and  others,  without  exception. 

Ordered,  That  the  establishment  for  a  train  of  artillery  be  recom- 
mitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan  be  added  to  the  committee  appointed  for 
revising  the  [commissions  of  the]  committee  of  safety  and  committee 
of  supplies,  in  the  room  of  Doct.  Holten,  absent. 

forded  his  assistance  to  sundry  vessels  in  distress.  As  we  thought  such  an  attempt  had  the  appear- 
ance of  laying  a  foundation  for  the  destruction  of  this  town,  the  committee  of  correspondence  met, 
and  wrote  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Georgetown,  desiring  they  would  prevent  their- 
coming  ;  we  also  wrote  to  Col.  Thompson,  desiring  him  to  desist  from  such  an  attempt,  as  it  would 
throw  this  town  into  the  greatest  confusion  imaginable;  we  sent  an  express,  and  received  his  an- 
swer that  he  had  dropped  the  design  of  coming.  But,  on  Monday  night,  [May  10,]  he  landed  upwards 
of  sixty  men,  on  the  back  side  of  a  neck  of  land  joining  to  the  town,  who  came  there  in  a  number 
of  boats,  and  lay  undiscovered  till  about  the  middle  of  the  next  day  ;  at  which  time,  Capt.  Mowat, 
the  doctor  of  the  ship  and  parson  Wiswall,  were  taking  a  walk  on  said  neck,  when  a  detachment  of 
Col.  Thompson's  party  rushed  from  their  concealment,  surrounded  the  gentlemen,  and  made  them 
prisoners,  and  conducted  them  to  the  colonel,  who  was  with  the  main  body,  on  the  back  side  of  the 
neck.  Capt.  Hog,  who  now  commanded  the  ship,  immediately  clapped  springs  on  his  cables,  she 
lying  within  musket  shot  of  the  town,  and  swore  if  the  gentlemen  were  not  released  by  six 
o'clock,  he  would  fire  on  the  town.  He  fired  two  cannon,  and,  although  there  was  no  shot  in  them, 
it  frightened  the  women  and  children  to  such  a  degree,  that  some  crawled  under  wharves,  some  ran 
down  cellar  and  some  out  of  town.  Such  a  shocking  scene  was  never  before  presented  to  view 
here.  The  gentlemen  who  were  in  custody,  were  conducted  to  a  public  house,  where  Capt.  Mow- 
at declared,  if  he  was  not  released,  it  would  be  the  destruction  of  the  town.  Every  gentleman  pres- 
ent used  his  utmost  endeavors  to  accommodate  the  matter.  Col.  Thompson  consented  that  a  com- 
mittee should  be  chosen,  consisting  of  officers  from  his  party  and  gentlemen  from  the  town,  to  con- 
sult in  what  manner  the  affair  could  be  accommodated  ;  but,  as  it  was  late,  the  committee  chose 
to  defer  the  consideration  of  it  till  next  morning.  Capt.  Mowat  then  requested  he  might  go  on 
board  his  ship  that  night,  and  he  would  pawn  his  word  and  honor  that  he  would  return  next  morn- 
ing, at  what  time  and  at  what  place  should  be  appointed.  Col.  Thompson  consented,  provided  Col. 
Freeman  and  Brigadier  Preble  would  pass  I  heir  words  that  the  several  gentlemen  should  return  ac- 
cording to  their  promises,  and  also  pawn  their  word  and  honor,  if  the  gentlemen  failed  of  coming, 
that  they  would  deliver  themselves  up,  nnd  stand  by  the  consequences,  which  was  consented  to. 
Capt.  Mowat  not  coining  according  to  his  promise,  which  wa9  to  have  been  at  nine  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  the  sponsors  appea red  according  to  promise,  and  were  confined.  Capt.  Mowat  wrote  to 
them,  and  let  them  know  he  had  fully  determined  to  have  complied  with  his  promise,  but  he  had 
sent  his  man  on  shore,  to  carry  some  dirty  linen  to  his  washing-woman,  and  to  bring  off  some  clean  : 
that  said  man  made  oath,  that  two  of  the  body,  under  arms,  one  of  which  swore,  by  all  that  was 
sucred,  the  moment  ho  come  on  shore  he  should  have  what  was  in  his  piece,  and  the  other,  that  he 


1775.]  BECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  319 

Resolved,  That  the  several  committees  be  enjoined  to  mi,  and  thai 
this  Congress  In-  adjourned  to  tln<  afternoon,  three  o'clock. 

[Afl 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  measures  for  establishing  i 
offices  and  post   lenders,    reported.     After  some  debate,  tin.*  matter 
thereof  was  ordered  for  tin-  present  to  subside. 

The  order  of  the  das  was  moved  tor. 

Tin'  absent  members  were  ordered  to  I  ■   called  in. 

It  was  then  Mural,  That  the  sense  of  the  Congress  be  taken  on  this 
question,  viz.  :  Whether  there  is  now  I'M-tmi.'  in  tin-  colony  a  necessi- 
ty of  taking  up,  ami  exercising  the  power-  of  civil  government,  in  all 
its  parts. 

After  some  debate,  it  was  Resolved,  that  tin-  Congress  will  now 
form  itself  into  a  committee  of  tin-  whole  house,  for  consideration  of 
the  question  in  debate. 

The  committee  having  considered  thereon,  the  president,  on  a  mo- 
tion made,  [^resumed]  the  chair.  The  committee  then,  by  the  Hon.  Jo- 
seph Warren,  Esq.,  their  chairman,  reported,  "  that  a  committee  be 
raised,  for  the  purpose  of  reporting  to  the  Congress  an  application  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  for  obtaining  their  recommendation  tor  this 
colony  to  take  up  and  exercise  civil  government,  as  soon  as  ma\  he. 
ami  that  the  committee  he  directed  to  ground  the  application  on  the 
ssity  of  the  case;"  which  report  being  read,  was  accepted,  bj  a 
very  large  major  it}  ;  whereupon,  Ordered,   that  the  president,  Doct. 

should  never  return  on  board  again  with  his  life :  ami  thai  two  more  of  hii  men  made  oath,  they 

I  of  ill''  men  under  the  moment  he  cam >  shore  thej  would  have  bis  lift  ; 

it  he  wrote  to  plead  u      for  not  complying  with  lii«  promise.     Col. 

told  tin-  two  gentlemen  under  confinement,  that  In-  must  have  some  provisions  and  refreehmt 

In-  men,  which  they  procured,  in  the  a mi  of  thirteen  01  fourteen  pounds,  lawftil  mom 

which  they  were  dismissed.      Vboul  I  .  he  sent  an  account  in  them  for  time  and  exp 

amounting  to £156  1--.  lawful  monej .  them  till  next  morning,  nine  o'clock,  to  return 

swer,  which  thej  did  in  the  negative  ;  he  said  he  would  i.  ire  In'  left  town.     He 

iced  all  the  goods  he  could  find,  belonging  to  Capt.  Coulson  and  William  Tyng,  Esq   \  thej 

irried  off  one  boat   belonging  to  Coals and  one  other  to  Capt.  Mow   I 

('apt.  Pole  to  furnish  them   »itli  some  provisions,  and  a  -mall  matter  of  cash  ;  they  also  bro 

ii  ..n  In-  knees,  for  speaking  disrespectful!]  of  the  col 1  and  bis  nun.     Col.  Thompson,  we 

ilmilit  not,  is  a  true  friend  to  his  country,  and  a  man  of  courage  and  resolve;   but  our  town  lie* 
so  much  exposed  t"  tin  navj  that,  li  id  In-  succeeded  in  his  attempt,  which  thore  »  u  not  tin 
prob  .in  in  \  of,  it  must  have  proved  tin-  destruction  of  this  town,  an. I  the  country  back,  who  in 
in  the  greatest  distress  for  want  of  provisions.     We  have  onlj  related  plain  facts,  that  tin'  ' 
able  members  .a'  the  Proi  incial  <  !ongress  may  not  In-  Impose  I  on  »  ith  false  accounts,  to  »  horn 
I  bis  letter. 
u  ■    ire,  witli  great  esteem,  genUemen,  your  i  »<  humble  sen 

JEDED1 Ml  PREBLE,  CUirmmt." 

a  iJroa.da.il  b  [asuum- 


220  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  12, 

Church,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Danielson  and 
Col.  Lincoln,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  application  agreeably  to 
said  report. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Gtuincy  ||of  Braintree,||  to  the  president,  was 
read  ;  whereupon,  Resolved,  that  Gen.  Ward  be,  and  hereby  is  direct- 
ed, to  order  four  respectable  officers  to  escort  the  president  of  this 
Congress  to  Col.  Quincy,  at  Braintree,  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Mr.  Goodwin  and  Deacon  Whitney, 
be  a  committee  to  estimate  the  damages  done  at  Concord,  Lexington 
and  Cambridge,  by  the  king's  troops,  on  the  19th  ultimo,  so  far  as  re- 
spects private  property  only. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Lewis,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  Enoch 
Freeman,  Esq.,  dated  May  10,  1775,  to  his  son,  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman.1 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee who  were  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  respecting  the  estab- 
lishment of  post  offices  and  post  riders,  be  resumed  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, nine  o'clock. 

Resolved,  That  the  establishment  for  a  train  of  artillery,  which  has 
been  accepted  by  this  Congress,  be  reconsidered,  and  that  the  follow- 
ing report,  for  such  an  establishment,  be  accepted,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  following  establishment  be  made  for  ten  compa- 
nies of  matrosses  : 
Captain,    .......         £6  10s.  0  per  month. 

Captain  Lieutenant,       .  .  .  .  5  10      0      " 

1st  Lieutenant,  ..... 

Two  2d  Lieutenants,  each     .... 

Serjeants,  each  ..... 

Corporals,  each     ...... 

6  Bombardiers,  each         .... 

6  Gunners,  each  ..... 

32  Matrosses,  each    ..... 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

[Saturday,]  May  13, 1775,  A.  M. 
Met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  petition   of   the  selectmen   of  the   town   of  Topsham,   in   the 

county  of  Lincoln,  respecting  their  being  supplied  with  powder,  [was] 

read,  and  Ordered,  that  the  same  be  committed  to  Capt.  McCobb,  Mr. 

Lewis  and  Doct.  Taylor. 

(1)  See  the  note  to  page  217  ante.  The  letter  mentioned  in  the  text  is  not  on  the  tiles  of  Congress. 


1 

10 

0 

3 

12 

0 

2 

10 

0 

2 

6 

0 

2 

4 

6 

2 

4 

0 

2 

3 

0 

1775.1  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  221 

The  order  of  the  day,  respecting  the  further  consideration  <>i  the 
report  of  tin-  committee  appointed  t"  bring  in  a  resolve  respecting  the 
establishing  post  offices,  &c,  was  taken  up,  and  the  blanks  for  post 
masters  being  filled  up,  ordered  t<»  Bubside  till  th<-  reporl  on  the  l<  iter 
from  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.  was  read. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  m  t  <  >  consideration  a  letter  from 
the  Hon.  Enoch  Preeman,  Esq.,  dated  Maj  10,  reported;  and  after  a 
long  debate  thereon,  [the  report]  u  ed  to  be  recommitted  for 

amendment. 

Moved,  Thai  a  i nittee  be  appointed  t<»  count  and  sort  the  votes, 

for  a  committee,  to  be  chosen  by  ballot,  to  appoint    post    riders;   [tin- ] 
time  assigned  t <  > r  that  purpose  [was]  voted  to  be  three  o'clock,  P    M 

The  order  of  the  da)  was  moved  fur,   to   choose   a   Kiutleraan   to 
ch  the  Bei noon  on  the  3ls1  May. 

Moved,  That  a  committee  be  chosen  to  count   and   sorl    the  votes. 
Col.  Warren,  Capt.  Jennison,  Major  Hliss,  were  chosen. 

The  committee  chosen  to  count  and  ><>rt  the  votes,  reported  that  the 
R.e\  -  I  >"<■;.  Langdon  w  as  chosen. 

Moved,  That  a  committee  of  three  persons  be  appointed,  to  wait  on 
the  Rev.  Doct.   Langdon,  and   acquaint   him  that  this  Congress  hare 
made  choice  of  bim  to  preach  a  sermon  to  the  Congress  of  this  i 
ny  on  the  31s1  instant  May,  ami  desire  his  compliance  therewith.    Col. 
Gerrish,  Mr.  Pitts  and  l><><-t    Sawyer,  were  chosen  accordingly. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  resolve  respecting  the  taking 
a  third  set  of  the  depositions  relative  to  the  kittle  of  Lexington,  re- 
ported, and  [the  report]  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  Thai  William  Reed,  William  Stickney,  Thadeus  Mason, 
Jonathan  Hastings,  Jonathan  Cummings,  Josiah  Johnson,  Duncan  En- 
graham,  Jonas  Di\  and  Simon  Tufts,  Esqs.,  be,  and  thej  hereby  are 
required,  to  take  a  thud  sel  of  the  depositions  r<  lative  t<>  the  battle  of 
Lexington,  similar  to  the  two  sets  already  by  them  taken:  and  the] 
are  empowered  to  summon,  or  cause  to  be  summoned,  such  inhabit- 
ants of  tin-  colony  as  they  .-hall  think  proper,  to  attend  them,  at  any 
time  and  place  in  this  ||'county,||  which  they  shall  direct,  for  the  pur- 
poses mentioned ;  and  all  such  persons  as  shall  be  summoned  bj  the 
justices  aforesaid,  are  herebj  directed  punctually  to  ok\  then  sum- 
mons. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pitts,  Mr.  Gill  and   Mr.  Sawyer,  be  a  committee 
to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Peck,  respecting  his 

n  ||i nl 


222  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  13, 

confinement,  to  the  selectmen  of  Boston,  and  the  said  selectmen's  let- 
ter to  this  Congress  on  the  same  subject. 

The  committee  reported  their  amendment  of  the  report  on  the  Hon. 
Enoch  Freeman's  letter ;  referred  to  the  afternoon. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon  ] 

||The  Congress  met  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.|| 

The  report  of  the  committee  respecting  the  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman, 
Esq.'s  letter,  [was]  taken  up,  amended  and  [''accepted.]1 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  selectmen 
of  the  town  of  Topsham,  reported ;  the  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  the  town  of  Topsham  being  a  sea  port  place,  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  colony,  and  much  exposed  to  the  rage  and  excursions  of 
our  unnatural  enemies,  and  not  having  a  sufficient  quantity  of  gun- 
powder to  defend  themselves,  in  case  of  an  attack,  and  the  town  of 
Wrentham  being  well  stocked  therewith : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  select- 
men of  the  abovesaid  town  of  Wrentham,  to  deliver  one  half  barrel  of 
gunpowder  to  Mr.  Prince  Rose,  for  the  use  of  the  town  of  Topsham, 
he  paying  them  for  said  powder,  which  shall  be  replaced,  if  needed,  as 
soon  as  the  colony  magazine  can  be  supplied. 

||bThe  order  of  the  day  was  called  for  ,||  and  Capt.  Jonathan  Brown, 
Jonas  Dix,  Esq.  and  Deacon  Cheever,  were  chosen  a  committee  to 
count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  committee  to  establish  post  riders ; 
which  committee  was  chosen ;  and  the  blanks  in  the  resolve  respecting 
post  offices,  being  filled  up  with  said  committees'  names,  the  resolve 
was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  that  post  riders  be  imme- 
diately established  to  go  from  Cambridge,  and  to  ride  the  following 
roads,  viz.  :  to  Georgetown  in  the  county  of  Lincoln,  to  Haverhill,  to 
Providence,  to  Woodstock  by  Worcester,  and  from  Worcester  to  Great 
Barrington  by  Springfield,  and  to  Falmouth  in  the  county  of  Barn- 
stable, and  that  post  offices  be  kept  as  followeth,  viz. :  One  at  Cam- 
bridge ;  one  at  Salem  ;  one  at  Ipswich  ;  one  at  Haverhill ;  one  at  New- 
buryport;  one  at  ||cKennebunk||  or  Welles  ;  one  at  Falmouth  in  the 
county  of  Cumberland ;  one  at  Georgetown,  in  the  county  of  Lincoln; 
one  at  Worcester  ;  one  at  Springfield  ;  one  at  Great  Barrington  ;  one 

ccepted,  and  is  a*  follows  :] 
li  \\Resvlvcd,  That  tin'  order  of  ill"  day,  on  the  subject  of  post  riders,  be  now  taken  ii]>.|| 

c  ||Kennebeck.]| 

II)  The  report,  unfurtunatoly  omitted  in  the  journal,  is  not  preserved  on  the  files. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  223 

.it  Plymouth ;  one  at  Sandwich;  one  ;it  Falmouth,  in  the  count]  of 
Barnstable. 

And  it  i-  further  Resolved,  That  Mr.  James  Winthrop  be  appointed 
posl  master  for  the  town  <>t'  * ' ;•  n 1 1 >r i< i lt*'  :  Mr.  Edward  'Norris  » ■  .r 
Salem;  Mr.  James  Poster  for  Ipswich;  .Mr.  Simon  Greenough  for 
Elaverhill ;  Mr.  Bulkier  Emerson  for  Newburyport;  Capt.  Nathaniel 
Kimball  for  Kennebunk  ;  .Mr.  Samuel  Freeman  for  Falmouth,  in 
Cumberland;  Mr.  John  Wood  for  Georgetown;  Mr.  Isaiah  Thomas 
for  Worcester;  Mr.  Moses  Church  for  Springfield;  Doct  William 
Whiting  lb]  Greal  Barrington;  Joseph  Nye,  3d.  i'<>r  Sandwich; 
William  Watson,  Esq.  for  Plymouth;  and  Mr.  Moses  Swifl  tor  Fal- 
mouth, in  Barnstable';  and  that  Capt.  Jonathan  Brown,  Jonas  Dix, 
Esq  and  David  Cheever,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  give  directions  for 
the  setting  oil  and  returning  of  the  posts  in  their  several  routes,  and  to 
appoint  t h«-  number  of  riders,  and  agree  with  (hem,  and  to  agree  like- 
wise  with  the  post  masters  for  their  service;  and  thai  the  rates  of,  and 
duties  for  postage  of  letters,  &,c,  be  as  follow,  viz.  :  for  any  distance 
not  exceeding  (50  miles,  5  1-4  pence :  upwards  of  60  miles,  and  not 
exceeding  100  miles,  8  pence;  upwards  of  J 00  miles,  and  not  exceed- 
ing 200,  K>  1-2  pence;  upwards  of 200,  and  not  exceeding  :>•'<>.  1  -lid- 
ling  1  penny:  upward-  of  300,  and  not  exceeding  10i>,  1  shilling  1 
pence;  upwards  of  400, and  not  exceeding  500,  1  shilling  <i  1-2  pence  ; 
upwards  of  500,  and  not  exceeding  600,  1  shilling  9  pence;  upwards 
of  600,  and  not  exceeding  700,  2  shillings ;  upwards  of  700,  and  not 
exceeding  800,  2  shillings  2  1-2  pence;  upward.-  of  800,  and  uol  i  \- 
ceeding  900,  2  -hillings  5  pence  ;  upwards  of  900,  and  not  exceeding 
1000,  2  shillings  8  pence.  The  above  rate-  to  l>e  paid  in  lawful  money 
of  tin-  colony. 

The  above  rates  are  tor  the  postage  of  a  single  letter:  they  are  to 
be  doubled  for  all  double  letter-:  trebled  for  all  treble  letters;  and  for 
every  ounce  weight,  tour  times  as  much  to  be  charged  as  tor  a  single 
letter:  and  that  the  post  masters  be  accountable  to  the  aforenamed 
committee  for  what  thej  shall  receive:  and  that  tjie  foregoing  rule- 
ami  orders  continue,  until  the  Continental  Congress,  or  the  congress, 
or  future  house  of  representatives  of  this  colony,  shall  make  some  fur- 
ther order  relative  to  the  -  uue. 

The  committee  || appointed  \  to  draw  a  resolve  respecting  a  court  of 
inquiry,  reported;  and  Ordered,  that  Monday,  three  o'clock  in  the  af- 
ternoon, be  assigned  lor  taking  the  same  into  consideration 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow-  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

•  ||Morrii  -    -3iui»on.|| 


224  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  15, 

v 

Sunday,  May  14,  1775,  [A.  M.] 

Met,  and  adjourned  to  twelve  o'clock. 

[Noon.] 
At  twelve  o'clock  met,  and  adjourned  to  three  o'clock. 

[Afternoon.] 

At  three  o'clock  met  again. 

Moved,  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  apply  to  the  committee  of 
safety,  for  a  list  of  such  persons  as  they  have  given  enlisting  orders  to, 
that  this  Congress  may  commission  such  as  they  think  proper,  without 
delay. 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  this  matter  be  referred 
to  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

[Monday,]  May  15,  1775,  A.  M. 

Resolved,  That  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  this  day,  be  assigned 
for  making  choice  of  two  persons,  members  of  this  Congress,  to  attend 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  on  Wednesday  next. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for,  and  read. 

Resolved,  That  David  Cheever,  Esq.,  for  reasons  by  him  offered,  be 
excused  from  serving  in  the  business,  to  which  he  was  appointed,  by  a 
resolve  of  this  Congress,  passed  the  12th  instant,  for  establishing  post 
offices  and  post  riders  ;  and  that  Mr.  William  Greenleaf,  Joseph  Green- 
leaf,  Esq.  and  Mr.  John  Pitts,  be  added  to  the  committee  therein  ap- 
pointed. 

Resolved,  That  five  o'clock  this  afternoon  be  assio-ned  for  the  choice 
of  a  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  supplies,  in  the  room  of  Col. 
Lee,  deceased. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  application  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  be  directed  to  insert  a  clause  therein,  desir- 
ing that  the  said  congress  would  take  some  measures  for  directing  and 
regulating  the  American  forces. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  introduction  to  the  deposi- 
tions ["relating  to]  the  late  affair  at  Lexington,  reported  ;  the  same 
was  recommitted,  for  the  purpose  of  examining  it,  to  find  if  the  narra- 
tive contained  in  the  said  introduction  be  supported  by  the  depositions, 
and  to  add  such  other  depositions  as  may  be  procured. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Col.  Field  and  Mr.  Bullen,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  examine  the  letters  of  Governor  Hutchinson,1  lately  discovered, 

a  [of.] 

(I)  Tln>  following  account  of  the  discovery  of  the  letter  imnks  of  Governor  Hutchinson,  contain 
ing  liis  correspondence  with  the  ministry,  and  with  private  individuals,  is  copied  from  Gordon's 
History  of  the  American  Revolution,  Vol.  I.,  Page  356. 

"  When   he    [Governor    Hutchinson,]   quitted  the   province,   nil   his   furniture   was  left  behind 
at   his   seat   in    Milton.     After  the   Lexington  engagement,  the  committee  of  the   town   removed 


1775.]  SECOND  PROA  INC]  \l.  I  <  >NGR1 

and  report  n>  this  Congress  Buch  letters,  and  extra  thej  think  it 

will  be  proper  i"  publish. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  t"  revise  [the  commission 
of  j  the  committee  of  safety,  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.   Warren,   Mi     Sawyer  and   Major   I5li  —  .   bi 
committee  t<>  take   into  consideration  the  Bubject  of  a  letter,  read  in 
Congress,  from  W  illiara  Watson,  Esq.  to  <  Sol.  W  arren  and  Mr.  Lothrop. 

Col.  Barrett,  who  was  appointed  t<>  take  a  deposition  at  Concord, 
r<]i<  irt.il :  the  deposition  reported  «  red  to  be  committed  to  the 

committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  an  introduction  to  the  d 
Bit s 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  extracts  of  a 
letter  from  the  Hon.  Enoch   Freeman,  Esq.,  reported   a  letter  to  the 
ern  tribes  of  indians,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  au- 
thenticated, and  Bent  to  .Mr.  Julia   Lane,  to  be  communicated  to  them. 
li  i-  as  follows,  \  i/. : 

Friends  \\i>  good  Brothers: — We,  the  delegates  <>f  the  colony 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  being  come  together  in  congress,  to  con- 
sider what  ma)  be  best  for  you  and  ourselves  to  do,  to  get  rid  of  the 
slaver)  designed  to  be  brought  upon  us,  have  thought  it  our  dutj  to 
write  you  the  following  lelt<  i 

Broth i  rs     the  great  wickedness  of  such  as  should  b< r  friends, 

but  are  our  enemies,  we  mean  the  ministrj  of  Great  Britain,  has  laid 
deep  plots  to  take  awaj  our  liberty  and  your  libert)  ;  the)  want  to  get 
all  >>ur  money;  make  us  pa)  it  to  them,  when  they  never  earned  it; 
to  make  you  and  us  their  servants;  and  let  us  have  nothing  to  eat, 
drink,  or  wear,  but  what  the)  -a\  we  shall;  and  prevent  us  from  having 
guns  and  powder  to  use,  and  kill  our  deer,  and  wolves,  and  other 
game,  or  to  send  to  you,  lor  you  to  kill  your  game  with,  and  to  irt»t 
skins  and  fur  to  trade  with  us  for  what  you  want  :    but    we   hope  soon 

it,  in  ordi  r  leing  totally  ruiaed.     Mr.  Samuel  Henshaw,  desirous  "t'  teeing  now  the 

tript  of  all  the  furnil  tired  thither  with  the  gontlem  id  the 

H  ..ah,  up  int. i  d  <l:irk  gajrret,  whore  he  A  an  old  trunk,  which,  > 

told,  v  nothing  bul  .1  parcel  of  useless  papers,    Curiositi  led  him  to 

10  them,  when  he n  discovered  a  letter  book  of  Mr.  Hutcl  1,  mid 

then  post  i1         Warren,  to  whom  ho   related  whal   had   happened:  on  which,  an 

to  G  aself  of  the  trunk.     It  was  brought 

through  the  unprodi 

■    ithcr,  and   - 
iblic  good  '  bought,  that   it'  U10 

in  the  prcsenl  moi 
Mr.  H     ■  ■■  :..    The  letl 

-•.ill  retaim 

29 


226  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  15, 

to   be  able  to   supply  you  with  both  guns   and  powder,  of  our  own 
making. 

We  have  petitioned  to  England  for  you  and  us,  and  told  them  plain- 
ly we  want  nothing  but  our  own,  and  do  not  want  to  hurt  them  ;  but 
they  will  not  hear  us,  and  have  sent  over  great  ships,  and  their  men 
with  guns,  to  make  us  give  up,  and  kill  us,  and  have  killed  some  of 
our  men ;  but  we  have  driven  them  back  and  beat  them,  and  killed  a 
great  many  of  their  men. 

The  Englishmen  of  all  the  colonies,  from  Nova  Scotia  to  Georgia, 
have  firmly  resolved  to  stand  together  and  oppose  them  ;  our  liberty 
and  your  liberty  is  the  same ;  we  are  brothers,  and  what  is  for  our 
good  is  for  your  good  ;  and  we,  by  standing  together,  shall  make  those 
wicked  men  afraid,  and  overcome  them,  and  all  be  free  men.  Capt. 
Goldthwait  has  given  up  Fort  Povvnall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies ; 
we  are  angry  at  it,  and  we  hear  you  are  angry  with  him,  and  we  do 
not  wonder  at  it.  We  want  to  know  what  you,  our  good  brothers, 
want  from  us  of  clothing,  or  warlike  stores,  and  we  will  supply  you  as 
fast  as  we  can.  We  will  do  all  for  you  we  can,  and  fight  to  save  you, 
any  time,  and  hope  that  none  of  your  men,  or  the  indians  in  Canada, 
will  join  with  our  enemies.  You  may  have  a  great  deal  of  ||good||  in- 
fluence on  them.  Our  good  brothers,  the  indians  at  Stockbridge,  all 
join  with  us,  and  some  of  their  men  have  enlisted  as  soldiers,  and  we 
have  given  them  that  enlisted,  each  one,  a  blanket  and  a  ribbon,  and 
they  will  be  paid  when  they  are  from  home  in  the  service;  and  if  any 
of  you  are  willing  to  enlist,  we  will  do  the  same  for  you. 

We  have  sent  Capt.  John  Lane  to  you,  [to  consult  with  you]  for 
that  purpose,  and  he  will  show  you  his  orders  for  raising  one  company 
of  your  men  to  join  with  us  in  the  war  with  your  and  our  enemies. 

Brothers  :  we  beseech  that  God  who  lives  above,  and  that  does 
what  is  right  here  below,  to  be  your  friend  and  bless  you,  [and]  to 
prevent  the  designs  of  those  wicked  men  from  hurting  you  or  us. 

Brothers  :  if  you  will  let  Mr.  John  Preble  know  what  things  you 
want,  he  will  take  care  to  inform  us,  and  we  will  do  the  best  for  you 
that  we  can. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  letter  from  William  Watson, 
Esq.,  of  Plymouth,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted, 
and  ordered  to  be  printed,  and  dispersed  to  the  several  towns  in  the 
colony,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  and  most  of  them 
such  as  have  been  inimical  to  the  constitution  and  interest  of  the  same, 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

are  now,  afteT  having  united  themselves  ivith  nur  enemies,  in  reducing 
us  to  the  distresses  and  difficulties  we  ire  laboring  under,  taking  - 
to  remove  themselves  and  effects  out  of  this  colony,  into  the  govern- 
mem  of  Nova  Scotia,  and  elsev< here,  m  order  to  avoid  their  propor- 
tion of  burdens  necessarilj  incurred  for  our  defence,  to  prevenl  winch, 
ii  i-  Hi solved ',  thai  no  person  be,  from  this  time,  permitted  to  move  his 
_r I-  ami  clVeets  oul  of  this  colony,  unless  he  Bhall  obtain  the  permis- 
sion of  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  he  belongs  to; 
or  if  no  Buch  committee  be  there  appointed,  of  the  selectmen,  or  the 
majority  of  them,  under  their  hands,  for  thai  purpose,  but  bj  the  leave 
of  this  or  some  future  congress ;  and  the  several  committees  of  cor- 
respondence, or  selectmen,  where  there  are  no  such  committees,  are 
herein  directed  to  be  verj  vigilanl  in  observing  the  motions  of  all 
such  persons  who  thej  may  have  re  a -on  to  suspect,  and  to  see  that  this 
resolve  be  carried  into  full  execution. 

Then  adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afti  moon.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  extracts  of  a  letter  from 
the  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Ksq.,  reported  a  resolve  respecting  an  era- 
bassj  to  Canada,  which  being  read  and  amended,  was  accepted,  a  copy 
ordered  to  lie  authenticated,  and  sent  to  the  selectmen  of  Falmouth, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  interest  and  Bafetj  of 
this  colony,  in  it-  present  unhappj  situation,  that  the  most  certain  in- 
telligence, from  Canada,  of  the  designs  and  manoeuvres  of  the  inhab- 
itants  of  that  colony  should  be  obtained  as  'frequentlj  as  possible  : 
ami  whereas,  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Falmouth,  having  been 
alarmed  l>\  reports  which  had  prevailed  in  the  eastern  parts  of  the  col- 
ons, that  the  Canadians  would  soon  attack  them  on  their  frontiers,  and 
thereby  bring  nol  onl)  themselves,  hut  the  whole  colony,  into  a  -till 
more  deplorable  situation  .  and  judging  it  of  the  utmost  importance, 
thai  the  truth  or  falsity  of  Buch  reports  be  known  without  delay,  have 
employed  Mr.  .la be/.  Matthews  and  Mr.  David  Din-more,  to  go  across 
the  woods  to  Quebec,  in  order  to  observe  the  motions  of  the  people 
there,  and.  as  far  as  possible,  to  gain  a  knowledge  of  their  intention  : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  Thai  this  Congress  do  approve  of  the  care  and 
attention  of  the  selectmen  of  Falmouth,  to  the  general  interest  <■!  the 
colony.  Ami  it  i-  berebj  recommended  to  the  said  selectmen,  that 
they  transmil  the  intelligence  thej  ma)  receive  bj  them,  together  with 
the  expenses  of  the  said   embassy,  t"  this  or  some  future  cong 

a  ||»pouiliIy.|| 


228  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  15, 

this  colony,  with  all  convenient  speed,  that  the  account  of  their  ex- 
penses may  be  adjusted  and  allowed  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  colony. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  es- 
tablishing a  court  of  inquiry,  was  read ;  after  debate,  the  question  was 
put,  whether  said  report  be  accepted,  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  reported  a  letter  to  the  eastern 
tribes  of  indians,  be  directed  to  prepare  instructions  to  Mr.  John  Lane, 
who  is  appointed  to  communicate  the  letter  to  them,  and  enlist  a  com- 
pany of  them  in  the  service  of  the  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Bliss  and  Mr.  How,  be  a  committee  to 
sort  and  count  the  votes  for  two  persons,  members  of  this  Congress, 
to  repair  to  the  congress  of  the  province  of  New  Hampshire. 

The  committee  last  mentioned,  reported,  that  the  Hon.  Joseph  Ger- 
rish,  Esq.  and  Col.  Ebenezer  Sawyer,  were  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Dexter,  Col.  Warren  and  Col.  Foster,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  supplying  the  soldiers  with  two  twenty 
shilling  bills  each,  for  a  month's  advance  pay,  and  they  are  directed  to 
draw  up  a  form  for  said  bills,  and  employ  an  engraver  to  prepare  a 
plate  for  [aprinting]  the  same,  without  delay,  and  Resolved,  that  to- 
morrow morning,  ten  o'clock,  be  assigned  for  the  consideration  of  the 
report  of  said  committee  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  application  to 
the  Continental  Congress,  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Bliss  and  Mr.  How,  be  a  committee  to 
sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  member  of  the  committee  of  supplies, 
in  the  room  of  Col.  Lee,  deceased. 

The  committee  last  mentioned,  reported,  that  Mr.  John  Pitts  was 
chosen. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett,  Esquire  Rawson  and  Mr.  Webster,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  petition  to  this  Congress, 
from  Mr.  Boice  and  Mr.  McLean,  of  Milton.1 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lothrop,  Col.  Warren  and  Mr.  Jennison,  be  a 
committee  to  draw  up  some  instructions  to  the  delegates  appointed  to 
go  to  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

a  [engraving.] 

(1)  John  Boice  and  Hugh  McLean  represented,  tliat  they  were  engaged  in  the  business  of  manu- 
facturing paper :  that  four  apprentices,  well  skilled  in  the  employment,  bad  enlisted  in  the  army; 
that  their  services  were  necessary  for  the  operation  of  the  mills  ;  and  prayed  that  these  soldiers 
might  be  discharged  from  military  service. 


L775.]  SECOND  VIU  >V1\CIAL  CONGRESS 

[TUESDAY,      M:>     16,     L775,     \.    M 

Ordered,  Thai  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Greenleaf  and  Capt.  Dix,  I" 
committee  to  appU  to  the  committee  of  safety,  fur  a  h-t  of  Buch  per- 
sons as  they  have  given  enlisting  orders  to;  and,  in  particular,  [for]  a 
list  of  such  as  have  completed,  or  nearlj  completed,  their  respective 
regiments;  and  as  far  as  can  be  speedily  obtained,  the  Dumber  of  men 
each  officer  lias  enlisted  thai  this  Congr<  ss  ma)  commission  such  per- 
sons as  thej  think  proper,  without  delay. 

The  committee  appointed  to  considei  a  petition  of  Messrs.  Boice 
and  Me  I, ran.  reported.  A  long  debate  was  had  thereon,  and  it  was 
finally  determined,  that  the  petitioners  have  lei  ve  to  withdraw  their  pe- 
tition. 

Ordered, Thai  Mr.  Sullivan,  Capt.  Stone,  Col.  Farley,  Major  Brooks 
and  Duct.  l\   wson,  be  a  committee  to  tike  mt<>  consideration  a  verbal 
information  of  the  capture  of  three  vessels,  by  a  king's  cutter,  a1  Dart- 
mouth, and  the  retaking  two  of  them,  and  fifteen  marine-  prisoners. 
Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon.] 

Henry  Gardner,  Esq.  having  renewed  his  request,  that  this  Congress 
would  excuse  him  from  serving  the  colony  in  the  office  of  receiver 
general.  Resolved,  that  the  determination  of  this  matter  be  referred  to 
to-morrow  morning,  ten  o'clock  :  and  if  .Mr.  Gardner  should  then  in- 
sist on  being  excused,  that  then  the  Congress  will  proceed  to  the  choice 
of  some  other  person  to  suppl)  his  place. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  application  to  the  Continen- 
tal Congress,  reported  the  following,  which  was  read  paragraph  by 
paragraph,  and  accepted,  \  iz.  -. 

Resolved,  Thai  Doct.  Church  he  ordered  to  go  immediately  to  Phil- 
adelphia, and  deliver  to  the  president  of  the  honorable  American 
Congress,  there  now  sitting,  the  following  application,  to  be  by  him 
communicated  to  the  members  thereof ;  and  the  said  Church  is  also 
direct)  d  to  confer  with  the  said  congn  -  .  respecting  such  other  mat- 
ter- as  may  be  necessarj  to  the  defence  of  this  colony,  and  particularly 
[as  to]  the  state  of  the  arm]  therein. 

M.u  ii  please  voub  Honors: — That  system  of  colonv  adminis- 
tration which,  in  the  mosl  firm,  dutiful  and  loyal  manner,  has  been  111 
vain  remonstrated  against,  hv  the  representative  bodj  of  the  united 
colonies,  Beema  -nil.   unless  Bpeedilj    and  vigorously  opposed,  bj  the 

collected  wisdom  and  force  of  all  America,   to    threaten    ruin    and    de- 
struction to  this  continent. 


230  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  16, 

For  a  Jong  time  past  this  colony  has,  by  a  corrupt  administration  in 
Great  Britain  and  here,  been  deprived  of  the  exercise  of  those  powers 
of  government,  without  which,  a  people  can  be  neither  rich,  happy  or 
secure.  The  whole  continent  saw  the  blow  impending,  which,  if  not 
warded  off,  must  inevitably  have  subverted  the  freedom  and  happiness 
of  each  colony.  The  principles  of  self-defence,  roused  in  the  breasts 
of  freemen  by  the  dread  of  impending  slavery,  caused  to  be  collected 
the  wisdom  of  America,  in  a  congress,  composed  of  men  who,  through 
time,  must,  in  every  land  of  freedom,  be  revered,  amongst  the  most 
faithful  assertors  of  the  essential  rights  of  human  nature. 

This  colony  was  then  reduced  to  great  difficulties,  being  denied  the 
exercise  of  civil  government,  according  to  our  charter,  or  the  funda- 
mental principles  of  the  English  constitution  ;  and  a  formidable  navy 
and  army,  not  only  inimical  to  our  safety,  but  flattered  with  the  pros- 
pect of  enjoying  the  fruit  of  our  industry,  were  stationed,  for  that  pur- 
pose, in  our  metropolis.  The  prospect  of  deciding  the  question,  be- 
tween our  mother  country  and  us,  by  the  sword,  gave  us  the  greatest 
pain  and  anxiety  ;  but,  we  have  made  all  the  preparation  for  our  neces- 
sary defence,  that  our  confused  state  would  admit  of;  and  as  the  ques- 
tion equally  affected  our  sister  colonies  and  us,  we  have  declined, 
though  urged  thereto  by  the  most  pressing  necessity,  to  assume  the 
reins  of  civil  government,  without  their  advice  and  consent :  but  have, 
hitherto,  patiently  borne  the  many  difficulties  and  distressing  embar- 
rassments necessarily  resulting  from  a  want  thereof.  We  are  now 
compelled  to  raise  an  army,  which,  with  the  assistance  of  the  other 
colonies,  we  hope,  under  the  smiles  of  Heaven,  will  be  able  to  defend 
us,  and  all  America,  from  the  further  butcheries  and  devastations  of 
our  implacable  enemies. 

But,  as  the  sword  should,  in  all  free  states,  be  subservient  to  the 
civil  powers,  and  as  it  is  the  duty  of  the  magistrate  to  support  it,  for 
the  people's  necessary  defence,  we  tremble  at  having  an  army,  although 
consisting  of  our  own  countrymen,  established  here,  without  a  civil 
power  to  provide  for  and  control  it. 

We  are  happy  in  having  an  opportunity  of  laying  our  distressed  state 
before  the  representative  body  of  the  continent,  and  humbly  hope  you 
will  favor  us  with  your  most  explicit  advice,  respecting  the  taking  up 
and  exercising  the  powers  of  civil  government,  which  we  think  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  the  salvation  of  our  country;  and  we  shall  readily 
submit  to  such  a  general  plan  as  you  may  direct  for  the  colonies ;  or 
make  it  our  great  study  to  establish  such  a  form  of  government  here, 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  j;i 

as  shall  not  only  most  promote  our  advantage,  bul  the  anion  and  inter- 
est of  all  America. 

As  the  army,  collecting  from  different  colonies,  is  for  the  general  de- 
fence of  the  rights  of  America,  we  would  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  your 
consideration,  the  propriety  of  your  taking  the  regulation  and  general 
direction  of  it,  that  the  operations  may  more  effectually  answer  the  pur- 
poses designed. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  delegates 
who  are  going  to  .New  Hampshire,  reported  the  following,  whicb  was 
accepted,  viz  : 

Resolved,  Thai  the  Hon.  Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq.,  and  Col.  Ehenezer  Saw- 
yer, who  are  by  this  Congress  chosen  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  dele- 
gates of  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire,  are  hereby  empowered  and 
directed,  to  take  such  methods,  and  make  such  application  to  the  said 
congress,  as  shall,  in  the  judgmenl  of  said  committee,  appear  most  con- 
ducive to  the  union  of  the  colonies,  and  the  most  direct  way  to  induce 
said  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  to  raise  their  proportion  of  men  to 
defend  the  colonies.  And  it  is  also  Resolved,  That  the  said  committee 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  application  of  this  Congress  to  the  hon- 
orable members  of  the  Continental  Congress,  which  the  said  committee 
is  directed  to  deliver  the  president  of  the  congress  of  that  colony,  and 
to  do  all  that  they  can  to  procure  the  approbation  of  that  colonj  to  our 
assuming  government,  and  to  communicate  to  said  congress  such  of 
the  proceedings  of  this  Congress  as  they  shall  think  conducive  to  the 
good  of  the  whole. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  delegates  he  furnished  with  a  copy  of  the  es- 
tablishment for  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  rules  ami  regulations  for 
the  same,  and  form  of  the  oath  for  the  officers  and  soldiers. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Thomas  Legate,  dated  Cambridge,  Ma\  Hi, 
1775,1  was  read,  and  committed  to  Col.  Foster,  Mr.  Parker,  and  .Mr. 
Bliss. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  supply inu'  the  sol- 
diers with  two  twenty  shilling  hills  for  a  month's  advance  pay,  again 
reported. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved    tor. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster,  Major  Bliss,  and  Mr.  Bent,  he  a  com- 
mittee to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  member  of  this  Congress,  to  go 
to  Philadelphia  with  the  application  of  this  Congre>-.  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

I    Thii  related  to  the  organization  of  the  train  of  artillery  in  the  provincial  army. 


232  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  16, 

The  committee  reported,  that  Doct.  Benjamin  Church  was  chosen. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  under  consideration  the  letter  from 
Col.  Legate  reported ;  which  report  being  read  and  amended,  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

Whereas,  it  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  the  men  who  shall  be 
enlisted  into  the  artillery  company  should  be  well  qualified  for  that  em- 
ployment, and  it  being  impossible  to  enlist  the  men  for  the  artillery  at 
large,  in  the  colony,  so  soon  as  the  service  requires,  therefore,  Re- 
solved, That  the  officers  of  the  artillery  be  allowed  to  enlist  the  men 
from  the  several  regiments  already  engaged,  when  the  men  are  willing 
to  engage  in  that  service,  until  the  whole  artillery  establishment  shall 
be  completed,  always  provided,  that  such  enlistments  shall  be  no  pre- 
judice or  hindrance  to  the  officers  with  whom  such  men  are  already  en- 
listed, in  entitling  them  to  their  respective  commissions  ;  and  that  not 
more  than  four  men  be  taken  from  any  one  company :  and  the  officers 
of  the  train  of  artillery  are  directed  to  use  their  endeavor,  to  enlist  as 
many  ||men,||  who  are  not  under  any  previous  engagement  in  the  army, 
as  they  can,  speedily  ;  and  the  officers,  from  whose  regiment  or  com- 
pany any  person  is  enlisted  into  the  train  of  artillery,  are  also  directed 
to  fill  up  their  said  regiment  or  companies  with  all  convenient  speed,  by 
enlisting  other  soldiers  in  the  place  of  those  enlisted  into  the  train  of 
artillery. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Pitts,  Doct.  Taylor,  the  President, 
and  Mr.  Batchelder,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  measures  it  would 
be  expedient  to  take,  relative  to  the  prisoners  in  Boston,  and  the  inhab- 
itants which  are  there  kept  in  duress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  apply  to  the  committee  of  safety  for  a 
list  of  officers,  &c,  reported,  verbally,  that  they  had  no  other  list  than 
what  they  had  before  sent  to  the  congress :  that  they  had  received  no 
returns,  and  knew  not  how  many  had  enlisted,  or  whether  any  regi- 
ments were  completed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Fuller,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  a  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Ca- 
naan and  Norridgewock,  on  Kennebeck  river,  and  report.1 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  information  from 
Dartmouth,  reported  ;  the  report  was  recommitted  for  further  exami- 
nation and  inquiry  into  the  affair. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Freeman  and  Doct.  Hoi  ten  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  examine  Hutchinson's  letters. 
Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  9  o'clock. 

(1)  Tliis  petition,  like  most  others  from  the  eastern  part  of  the  province,  appears  to  have  lieen  for 
supplies  of  arras,  ammunition,  and  provisions. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGREfi 

[Wi .i.m  m>at,   M  >>  it.  i:;:,.    \.  m. 

A  letter  from  [Edward]  Mott  to  this  Congress,  dated  Ma\  11.  I" 
giving  an  accounl  of  the  taking  of  the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,  « 
read,  together  with  a  letter  from  Ethan  Allen  ;  also  an  application  from 
Col.  Easton,  and  others :  whereupon,  Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster,  Mr. 
Sullivan,  and  Doct.  Holten,  l><  a  committee  to  introduce  Col.  Easton 
to  this  house,  to  give  a  narrative  uf  that  transaction,  and  that  each 
member  have  libertj  to  ask  him  any  questions.1 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  President,  Doct.  Taylor,  Col  Foster,  Doct  Hol- 
ten, and  Mr.  Cross,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  Bame  into  consideration, 
and  report. 

A  resolve  from  the  committee  of  Bafety,  relative  to  the  seizing  tin- 
servants  ami  friends  to  government,  improperly  bo  called,  was  read, 
and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Resolved,  Thai  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for  the  purpose  of 
considering  the  expediency  of  making  out  a  commission  to  Gen.  Ward. 

The  Congress  appointed  two  other  monitors,  viz. :  Mr.  John  Hair 
and  Capt.  Woodhridge  Brown. 

The  resolve,  and  form  of  an  oath  to  be  taken  by  the  general  offict 
wen-  read,  amended  and  accepted,  and  are  as  follow,  viz.  : 

'Resolved,  That  the  gem  ral  officers  of  the  M   --  ichusetts  army,  now 
raising  fur  the  defence  and  security  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of  this  and 
our  sister  colonies  in  America,  shall  each  and  every  of  them  repeat,  tak 
and  subscribe  the  following  oath,  to  be  administered  by   [blank]    viz.: 

I,  \  B.,  do  solemnly  swear,  that,  as  a  general  officer  in  the  M 
chusetts  army,  I  will  well  and  faithfully  execute  the  office  of  a  general, 
tn  which  I  have  been  appointed,  according  to  mj  besl  abilities,  in  de- 
fence ami  for  the  security  of  the  estates,  lives,  and  liberties  of  the  good 
people  of  this  and  the  sister  colonies  in  America,  in  opposition  to 
ministerial  tyranny,  by  which  the)  are  or  may  be  oppressed,  and  to  all 
other  enemies  and  opposers  whatsoever ;  that  I  will  adhere  to  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  said  army,  established  1>\  the  Congress  of  the  col- 
ony of  ||  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  observe  and  obej  the  resolutions  and 
order- winch  are  or  shall  be  passed  by  said  Congress,  or  any  future 
congress,  or  house  of  representatives,  or  legislative  bodj  of  said  colo- 
ny, ami  such  committees  as  shall  be  by  them  authorized  foi  that  pur- 
pose;   and  that  I  will  disclose   and    make  known  to  the  authorit)   afore- 

1,    all    traitorous   conspiracies,    attempts   and   designs   whatsoever, 

I    'i  ting  to  1  .  will  be  found  in  ihe  Appendix. 


234  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  17, 

which  I  shall  know  to  be  made,  or  have  reason  to  suspect  are  making, 
against  the  army,  or  any  of  the  English  American  colonies. 

Ordered,  That  Jonas  Dix,  Esq.  be  directed  to  take  depositions  rela- 
tive to  the  destruction  of  private  property,  by  the  king's  troops,  on  the 
L9th  instant,  and  their  driving  women  in  childbed  out  of  their 
houses,  and  killing  old  men  unarmed. 

Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  informed  the  house,  that  he  was  willing  to 
continue  to  serve  this  colony  in  the  office  of  receiver  general. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kollock,  Deacon  Nichols  and  Mr.  Rawson,  be 
a  committee  to  consider  what  steps  are  proper  to  be  taken,  for  the  re- 
lief of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  as  come  over  to  Charlestown, 
who  are  not  able  to  take  care  of  themselves. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  account  of  taking  the 
fortress  of  Ticonderoga,  reported  the  following  resolve,  and  letter  to 
the  assembly  of  Connecticut,  which  were  accepted,  and  the  letter  or- 
dered to  be  authenticated  and  sent  forward  : 

Gentlemen  : — We  have  the  happiness  of  presenting  our  congratu- 
lations to  you,  on  the  reduction  of  that  important  fortress,  Ticondero- 
ga; we  applaud  the  conduct,  both  of  the  officers  and  soldiers,  and  are 
of  opinion,  that  the  advantageous  situation  of  that  fortress,  makes  it 
highly  expedient,  that  it  should  be  repaired  and  properly  garrisoned. 
In  the  mean  time,  as  we  suppose  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  keeping 
all  the  cannon  there,  we  should  be  extremely  glad,  if  all  the  battery 
cannon,  especially  brass  cannon,  which  can  be  spared  from  that  place, 
or  procured  from  Crown  Point,  which,  we  hope,  is,  by  this  time,  in 
the  hands  of  our  friends,  may  be  forwarded  this  way,  with  all  possible 
expedition,  as  we  have  here  to  contend  with  an  army  furnished  with  as 
fine  a  train  of  artillery  as  ever  was  seen  in  America ;  and  we  are  in 
extreme  want  of  a  sufficient  number  of  cannon  to  fortify  those  impor- 
tant passes,  without  which,  we  can  neither  annoy  general  Gage,  if  it 
should  become  necessary,  nor  defend  ourselves  against  him;  we,  there- 
fore, must,  most  earnestly,  recommend  this  very  important  matter  to 
your  immediate  consideration ;  and  we  would  suggest  it,  as  our  opin- 
ion, that  the  appointing  Col.  Arnold  to  take  charge  of  them,  and  bring 
them  down  with  all  possible  haste,  may  be  a  means  of  settling  any  dis- 
putes which  may  have  arisen  between  him  and  some  other  officers, 
which  we  are  always  desirous  to  avoid,  and,  more  especially,  at  a  time 
when  our  common  danger  ought  to  unite  us  in  the  strongest  bonds  of 

unity  and  affection. 

We  are,  gentlemen,  &c. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

This  Congress,  having  received  authentic  intelligence,  that  the  t '■ . r t 
at  Ticonderoga,  is  surrendered  into  the  hands  of  Col.  Ethan  Allen 
and  oilier-,  together  with  the  artillery,  and  artillerj  stores,  ammunition, 
&  c  .  thereunto  belonging,  for  the  benefit  of  these  coloni*  sion<  d 

by  the  1 1 it r«-[ ud  valor  of  a  number  of  men  under  the  command  of  the 
said  Col.  .Mini,  Col.  Easton  of  the  Massachusetts,  and  others,  and  by 
the  advice  and  direction  of  the  committee  for  that  expedition,  the  said 
Ciil.  Allen  i-  to  remain  in  possession  of  the  same,  and  its  dependen- 
cies, until  further  order : 

Resolved,  Thai  this  Congress  do  highl)  approve  of  the  same,  and 
the  general  :i»finlil\  <d"  the  colon)  of  Connecticut  arc  hereb)  de-ired 
to  give  direction-,  relative  to  garrisoning  and  maintaining  the  same  for 
the  future,  until  the  advice  of  the  Continental  Congress  can  be  had  in 
that  behalf;  and,  as  this  colon)  is  in  want  of  some  battering  cannon 
for  their  defence,  mimed lat el v ,  it  is  further  Resolved, that  the  president 
of  this  Congress  I"-  desired  to  write  to  the  general  assembly  of  the 
colony  of  Connecticut,  desiring  that  they  would  give  orders  for  the 
immediate  removal  of  some  of  those  cannon  to  this  colony,  for  the 
purpose  aforesaid. 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M 

[  Afternoon.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  from  the  inhabit- 
ants of  Canaan  and  Norridgewalk,  reported ;  the  question  l>eniLr  put, 
whether  the  report  shall   he  accepted,  and  it  passed  in  the  negatii 

thereupon.  Resolved,  that  the  petitioner-    have    ha\e   to  withdraw   their 

petition. 

Ordered,  [That]  Col.  Foster,  Mr.  Sullivan  and  ('apt.  Farley,  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  a  commission  R     Gen    W  ard. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  verbal  information  from 
Dartmouth,  reported  verbally,  thai  the  inhabitants  of  Dartmouth  be 
advised  to  conduct  themselves,  with  respect  to  the  prisoners  the)  have 
taken,  agreeably  to  the  direction  of  the  committee  of  inspection  for 
that  town.  After  a  long  debate,  it  was  Moved,  thai  the  consideration 
of  this  matter  should  subside  ;  and  the  question  being  put,  it  passed  in 
the  affirmative,  and  the  matter  accordingly  subsided. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretar)  be  directed  to  inform  the  gentlemen 
from  Dartmouth  <>f  the  determination  of  the  Congress,  respecting  the 
information  from  Dartmouth,  and  the  reason  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  commission  ol 
the  committee  of  safety,  sit  forthwith,  and  report   as  soon  as  ma)  be  j 

that    Mr.  Sullivan  he  e\cu-e.l,  and  that  Col.   Poster  ami    Deacon   IVIier 

he  added  to  tin-  committee. 


236  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  18, 

Resolved,  That  Doct.  Church  be  allowed  one  servant  to  attend  him 
in  his  journey  to  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  the  letters  relative  to  taking  the  fortress  of  Ticonde- 
roga,  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  establishment 
for  post  offices,  &lc,  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  for  the  purpose 
of  empowering  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to  agree  with  the 
post  riders,  &c,  to  take  bonds  of  the  post  masters,  and  appoint  oaths 
to  be  taken  by  the  post  masters  and  post  riders  ;  and  that  Col.  Foster 
be  excused,  and  Capt.  Stone  and  Mr.  Greenleaf  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

[Thursday,]  May  18,  1775,  A.  M. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  revise  the  resolves  respecting 
the  committee  of  safety,  reported ;  whereupon,  Resolved,  that  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of  a  committee  of 
safety,  to  consist  of  thirteen  members,  and  for  the  further  considera- 
tion of  said  report. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Rawson,  Mr.  Bullen  and  Col.  Farley,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  practicability  of  employing  chaplains  for  the 
army,  out  of  the  number  of  clergy  of  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Gardner  and  Mr.  Sullivan,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  recommending  it  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  colony,  not  to  choose  any  person  to  represent  them  in  Congress, 
who  has  a  commission  in  the  army. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller  ||of  Middleton,||  Mr.  Whittemore  and 
Mr.  Bliss,  be  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  Hon.  James  Russell,  Esq., 
impost  master,  to  know  if  he  has  any  public  moneys  now  in  his  hands. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  Sullivan  and  Col.  Warren,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  colony  to  make  no  purchases,  nor  receive  any  conveyances  of  es- 
tates, from  the  mandamus  counsellors,  or  other  inveterate  enemies  to 
the  rights  of  this  country,  and  that  they  have  no  dealings  of  any  kind 
with  such  persons. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gardner,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Kollock,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  and  inquire  into  the  subject  matter  of  a  resolve 
of  the  committee  of  safety,  respecting  Lady  Frankland.1 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

U)  Sir  Ilinry  rmnkland  was  the  proprietor  of  extern tates  in  Hopkinton,  "where  he  had  .a 

country  residence  previous  to  the  Revolution,  and  maintained  the  splendor  of  an  English  nobleman. 
On  tli"  commencement  of  hostilities,  his  ladj  became  alarmed  at  the  movements  of  the  people,  and 
asked  and  obtained  leave  to  remove  to  Boston  with  a  small  portion  of  her  effects. 


1775.] 


SECOND  PROA  [NCIAL  CONGREfi 


I  ^:  • 
Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Foster,  Doct  Holten,  Mr.    Bi 
don  and  Capt  Batchelder,  I"-  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a 
r  from  tin-  committee  of  correspondence  fur  tin-  town  of  Falmouth, 
and  such  parts  of  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  Enoch  IV  Esq.,  v>  tli«- 

secretary,  as  he  ma]  communicate.1 

i   Ti,. 

ho  15th  ol 

We,  iii 

and  count)  .  and  if  thei 
n  \<>r  will  i 

I 
r,  now  iii  this  harbor,  has 

rtain  ruin,  by  the  admiral's  rosenlirj  h  a  mono  u  liar- 

;.r.  \.  1. 1  it,  no  t'urllii 

in  here,  the  town  i-  i 
ir>,  which  ion  the  town  t'nr  supplies,  of  which,  at  present,  thi  rcity.    We 

Col.  Thompson's  attempt    ■  ind  injndii  t  unjustifi  lot  learn  he 

h  uthorit)  from  you  or  the  Congress ;  u<    an  ontrarj  to  the  will,  and  without 

any  orders  from  his  superior  officers  in  the  militia,  though  solicited  for  l>y  him,  and  the  i pie  here 

atribution  his  men.     Wo 

>ur  enemies,  through  the  proi  ince,  shall  be  conducted  l>y  pro 
lorly,  and  with  proper  authority,  lest  it  should  occasion  a  civil  war  among  ours   I  II    - 

irhich  may  be  sudden,  imm  diate  and  resolute  i 
a  be  suddenly  thought  of,  should  !><•  adopted  ;  but  < 
ni  any  time,  and  in  any  manner,  may  coll  •  tl>- y 

ry  body  i  S  U  verbutn 

•■  \\ 

n  the  countrj ,  ;•■ 

&c,  without  hai  for  so  doing:  for  thi  intend, 

lall  bo  chief  offii  in,  whether  the  mon 

re,  fur  mi.  ■  may." 

•    I  ,  Preble,  but  he,  not  having  any  writl 

did  not   act  in  the  affair.     If  the  army  can  be  c pleted  without  drawing  men  from  hi 

to  understand  was  tbi  hinking  it  would  bi 

prudent  j  however,  wo  shall  not   bo  backward,  if  th  a  for  our  men ;  and,  in  that 

we  humbl)  submit,  whether  it  would  not  I"-  1" 
I,  to  condi:  cording  to  orders.     We  ho  ■  >  I  ■  I « <  •  u* 

your  honors,  as  »'■  wore  solicit!  >l  to  do  it  bj  o  bor  ol  a." 

■■  Wo  are,  with  grent  veneration,  your  honors'  most  obedient  In: 

ENOCH  I'KI'.I'.M  W 

Th immittee  to  whom  the  communications,  in  relat  ,  Thompson,  wi 

I  the  following  letter  tu  that  gentleman,  which,  hov  ■'■  d. 

b  ive  received  inform  the  coi itt<  i 

town  of  Falmouth,  on  hearing  th  it  you  were  iboul  makii  k  on  tho  Canceaux,  i 

lying  in  th--  harbor  of  thai   lov  I  you  to  forbear  any  pro lings  of  that  kind,  whi 

ed  t"  do  ;  but   that  you  afterwards  took  tin 
Hon.  i  P  Enoch  Freeman,  Esquin  -  the  return  oft 

and  thai  yon  levied  contributions  of  money,  an  I  other  things,  from 
I  uc." 

"TI gbthist  if  your  general  seal  foi   this  country,  yet  it 


238  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  18, 

The  order  of  the  daj  was  moved  for. 

Ord  •  •'.  rhal  Capt  Brown,  Mr.  Baylej  and  Mr.  Baker,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  committee  of  safety. 

The  committee  appointed  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  commit- 
tee of  safety,  reported,  that  the  following  gentlemen  were  chosen,  via 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph  Warren,  Doct.  Benjamin 
Church,  Capt.  Benjamin  White,  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  Mr.  Richard 
Devens,  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Mr.  John  Two. mi.  Col.  Azoi  Orne, 
Hon.  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Esq.,  Mr.  Nathan  Cushing,  Doct  Samuel 
Holten,  Hon;  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq. 

The  rooort  was  recommitted  for  filling  up  the  blanks. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kollock,  Doct  Taylor  and  Col.  Davis,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  whore  the  treasurer  nun  procure  money  for  the 
muster  masters  to  supply  the  soldiers  with  advance  pay. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  resolve  o\  the 
committee  of  safety,  respecting  Lady  Prankland,  reported  :  whereupon 
Ri  s  •  '.  that  Mr.  Ahnerj  Craft  he.  ami  hereby  is  directed,  forthwith 
to  attend  this  Congress.  Mr.  Craft  accordingly  attended,  and  having 
heard  the  allegations  against  him,  and  having  made  his  defence,  with- 
drew. The  Congress  then  Resolved  that  he  should  he  gently  admon- 
ished by  the  president,  and  he  assured,  that  the  Congress  were  deter- 
mined to  preserve  their  dignity  ami  power  over  the  military.  Mr. 
Craft  was  again  called  in,  and  the  president  politely  admonished  him. 
agreeably  to  the  resolve  of  Congress.1 

R  s  •  .  That  Lady  Frankland  be  permitted  to  go  into  Boston  with 
the  following  articles,  viz.:  seven  trunks;  all  the  beds,  and  furniture 
to  them;  all  the  boxes  and  crates;  a  basket  of  chickens  ami  a  bag  of 
corn  :  two  barrels  and  a  hamper  :  two  horses  ami  two  chaises,  and  all 
the  article-  in  the  chaise,  excepting  arms  ami  ammunition  :  one  phae- 
ton; some  tongues,  hams  ami  veal;  sundry  small  bundles.  Which 
articles,  having  been  examined  by  a  committee  from  this  Congress,  -he 
is  permitted  to  have  them  carried  in,  without  an)   further  examination. 

[Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning.] 

luct,  iii  taki  of  the  ship,  against  your  promise,  and  your  levying  money,  or  other 

things,  of  the  people,  is,  bj  no  means,  justifiable  :  and  it  is  therefore  ted,  Umt  you  attend 

;iv::>  that  shall  be  held  hi  this  colony,  an    I  our  character  justice  in  tin*  matter,  and 

that  you  return  said  proceedings  of  this  kind  in  the  moan  tin 

1     Notwithstanding  the  n  by  the  committee  I  ankland,to  carry  «itli  her 

the  articles  of  property  me  sob    -.  >   itement  arose  among  the  inhabitants 

of  the  vicinity,  from  the  Inarmed  party  arrested  her  join 

itil  the  action  o(  Congress  !  them  from  captii 

ity.    Thi  Men  incurred,  for  the  indiscreet  teal,  which 

rroent  of  cJ  inted  by  the  resi 


1775.1  '  ■'  <,Nh  ,,,{(  A  INCIAL  <  ONGREg 

[Fmdai     M      i      1775    \    M 

Hi  olved,  Thai  ('<>l    Bond  be,  and  herebj  i-  directed,  to  ;i|»|><>int  m 

guard  of    i\  men  to  e  corl    Lad]  Frankland  to  Bo  ton,  with  such  >>i 

Ikt  effei  i    a    thi    Congn  -    have  permitted  her  i"  carry  with  her  |  and 

Col    Bond  i    directed  to  wail  on  Gen,  Thomas,  with  a  copj  of  the  re- 

olve    of  tin    Con   n      n   pe<  ting  I.  idj  Prank] and. 

/'i  olved,  Thai  Mi.  Ez<  kiel  Hill,  <>r  this  town,  I"-  recommended  to 
the  g<  in  ril  of  «nir  colony  army,  iii  order  to  have  inch  aid  as  thej  can 
afford  him,  in  going  into  01  oul  of  I!"  ton,  "i  ending  ome  uitable 
per  -hi  i  here,  \\  hich  appi  ar    to  be  m  in  order  to  of 

In    valuable  effi    i     which,  there  i    n  <  on  to  fear,  w<  re  i  uposed  \>\  i li<- 
late  fire. 

Ordered,  That   Col.  Warren  wait   on  Gen.  Ward,  directing  him  i<> 
attend  thi    Congri       forthwith,  to  receive   hi     commi  jion;  and   a 
'.ii  the  committee  of    afi  ty,  for  a  list  of    uch  colonels  and  other  offi- 
cei     a    the)    hall  reporl  to  be  prepared   for   receiving  their  <- < •  1 1 ■  1 1 > >  - 
ion 

A  letter  from  1 1  *  *  -  committee  of  correspondence    of  Connecticut 
was  read,  respecting  the  tal  ing  of  Ticonderoga  ;  whereupon,  Ordered, 
that  Mi.  Gerry  prepare  an  answer  thereto,  informing  them  what    itepa 
this  Congree    have  taken  relative  to  thai  affair.' 

i 

,  i ill  the 

■ 
I 
holil 

of  II 

I  olo  10  nil  will  wi-li  lo  |in 

tuallj  I 

to  limn    li    i •.  •  .,  lot 

in  »  lilch  I 

u 

::  (III. .1,1    I 


240  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  19, 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Perkins  and  Capt.  Baker  be  added  to  the  com- 
mittee, who  were  appointed  to  inquire  where  the  treasurer  can  borrow 
money. 

Resolved,  That  all  persons  who  may  have  any  goods  or  chattels,  be- 
longing to  Lady  Frankland,  now  in  their  custody,  which  are  not  men- 
tioned in  the  resolve  of  this  Congress  for  allowing  her,  with  certain 
effects  to  go  into  Boston,  be,  and  hereby  are  directed,  to  permit  her  to 
send  them  to  Hopkinton,  or  dispose  of  them  in  any  way  agreeable  to 
her,  not  inconsistent  with  the  resolves  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  steps  may  be  taken  for 
the  relief  of  such  of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  as  come  over  to  Charles- 
town,  &c,  reported;  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Deacon  Cheever,  Col. 
Davis  and  Capt.  Withinton,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  list  of  names 
of  persons  to  fill  up  the  blank  in  said  report. 

Mr.  Gerry  reported  an  answer  to  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence of  Connecticut;  which  was  ["accepted.]1 

Adjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

[Afternoon.] 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Whittemore  and  Major  Bliss,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  representation  made  to  this 
Congress  by  Col.  Warren,  by  desire  of  Gen.  Ward,  of  the  necessity 
there  is,  that  the  army  should  be  immediately  supplied  with  iron  pots, 
as  well  as  an  additional  stock  of  powder,  as  also  for  providing  a  house 
for  the  abode  of  Joseph  Trumbull,  Esq.,  of  Connecticut,  and  another 
for  the  chairman  and  the  other  members  of  the  committee  of  safety. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  revising  the  commissions  of  [the 
committee  of]  safety,  after  being  read  paragraph  by  paragraph,  was 
amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  the  former  Congresses  of  this  colony  have  chosen,  and  by 
divers  resolutions  have  empowered,  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph 
Warren,  Doct.  Benjamin  Church,  Capt.  Benjamin  Church,  Capt.  Ben- 
jamin White,  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  Mr.  Abraham 
Watson,  Jr.,  Mr.  John  Pigeon,  Col.  Azor  Orne,  Nathan  Cushing,  Esq., 
Col.  William  Heath,  Col.  Thomas  Gardner,  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb,  Mr. 
Edward  Durant  and  Mr.  James  Sullivan,  to  be  a  committee  of  safety, 
and  by  virtue  of  the  authority  of  that  office,  on  certain  occasions,  to 
cause  to  be  assembled  the  militia  of  this  colony,  for  the  defence  of  the 
inhabitants  thereof;   and  which  committee  of  safety  are,  by  the  resolu- 

a  [accepted,  and  is  :is  follows,  vi/.j 
(1)  .Mr.  Gerry's  draft  of  on  answer,  never  entered  on  the  record,  is  not  retained  on  the  files  of 

Congress 


177$.]  SECOND    I'KOVI.M  I  M.   ( O.M.KI-  241 

lions  of  paid  congri  mpowered   to  'l'»  several  othei  acts  fot  the 

sei  i  |ce  of  the  colon] ,  as  b)  the  journals  and  record?  of  said 

appear : 

It  is  fii<n/ri(l.  That,  whatever  the  Baid  committee  of  safety,  or  any 
qf  thrin,  have  done  pursuanl  to  the  Baid  resolutions  of  Baid  Con{ 

-hall  be  held  good  and  \alnl:  and  tliat  the  said  inhabitants  of  Baid  col- 
ony sliall    he    held    therein  .  a.-  i  .11    according   to    the    true    intent    and 

meaning  of  Baid  resolutions,  as  according  to  the  Btrict  letter  thereof: 
and,  whereas,  there  appears  to  be  still  a  deficiencj  of  power  in  Baid 
committee,  considering  the  particular  exigencies  of  the  colony,  and  it 

licniL'  ni-i-c— ;ir\  to  ha\c  their  commission  as  concise  and  explicit  as 
possible,  which  can  he  done  only  bj  consolidating  the  powers  intended 
in  the  several  resolutions  of  this,  as  well  as  the  former  congresses,  to 
be  given  them.  It  is,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  all  and  everj  resolution 
now  in  force,  respecting  the  said  committee  of  safety,  shall  be,  and 
herein   are,  repealed,  revoked,  and  rendered  null  and  void. 

And  it  is  also  Resolved,Tha\  [Hon.  John  Hancock, Esq.,  Doct.  Joseph 
Warren,  Doct.  Benjamin  Church,  Capt.  Benjamin  White,  Col.  Joseph 
Palmer,  Mr.  Richard  Downs  -Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Mr.  John  Pigeon, 
Col.  Azor  Orne,  Hon.  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Esq.,  Mr.  Nathan  Gush- 
ing, Doct.  Samuel  Holten,  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,]  be  a  commit- 
tee of  safety  for  this  colony  hereafter,  until  some  further  order  of  this, 
or  some  future  congress  or  house  of  representatives  of  tins  colon? 

shall  revoke  their,  or  either  of  their  appointments. 

And  ii  i-  also  Resolved,  Thai  the  said  committee  of  safety  shall  be, 
and  hereby  are  empowered,  when  they  shall  think  it  necessary,  in  de- 
fence of  the  lives  and  properties  of  the  inhabitants  pf  this  colony,  to 
assemble  auch  and  bo  man)  of  the  militia  thereof,  and  them  '"  dispose 
ami  place  where,  and  detain  so  lon^r,  as  the  Baid  committee  of  safptj 
shall  judge  necessary,  and  to  discharge  said  militia  when  the  safety  of 

this   colony  will    admit  of  it  ;    and    the    officers  of  the   Baid    militia    are 

bereb\  enjoined  to  paj  stripl  obedience  to  the  orders  and  directions 
of  the  said  committee  of  safet] , 

And  it  is  also  Resoled,  That  the  Baid  committee  pf  safety  shall  be, 
and  hereby  are  empowered,  to  direct  the  army  of  tin-  colon]  tO  he 
Stationed  where  the  said  committee  of  safety  Shall  judge  mosl  condu- 
cive to  the  defence  and  service  of  the  colony  :  and  the  general,  and 
other  officers  of  the  army,  are  required  to  render  stricl  obedience 
such  orders  of  said  committee  :  provided  always,  that  it  idiall  he  in 
the  power  of  this,  or  any  future  congress,  to  control  any  Order  of  the 
said  committee  of  Bafety,  respecting  this  or  any  other  matter. 
31 


242  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  19, 

And,  whereas,  the  former  committee  of  safety  were,  by  a  resolve  of 
this  Congress,  empowered  to  nominate  persons  to  this  Congress,  to  be 
commissioned  to  be  officers  in  the  army  now  establishing  for  the  de- 
fence of  this  colony,  and  said  committee  having  already  given  orders 
to  a  number  of  persons,  to  enlist  men  for  that  purpose  :  Resolved,  that 
the  committee  of  safety  now  appointed,  proceed  in  that  matter,  that 
such  officers,  where  the  regiments  are  completed,  may  be  commission- 
ed by  this  Congress ;  and  if  any  regiments  should  be  nearly  completed, 
and  the  officers  thereof  ready  to  be  commissioned,  agreeably  to  the  re- 
solve of  this  Congress,  during  the  time  between  the  dissolution  of  this 
Congress  and  the  meeting  of  the  next,  the  said  committee  shall  have 
power  to  fill  up  and  deliver  out  commissions  to  them,  and  blank  com- 
missions, signed  by  the  president  of  this  Congress,  and  attested  by  the 
secretary,  shall  be  delivered  to  the  said  committee  for  this  purpose. 

And  it  is  also  Resolved,  That  any  five  of  the  said  committee  be  a 
quorum,  with  full  power  to  transact  any  business  which  the  committee, 
by  the  resolves  above,  are  empowered  and  vested  with  authority  to  do. 

Ordered,  That  letters  be  sent  to  the  Hon.  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Esq. 
and  the  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  informing  them  of  their  being 
chosen  members  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  requesting  their  at- 
tendance as  soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Pigeon  be,  and  he  hereby  is  appointed 
and  empowered,  as  a  commissary  for  the  army  of  this  ||acolony,||  to 
draw  from  the  magazines,  which  are  or  may  be  provided  for  that  pur- 
pose, such  provisions  and  other  stores  as,  from  time  to  time,  he  shall 
find  necessary  for  the  army  ;  and  he  is  further  empowered,  to  recom- 
mend to  the  Congress  such  persons  as  shall  be  necessary,  and  as  he 
shall  think  qualified,  to  serve  as  deputy  commissioners  ;  and  said  dep- 
uty commissioners,  when  confirmed  by  the  congress  for  the  time  being, 
shall  have  full  power  to  act  in  said  office,  and  are  to  be  accountable  to 
the  commissary  for  their  doings ;  also,  said  commissary  is  empowered 
to  contract  with,  and  employ,  such  other  persons  to  assist  him  in  exe- 
cuting his  office,  as  shall  be,  by  him,  found  necessary  ;  and  his  con- 
tracts, for  necessaries  to  supply  the  army,  during  the  late  confused 
state  of  the  colony,  shall  be  allowed ;  and  the  committee  of  supplies 
are  hereby  directed  to  examine,  and  if  they  find  them  reasonable,  con- 
sidering the  exigencies  of  the  times,  to  draw  on  the  treasury  for  pay- 
ment of  the  same. 

The  form  of  a  commission  for  Gen,  Ward  was  read,  amended  and 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

a  ||province.|| 


17?.V]  SECOND  PROTON  I  \l.  <  ONOR]  243 

The  Congress ie  Coloot   oi    im.  Massachusetts   B 

To  th  Hon,    Irtemas  Ward,  Esq.-   Oreetii 

We,  reposing  especial  trusl  and  confidence  in  pour  courage  and 
good  conduct,  do,  bj  these  presents,  constitute  and  appoint  jrou,  tin* 
said  Artemas  Ward,  to  be  reneral  and  commander  in  chief  of  all  the 
forces  raised  l>\  the  congress  aforesaid,  for  the  defence  <>\  tin-,  and  the 
other  American  colonii  You  re,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently 
to  discharge  the  duty  of  a  general,  in  leading,  ordering  and  exercising 
the  said  forces  in  arms,  both  inferior  officers  and  Boldiers;  and  to  keep 
them  in  good  order  and  discipline,  and  thej  are  hereby  commanded  t" 
obej  \"n  as  their  genera] ;  and  yon  are  yourself  to  observe  and  follow 
such  orders  and  instructions  as  you  shall,  from  time  t"  time,  receive 
from  this,  or  an\  future  congress  or  house  of  representatives  of  this 
colony,  or  the  committee  of  safet) ,  so  tar  as  the  -aid  committee  is  em- 
powered,  b)  their  commission,  to  order  and  instrucl  you,  for  the  de- 
fence of  this,  and  t lie  other  colonies;  and  to  demean  yourself  accord- 
ing to  the  military  rules  and  discipline  established  by  Congress,  in  pur- 
suance of  the  trust  reposed  in  you. 

,  the        of        A.  D.,  17:.V 

By  order  of  Congre.-- 

Pn  sident  />rn  ttmpori 
Si  crt  tary  pro  t<  iii[><>n  . 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster,  Capt.  Stone  and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  get  the  depositions,  and  narrative  of  the  late  excursion  of  the 
king's  troop-  to  Concord,  printed   in  a  pamphlet,  on  the  best   terms 

the)  can;  and  thai  they  forward  one  pamphlet  to  each  town  and  dis- 
trict m  the  colony. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  a  blank  left  in  the  commissions,  to  be  given 
the  officers  of  the  several  regiments  of  the  colony  army,  for  the  rank 
of  the  regiment,  and  thai  [blank]  be  a  committee  to 

settle   the   ranks  of  the  regiments,  when  the  regiments  arc  completed 

Resolved, Thai  the -ame  committee  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve, 
settling  the  rank  or  number  of  the  regiments,  according  to  the  rank 
or  ace  of  the  counties  from  whence  the  majority  of  the  regiments  shall 

come. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  rank  of  the  regiments,  where  there  are  more 
than  one  m  each  county,  be  according  to  the  rank  which  those  regi- 
ments have  formerly  sustained  in  the  old  arrangement  from  which 
they  are  taken,  provided  that  can  be  ascertained,  and  where  thai  can- 
not be  determined,  the  rank  to  be  determined  by  lot 


244  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  20, 

Resolved,  That  the  commissions  be  all  of  one  date,  and  that  the 
rank  of  the  officers  be  determined  by  this  Congress,  or  by  a  committee 
from  this  Congress,  at  some  future  time. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Samuel  Gerrish  have  a  commission  for  a  colonel 
in  the  army,  and  that  the  oath  be  administered  to  him  by  Mr.  Gardner, 
the  receiver  general. 

[aAlso,  that  commissions,  as  captains,  issue  for  Richard  Dodge, 
Jacob  Gerrish,  William  Rogers,]  to  bear  date  the  19th  of  May. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

[Saturday,]  May  20,  1775,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster,  Doct.  Holten  and  Major  Brooks,  be  a 
committee  to  confer  with  Mr.  Revere,  respecting  his  proposal  for  an 
alteration  in  the  value  of  the  colony  notes,  which  have  been  ordered  to 
be  struck  off. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thurston,  Esquire  Aikin  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  petition  from  a  number  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Deer  Island.1 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  case  of  the  prisoners  in 
Boston,  and  the  inhabitants  which  are  there  kept  in  duress,  reported ; 
the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress  did,  on  the  30th  of  April  last,  pass  a  re- 
solve for  permitting  such  inhabitants  of  the  colony  to  remove  into 
Boston,  with    their    effects,   fire   arms   and   ammunition   excepted,   as 

a  [Also  that  captain's  commission  for  Richard  Dodge  ;  do.  Jacob  Gerrish  ;  do.  William  Rogers; 
commissions  to  bear  date  the  19th  of  May.] 

(1)  The  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Deer  Island,  corresponds  in  the  representations  of  distress, 
with  those  coming  from  many  of  the  towns  of  the  eastern  coast.  It  was  subscribed  by  Nathan 
Dow,  Robert  Nason,  Francis  Haskell,  Samuel  Haynes,  Courtney  Babidge,  Isaiah  Crockett  and 
Thomas  Thompson,  and  is  almost  a  solitary  exception  to  the  general  correctness  with  which  the 
memorials  to  the  Provincial  Congress  were  drawn.  The  inartificial  construction  and  simplicity  of 
ljnguage,  render  the  description  of  want  and  embarrassment  more  vivid  : 

"  DEER  ISLAND,  in  the  county  of  Lincoln. 

"  To  the  honored  gentlemen  of  tlie  Provincial  Congress: 

"SIRS  : — We,  who  are  the  committee  of  this  town,  do  desire  to  make  our  complaint  unto  you, 
and  will  inform  yon  in  what  poor  circumstances  we  are  at  this  time:  and  would  beg  your  assist- 
ance, as  we  are  without  powder  and  ball,  and  [have]  no  way  to  get  any,  as  our  wood  and  lumber 
will  not  sell  at  any  price  ;  and,  gentlemen,  we  are  in  great  want  for  corn  and  pork,  and  shall  suffer, 
unless  we  have  help  from  you,  and  unless  the  ports  are  opened  and  trade  goes  on.  And,  gentlemen, 
if  you  will  be  so  kind  unto  us  as  to  help  us,  we  will  make  you  full  satisfaction  for  the  same,  when 
we  can  sell  our  lumber.  We  would  inform  you,  that  there  are  on  this  island  about,  three  hundred 
souls,  and  we  beg  you  would  consider  in  what  poor  condition  we  must  be.  Gentlemen  :  we  can't 
purchase  corn  nor  pork  at  any  rate  whatsoever :  and  we  hope,  that  your  love  and  regard  for  your 
brethren  and  true  sons  of  liberty,  will  send  us  speedy  relief.  And,  gentlemen,  in  complying  with 
the  above,  you  will  greatly  oblige  your  humble  servants," 

May   11,  1775. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINt  I  AL  CONQRE8S. 

should  incline  thereto,  it  being  in  consequence  of  genera]  Gage's  prom- 
ise to  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  that,  upon  resigning  their  arm-  and 
ammunition,  they  should  have  liberty  to  remove  from   said  town  with 

their  effects:  and,  whereas,  but  a  small  proportion  of  the  .said  inhabit- 
ants of  Boston  have  been,  hitherto,  permitted  to  leave  the  town,  and 

those  only  to  bring  their  clothing  and  household  furniture,  they  heing 
constrained  to  leave  their  proi  isiona  and  all  their  other  effects;  therefore, 
Resolved,  thai  Gen.  Ward  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed,  to  order  the 
guards,  in  future,  not  to  sutler  any  provisions  <>r  effects,  excepting  fur- 
niture and  clothing,  to  be  carried  into  the  town  of  Bo-ton,  -o  b>n<j  as 
the  said  general  Gage  shall  Buffer  the  persons  or  effects  of  the  inhabit- 
ants of  said  town,  contrary  to  his  plighted  faith,  to  be  restrained. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Mr.  Revere,  brought  in  the 
following  resolves,  which  were  accepted,  and  the  secretary  [was]  direct- 
ed to  erase  from   the  minutes  the  resolve  which  passed  this  Cong 
for  issuing  colony  notes  of  ten  shillings  each. 

Whereas,  this  Congress  did,  on  the  fourth  day  of  this  instant  May, 
pass  a  resolve  in  the  following  form,  viz.:  Resolved,  that  each  non- 
commissioned officer  and  private  soldier,  who  has,  or  shall  enlisl  him- 
self into  the  service  of  this  colony,  shall  have  twenty  shillings  paid 
him,  out  of  the  receiver  general's  office,  as  advance  pay:  and  that  the 
commanding  officer  of  each  regiment,  who  shall  he.  and  herebj  is,  em- 
powered to  act  as  muster  master  to  In-  -aid  regiment,  shall  draw  from 
the  receiver  general's  office  the  sum  of  twent]  shillings,  for  each  uon- 
commissioned  officer  and  pri\  ate  soldier  in  his  said  regiment,  ami  pay  the 
same  according  to  the  tenor  of  tin-  resolve,  a-  soon  as  said  men  have 
enlisted  themselves  and  been  duly  -worn,  and  give  his  bond,  with  suffi- 
cient sureties,  to  the  receiver  general  therefor;  -aid  bond  to  he  dis- 
charged by  a  receipt  produced  by  said  officer,  from  each  non-commis- 
sioned officer  and  private  soldier,  that  he  ha-  received  the  same  : 

And,  whereas,  this  Congress  have,  by  a  suh-equent  resolve,  super- 
seded the  appointment  of  the  muster  masters  aforementioned,  and  di- 
rected that  Col.  Benjamin  Lincoln  and  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb  he  ap- 
pointed muster  masters  in  the  Massachusetts  army,  whose  business  it 
shall  be  to  pass  muster  on  every  soldier  that  should  he  enlisted  into 
the  said  army,  and  by  no  means  to  accept  of  an\  but  such  as  are  able 
bodied  and  effective  men,  ami  also  to  examine  their  arms  ami  accou- 
trements, &,c,  [to  ascertain]  that  they  are  in  proper  order;  and  said 
muster  masters  are  thereby  directed  and  empowered  to  receive  from 
Henry  Gardner,  Es<|.,  receiver  general,  twent}  shillings,  lawful  m< 

for  each  and  every  non-eommissioned  officer  and  private  soldier  then 


246  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  20, 

mustered  and  sworn,  as  shall  appear  with  arms,  &c,  and  shall  give 
bond  to  said  receiver  general,  with  sufficient  sureties,  for  such  moneys 
drawn  out  of  the  treasury,  and  shall  forthwith  pay  out  said  sum  of 
twenty  shillings,  advance  pay,  to  each  and  every  non-commissioned 
officer  and  private  soldier,  and  on  producing  receipts  from  them  to 
said  receiver  general,  said  bonds  shall  be  cancelled  :  and,  whereas,  it 
is  found  that  sufficient  ready  cash  cannot  be  obtained  so  soon  as  it  will 
be  needed  for  the  purpose  aforesaid  ; 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  pri- 
vate soldier  aforesaid,  if  he  will  accept  the  same,  shall,  instead  of 
twenty  shillings  advance  pay,  upon  the  muster  aforesaid,  receive  forty 
shillings  advance  pay,  in  three  notes  on  interest,  from  the  receiver  gen- 
eral, to  be  paid  in  one  year  from  the  date  of  said  notes  ;  and  that  for 
all  such  sums  as  the  said  Col.  Lincoln  and  Col.  Whitcomb  shall  re- 
ceive of  the  receiver  general,  in  notes  aforesaid,  they  give  bonds,  and 
that  such  bonds  be  discharged  by  receipts,  as  in  and  by  the  last  men- 
tioned resolve  is  directed. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Major  Ilawley,  Gen.  Whitcomb,  Mr. 
Gerry,  Col.  Palmer,  Col.  Lincoln  and  Col.  Foster,  be  a  committee  to 
consider  what  measures  are  proper  to  be  taken  for  organizing  the  Mas- 
sachusetts army  in  the  most  effectual  and  ready  manner. 

Resolved,  That  for  the  payment  of  advance  pay  to  the  Massachu- 
setts army,  there  be  issued  by  the  receiver  general,  on  the  credit  of 
this  colony,  a  sum  not  exceeding  twenty-six  thousand  pounds,  lawful 
money,  in  notes  of  the  following  denominations,  viz.  :  of  twenty  shil- 
lings, of  eighteen,  sixteen,  fifteen,  fourteen,  twelve,  ten,  nine,  and  of 
six  shillings  :  to  be  four  thousand,  three  hundred,  and  thirty-three,  of 
each  denomination,  and  no  more;  and  to  be  of  the  form  following,  viz.: 

Colony  of  the  Massachusetts   Bay. 
No.  May  25,  1775. 

The  possessor  of  this  note  shall  be  entitled  to  receive,  out  of  the 
public  treasury  of  this  colony,  the  sum  of  shillings,  lawful 

money,  on  the  twenty-fifth  day  of  May,  A.  D.,  1770,  with  interest,  at 
the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum  ;  and  this  note  shall  be  received  in 
all  payments  at  the  treasury,  at  any  time  after  the  date  hereof,  for  the 
principal  sum,  without  interest,  if  so  paid  before  the  said  25th  day  of 
May,  A.  D.,  1776 

Receiver  General. 

Which  notes  shall   be  received  in  all  payments  in  this  colony,  and  no 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  ji; 

discount  or  abatemenl  shall  be  made  thereon,  in  am  payment, ti 
exchange  \\  hal 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  practicability  ol  providing 
chaplains  for  th<-  army,  reported;  the  report  was  read,  and  recommit- 
ted. 

The  petition  of  Benjamin  Thompson  to  the  committee  ol   safi 
was  re-id.  .Hid  ordered  to  subside.1 

Idjourned  to  three  o'clock,  P.  M 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  practicability 
of  providing  chaplains,  was  again  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  foU< 

Whereas,  it  i-  accessary  that  chaplains  Bhould  be  appointed  in  the 
M   ssachusetts  army,  under  the  command  of  the   Hon.  Artemas  Ward, 
Esq.,  which,  if  appointed,  on  th<-  establishment  made  b)  this  Congn  ss 
will  greatly  enhance  the  colon)  debt  ;  and,  whereas,  it  bas  been  r< 
sented  to  this  Congress,  that  Beveral   ministers  of  the  religious   assem- 
blies within  this  colony,  have  expressed  their  willingness  to  attend  the 
army  aforesaid,  in  the  capacity  of  chaplains,  as  the)  may  be  din 
by  this  Congress;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be,  and  it   ie 
commended,  to  the  ministers  of  the  BeveraJ  religious  assemblies  within 
tin-  colony,  that,  with   the  leave  of  their  several   cone 
attend   said  army   in   th<-ir   several      turns,     t"  the   numl  ihir- 

teen   at   one  time,  during   the  time  the   army  shall  be  encamped,  and 
that  they  make  known   their   resolutions,  to  thi  Congress,  thereon 
to  the  committee  of  e      I  >on  as  m 

R<  olved  unanimously,  that   the  president   be  desired  to  deliver  to 
Gen.  Ward,  th<-  commission  prepared  tor  him  by  thi   I 
era!  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  Mass  i  h  .-■  tts  Fori 

Ordered,  That  -Major  Brooks,  Col.  Mitchell,  Esquire   R         •     Es- 
quire Dix  and  Major  Blis3,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  prisoner  at 
the  door,  brought  from  head  quarters,  and   report   some  order  to 
taken  t hereon. 

The  president  communicated  to  the  Congress  the  request  of  thi 
lectmen  of  Boston,  that  the  Congri  ss  would  permit  Mr.  Hall  to  carry 

p  tr 
om,  upon  th,t 

DO  bin  :   | 

consideration,  and  afford  bin  a  full  and  fair  trial,  and  an  lion 


248  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  20, 

two  loads  of  hay  into  Boston,  one  for  himself  and  one  for  another  per- 
son, (lieutenant  governor  Oliver;)  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  the  mes- 
senger in  waiting  ||for  an  answer||  be  dismissed. 

Resolved,  That  only  the  colonels  of  each  regiment  should  attend 
this  Congress  to  receive  their  commissions,  unless  they  should  be  in- 
disposed, or  otherwise  necessarily  prevented :  in  which  case,  the  next 
field  officer  may  apply  for  his  commission,  and  commissions  for  the  in- 
ferior officers  in  his  regiment. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter  having,  by  order  of  Congress,  administered 
the  oath  to  Gen.  Ward,  his  commission  was  delivered  to  him  by  the 
president. 

The  following  commissions  were  likewise  delivered,  viz. :  to  Thom- 
as Cogswell,  John  Wood,  captains,  under  the  command  of  Col.  Ger- 
rish;  Ephraim  Doolittle,  colonel ;  Ebenezer  Learned,  colonel;  Joseph 
Reed,  colonel ;  James  Bricket,  lieutenant  colonel,  under  Col.  James 
Fry ;  Calvin  Smith,  major,  under  Col.  Joseph  Reed ;  Danforth  Keyes, 
lieutenant  colonel,  Jonathan  Holman,  major,  under  Col.  Ebenezer 
Learned:  Ebenezer  Clap,  lieutenant  colonel,  under  Col.  Joseph  Reed. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  the  captains  of  Col. 
Fry's  regiment,  agreeably  to  a  list  exhibited. 

Resolved,  That  nine  o'clock,  next  Tuesday  morning,  be  assigned 
for  taking  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  giving  lieutenants' 
commissions  to  the  subaltern  officers. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock,  next  Tuesday  afternoon,  be  assigned 
to  consider  a  motion  made  by  Col.  Doolittle,  for  appointing  a  muster 
master  for  the  enlisted  companies  at  Northfield. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  and  Esquire  Dix,  be  a  committee  to 
procure  a  guard  over  the  prisoners  ||brought||  from  head  quarters, 
and  that  the  guard  who  conducted  them  from  thence  be  now  re- 
leased. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  afternoon  at  four  o'clock. 

Sunday,  May  21,  1775,  A.  M. 

Met  at  four  o'clock,  and  adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning,  eight 
o'clock.1 

(1)  From  this  date  until  the  dissolution  of  the  second  Provincial  Congress,  no  journal  of  the  pro- 
ceedings is  preserved.  The  fragments  on  the  following  pages,  have  been  gathered  from  the  papers 
on  the  files,  from  the  copies  of  resolves  certified  to  be  correct  by  -Mr.  Secretary  Freeman,  and  from 
authorized  publications  in  the  prints  of  the  times.  These  relii  a  afford  a  very  imperfect  history  of 
the  doings  of  the  Congress  during  the  last  eight  days  of  its  existence,  and  excite  deep  regret  for  tho 
loss  of  the  record,  which,  it  is  probable,  from  the  evidence  nff'orded  by  the  volumes  preserved,  wan 
never  entered  in  regular  form  by  the  clerk. 


1775  SECOND   PRo\  |\<  |.\L  ci  NQRE88 

Mohday,  M       22    ITi 

[The  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  inhabitants  ol  I'  i  [aland, 
reported  as  follow  b,  \  iz.  :] 

[The  committee  on  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of 
M  [si and,  so  called,  in  the  county  of  Lincoln,  beg  leave  to  report, 
that  they  have  made  inquiry  of  the  bearer  of  the  petition,  Major  Low, 
and  timl  th.it  the  people  there  are  greatly  in  want  of  provisions,  and 
ou flit  to  be  relieved:  Inn  whether  it  will  be  besl  to  remove  them  from 
the  island,  or  to  supply  them  with  150  bushels  of  corn,  100  bushels  of 
toes,  2  barrels  of  pork,  20  cod  lines,  with  leads  and  hooks,  and  a 
Bmall  quantity  of  salt,  we  submil  t<>  the  Cougri 

[Ordered,  Tli at  the  consideration  of  this  report  !»<•  deferred  until 
there  is  a  fuller  house,  I 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  measures  should  be 
adopted  in  relation  to  the  estates  of  persons  unfriendl)  to  the  country, 
reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 
published  in  the  newspapers  printed  in  Cambridge  and  Salem  :] 

\\  hereas,  a  number  of  men,  some  of  whom  have,  in  times  past,  by 
the  good  people  of  this  pro\  in. c,  been  raised  to  the  highest  places  of 
honor   and   trust,   have   become   inimical  to  this  colony;    and    mere- 
l\   on    principles   of  avarice    have,   iii    conjunction    with    thi 
Hutchinson,  been  trying  to  reduce  all  Amen. -a  to  the  most  abject  Btate 
ol*  slavery:  and  as  well  to  avoid  the  jusl  indignation  of  the  peopli 
to  pursue  their  diabolical  plans,  have  fled  to  Boston,  and  other  pi 
for  r.  fu§ 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  those  persons,  among  whom  are  the 
mandamus  counsellors,  are  guilt)  of  Buch  atrocious  and  unnatural 
crimes  againsl  their  country,  that  every  friend  to  mankind  ought  to 
forsake  and  detest  them,  until  thej  -hall  give  evidence  of  a  sincere  re- 
pentance, b)  actions  worthy  of  men  and  christians;  and  that  no  per- 
son within  this  colony  shall  take  any  deed,  lease,  or  conveyance  what- 
ever, of  the  lands,  houses,  oi  estates  of  such  persons.  And  it  is  here- 
bj  recommended  to  the  committee  of  inspection,  in  ever)  town  in 
this  colony,  to  see  this  resolve  full)  enforced,  unless  in  such  c 
the  < ' . .  n  j  i  ■  ■  -  -  shall  otherwise  direct.] 

\  letter  was  received  from  Gen.  Ward,  recommending  that  the  ord- 
e,  arm-  ami   ammunition,  mentioned  in  the  following  list,  be  im- 
mediatel)  procured,  and  sent   to   head  quarters,  lor  the  supply  of  the 
army  of  M  assachusetts  :] 

'    -lour  pounders,  and    if  that    number  of  cannon  cannot  be 


250  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  22, 

obtained,  that  the  weight  of  metal  be  made  up  with  eighteen  pounders, 
double  fortified:  10  twelve  pounders:  18  nine  pounders:  21,600 
pounds  of  powder,  and  80  balls  for  each  gun  :  1500  stands  of  arms  : 
20,000  pounds  of  musket  powder  :  40,000  pounds  of  lead  :  1700  iron 
pots  :] 

[Ordered,  That  the  letter  be  referred  to  the  committee  of  safety.] 

[The  Congress  having  requested  the  Rev.  Doct.  Langdon  to  deliver 
a  sermon  before  the  next  Massachusetts  Congress,  at  their  meeting  in 
Watertown,  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  this  month,  and  he  having  sig- 
nified that  he  will  comply  with  such  request :] 

[Resolved,  That  it  is  the  desire  of  this  Congress,  that  the  reverend 
ministers  of  the  gospel  in  this  colony,  would  assemble  at  that  time, 
agreeably  to  their  ancient  custom,  and  hold  a  convention  as  usual,  if 
they  think  proper  :  as,  in  the  opinion  of  this  Congress,  the  cause  of 
religion,  and  the  political  interest  of  this  colony,  may  be  served  by 
such  meeting.] 

[Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  directed  to  cause  the  foregoing  res- 
olution to  be  published  in  the  newspapers,  as  soon  as  may  be.] 

[A  letter  was  received  from  the  committee  of  safety,  inclosing  a 
communication  from  Col.  Benedict  Arnold,  giving  information  of  the 
surrender  of  Ticonderoga.]1 

[Ordered,  That  the  following  letter  to  Col.  Arnold,  reported  by  a 
committee,  be  accepted,  signed  by  the  secretary,  and  forwarded  in  the 
name  and  behalf  of  this  Congress,  as  soon  as  may  be.] 

[Sir  : — This  Congress  have  this  day  received  your  letter  of  the  "11th 
instant,  informing  the  committee  of  safety  of  the  reduction  of  the  fort 
at  Ticonderoga,  with  its  dependencies,  which  was  laid  before  this  Con- 
gress by  said  committee.  We  applaud  the  conduct  of  the  troops,  and 
esteem  it  a  very  valuable  acquisition.] 

[We  thank  you  for  your  exertions  in  the  cause,  and  considering  the 
situation  of  this  colony  at  this  time,  having  a  formidable  army  in  the 
heart  of  it,  whose  motions  must  be  constantly  attended  to ;  and  as  the 
affairs  of  that  expedition  began  in  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  and  the 
cause  being  common  to  us  all,  we  have  already  written  to  the  general 
assembly  of  that  colony,  to  take  the  whole  matter  respecting  the  same 
under  their  care  and  direction,  until  the  advice  of  the  Continental 
Congress  can  be  had  in  that  behalf,  a  copy  of  which  letter  we  now  en- 
close you.] 

[The  president  communicated  the  following  letter  from  the  Hon- 
James  Russell,  commissioner  of  imposts  :] 

(1)  The  letters  of  I  ol.   Vrnold  will  uo  found  in  the  Appendix. 


1775.]  SECOND  PRO\  IN(  IAL  i  ONGRESS 

[Ch  irlestow  \.    Way   19th,   17 

'/'a  .lo-i  i'ii    Warren,   Esq.,    President   of  (In    Provincial  0 
Sir  :  —  I  yesterday,  bj  Mij«>r  Fuller.  Mi    rVhittemore  and  Mr    B 
ived  a  resolve  of  the  Congress,  appointing  them  a  committee  to 
mm  me,  to  know  whether  1  have  an]  of  the  public  moneys  in  mj  bands; 
in  answer  thereto,  I  would  desire   you,  Sir,  to  inform  the   Provin 

Congress,  thai   the  lighl   i ley,  for  several   years  past,  since  the  m- 

crease  -,t'  light  houses,  and   more  especi  dlj  since  tl bstructione  of 

the  last  year  upon  our  trade,  has  uot  been  sufficient  to  defraj  thi 
pense  of  said  bouses;  and  I  have,  consequently,  been  under  a  necessi- 
ty to  apply  the  money  arising  from  the  impost  for  that  purp  Ever 
since  I  received  the  favors  of  my  countrj  in  being  chosen  to  the  im- 
post office,  I  have  done  all  in  mj  power  to  discharge  my  duty  therein, 
to  their  satisfaction.  The  means  of  procuring  oil,  by  the  unhappy 
and  increasing  troubles  of  our  country,  appearing  \  try  uncertain  and 
precarious,  I  have  endeavored  to  purchase  as  large  a  stock  as  I  could  ; 
and  as  tin'  impost  bill  expired  on  the  tir-i  of  .March  last,  the  public 
moneys  1  have  in  my  hands,  will  not  be  more  than  sufficient  to  enable 
me  to  pay   for  the  oil   contracted   for,  to  complete  the  stock   for  the 

present  year. 

I  am  your  most  humble  sen  ant, 

James   Russell.] 

[ Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Hale  and  Mr.  Kol lock,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  the  foregoing  letter  into  consideration,  and,  in  particu- 
lar, to  inquire  into  Mr  Russell's  right  of  making  the  contract  therein 
mentioned,  and  the  circumstances  of  it,  and  report  as  soon  as  maybe.] 

Tuesday,   Ma\   33,   177.".. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  Brownfield, 
reported,  that  they  find  by  the  bearer  of  the  letter,  that  the  inhabitants 
have  -Mine  arms,  powder,  &<■  .  and   are  not   in  immediate  danger, 

cepl  tr indians,  who  are  friendly  at  present  ;  and  the  state  of  our 

affairs  calls  for  such  large  supplies,  that  the   consideration  of  their  re- 
quest should  be  deterred  till  the  sitting  of  the  nexl  Congri 

rhe  report   was  accepted,  and   Mr,  Israel   Hobart  was  directed  to 
inform  the  hearer  of  the  letter  of  the  action  of  the  Congress  thereon  : 

[The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  r<  spectlng  the  d< 
redations  of  the  British  troops  on  the  islands  and  sea  coasts,  i 
as  follows   i 


252  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  23, 

[Whereas,  the  forces  under  the  command  of  general  Gage  and  ad- 
miral Graves,  are  frequently  plundering  and  making  depredations  on 
the  islands  and  sea  coasts  of  this  province,  from  whence  they  plunder 
or  purchase  hay,  cattle,  sheep,  and  many  other  things,  to  the  injury, 
not  only  of  individuals  but  also  to  the  great  damage  of  the  public,  and 
thus  strengthen  the  hands  of  our  enemies :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  towns 
and  districts  on  the  sea  coasts  of  this  colony,  and  to  all  those  persons 
living  on  the  several  islands  on  said  coasts,  that  they  remove  their  hay, 
cattle,  sheep,  &c,  that  are  exposed  to  those  ravages,  and  cannot  be 
sufficiently  guarded,  so  far  into  the  country  as  to  be  out  of  the  way  of 
those  implacable  enemies  to  this  people.  Also,  that  it  be  recommend- 
ed to  the  committees  of  correspondence  in  each  town  and  district,  and 
to  the  selectmen  where  no  such  committee  is  chosen,  that  they  take 
effectual  care  that  this  resolve  be  immediately  and  strictly  put  into  ex- 
ecution, and  that  all  persons  who  refuse  to  comply  with  the  aforegoing 
resolve,  shall  be  held  as  incorrigible  enemies  to  the  rights  and  liberties 
of  this  country.] 

[This  report  being  read  and  amended,  Ordered,  That  the  further 
consideration  thereof  be  referred  to  the  next  Provincial  Congress.] 

[Whereas,  Edward  How  hath  been  brought  before  this  Congress, 
and  charged  with  crimes  committed  in  the  camp,  and  as  this  Congress 
do  adjudge  the  head  quarters  of  the  army  to  be  the  most  suitable  and 
proper  place  to  try  the  said  Edward,  and  determine  what  is  adequate 
to  his  demerits  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  said  Edward  How,  be  sent  under  a 
guard  to  head  quarters,  and  that  he  be  there  dealt  with  as  the  nature 
of  his  offence  doth  require.] 

[Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  be  directed  to  see  that  said  How  is 
sent  to  head  quarters,  with  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  resolve.] 

[Whereas,  Thomas  Nichols,  a  negro  man,  hath  been  brought  before 
this  Congress,  and  there  being  no  evidence  to  prove  any  matters  or 
things  alleged  against  him  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  said  Thomas  be  sent  to  the  town  or 
district  where  he  belongs,  and  that  the  committee  of  correspondence, 
or  selectmen  of  said  town  or  district,  take  such  care  of  the  said 
Thomas,  that  he  may  be  dealt  with  as  they,  in  their  judgment,  shall 
think  proper.] 

[Ordered,  That  Capt.  Kingsbury  be  directed  to  appoint  some  per- 
sons to  conduct  the  abovementioned  negro  to  Natick,  agreeably  to  the 
foregoing  resolve.] 


1775.]  SECOND  PRO\  [NCI  \l.  (  I  INGRESS 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  further  measun 
accessary  t"  be  taken  i"r  the  organization  "t  tli<-  array,  presented  their 
report,  which  was  read,  accepted,  and  ia  as  folio 

[The  committee  appointed  on  the  "-<>th  of  May  current,  to  consider 
what  further  orders  are  Decessarj  to  be  taken  and  passed,  thai  the 
army  mm  raising  b)  this  province,  for  the  necessary  defence  thereof, 
m;i\  be  effectually  officered  and  organized,  have  attended  that  servi< 
;iinl  beg  leave  i<>  report,  that  the)  are  hui  bly  of  opinion,  that,  for  the 
cud  aforesaid,  it  is  necessar)  that,  over  and  above  the  general  alread] 
appointed  t'<>r  the  said  army,  and  commissioned  by  Congress,  the  fol- 
lowing officers,  not  vet  ordered  by  Congress,  should  I"-  chosen  and 
commissioned,   to  wit:    one  lieutenant  general,  tw>  major   generals, 

ir  brigadiers  generals,  two  adjutants  generals,  and  two  quarter  m 
generals;  and  that  this  Congress,  before  they  shall  rise,  and 
as  soon  as  shall  be  convenient,  proceed  to  choose  and  commission 
such  lieutenant  general;  but  thai  the  choice  of  the  resl  of  the  <>i]i<-crs 
above  specified,  should  be  referred  to  the  beginning  of  the  firsl  session 
of  the  nexl  ( longress  ;  and  they  beg  leave  to  subjoin,  as  their  opinion, 
that  it  will  be  proper  that  such  brigadiers  general  should  be  chosen 
and  taken,  of  and  from  among  the  colonels,  who  may  be  commission- 
ed by  ( longress. 

All  which  is  humbly  submitted  by  your  committee,  who  ask  leave  to 

-it  again. 

Josi  i'ii  1 1  im  i  i  \ .  /"  r  ordt  r.] 

\\  EDNESDAY,    Ma\    24,     177.".. 

[Ebenezer  Cutler,  of  Northl >ugh,  having   been   broughl    before 

this  Congress,  on  complainl  of  sundry  persons,  for  uttering  sundry  ex- 
pressions against  the  liberties  of  the  good  people  of  this  colony,  and 
the  same  having  been  inquired  of  by  a  committee,  who  reported, 
among  other  matters,  thai  all  the  expressions  of  which  he  is  accus< 
were  uttered  some  time  ago,  and  thai  the  said  Ebenezer  had  requested 
that  he  mighl  have  the  same  privilege  of  going  into  the  town  of  B 
ton,  without  his  effects,  as  other  persons  have,  byi  the  order  of  Con- 
's 0 

[The   reporl   was  accepted,  and  it  was  thereupon  Resolved,  thai  he 

ha\r  liberty  for  so  doing.  ] 

Mr.  Gerry,  from  the  committee  t<>  consider   the   propriety   of  ap- 
pointing Bome  additional  armourers,  reported  as  follows,  viz.  : 

[Resolved,  Thai  the  committee  of  supplies   be  empowered  and  di- 
rected  to   appoint   such   and   so  many  armourers,  in  addition  to  th 


254  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  24, 

already  appointed,  as  may  be  wanted  by  the  army  of  this  colony  ;  pro- 
vided the  whole  number,  including  those  already  appointed,  shall  not 
exceed  fifteen,  and  that  the  said  armourers,  as  also  those  already  ap- 
pointed by  the  committee  of  safety,  shall  each  receive  four  pounds  per 
month,  and  be  entitled  to  billeting  as  soldiers,  they  providing  their 
own  tools  ;  and  the  said  armourers  are  hereby  directed  to  keep  true 
accounts  of  the  expense  of  repairing  the  fire  arms  of  the  soldiers,  to 
qualify  them  to  pass  muster.  And  the  committee  of  supplies  are  here- 
by empowered  and  directed  to  discharge  such  armourers  as  are  or  may 
hereafter  be  appointed,  when  they  shall  think  it  for  the  interest  of  the 
colony  so  to  do.] 

[The  report  being  read  and  amended,  Ordered,  that  Mr.  Whitte- 
more,  Capt.  Dvvight  and  Mr.  Kollock,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a 
resolve  for  the  appointment  of  a  number  of  armourers  as  aforesaid, 
and  for  the  establishment  of  their  pay.] 

[It  being  made  to  appear  to  this  Congress,  that  the  major  part  of  the 
committee,  appointed  to  effect  the  removal  of  the  poor  of  the  town  of 
Boston,  to  the  place  to  which  they  are  destined,  are  removed  out  of 
the  towns  of  Charlestown  and  Roxbury  to  which  they  belonged  ;  Re- 
solved, that  Messrs.  Isaac  Foster,  Nathaniel  Gorham,  Edward  Good- 
win, John  Frothingham,  Joseph  Hopkins,  Col.  Joseph  Williams,  Mr. 
Nathaniel  Patten,  Mr.  Lewis  Fay,  Mr.  James  Bridge,  Jr.,  Major  Na- 
thaniel Ruggles,  Mr.  Noah  Brown,  Mr.  William  Gridley,  or  any  three 
of  them,  being  present,  be  a  committee  for  all  the  purposes,  and  with 
all  the  powers,  to  which  the  said  committee  were  appointed.] 

[And  it  being  also  made  to  appear,  that  said  committee  cannot  pro- 
ceed unless  further  provision  be  made  in  that  behalf;  therefore,  Re- 
solved, that  said  committee,  or  any  three  of  them,  shall  have  full  power 
to  procure,  upon  the  credit  of  this  colony,  in  the  most  frugal  manner, 
as  much  provision  as  tiny  shall  find  necessary  to  support  those  poor 
persons  to  the  places  of  their  destination  ;  and  the  said  committee  are 
further  empowered  to  procure  teams  to  carry  such  persons  and  their 
effects  to  those  places,  and  if  such  teams  cannot  be  hired,  to  impress 
them  for  that  service,  and  all  the  charges  arising  by  the  measures  be- 
fore directed,  shall  be  paid  out  of  the  donations  to  the  poor  of  said 
town  of  Boston,  now  in  the  hands  of  the  committee  who  were  ap- 
pointed to  receive  and  dispose  thereof;  and  if  that  should  be  insuffi- 
cient, the  remainder  shall  be  paid  by  this  colony ;  and  the  committee 
hereby  appointed  to  the  service  aforesaid,  are  hereby  directed  to  lay 
before  the  next  Congress,  an  account  of  the  charges  arising  in  pursu- 


177.-,.]  SECOND  PRO\  l\<  I  \l.  C(  INGRESS 

ance  of  the  above  commission,  th  i  whatever  -hull  appear   in!.. 
onable  and  just,  maj  be  liquidated  and  allowed.]1 

[Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Joseph  Cushing,  Mr.   Ellis  and   Mr.  I 
a  committee  t<>  till  up  and  deliver  to  the  colonels  of  each  regiment, 

th-  .• missions  lor  the  officers  of  their   respective  regiments,  when 

Baid  committee  shall  be  notified,  bj  tl  of  this  Congress*,  that 

the  Congress  have  approved  of  the  persons  to  be  commissioned;  and 
thai   blank  commissions  be  put  in  the  hai   Is  of  -ml  committee,  prop- 
erly authenticated,  foi  thai  purpose;  and  thai  when  said  commie 
are  filled  up,  they  be  delivered   b)  said  committee  to  the  colonel,  on 
his  applying  for  the  same,  he  engagin  he  will   n< >t   deliver  Buch 

missions  to  the  respective  officers,  until  they  shall  have  taken  the 
oath  appointed  to  be  taken  bj  them,  by  order  of  this  Congress  ;  and 
thai  William   Holden,  Esq.,  be  appointed  to  administer  the  oath  t<>  the 

officers  stati id   it  Hoxbury,  and  James  Prescott,  Esq.,  be  appointed 

to  administer  the  •  >.it  1 1  to  the  offii  tioned  al  Carabridg 

[The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  inhabitants 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  relative  to  an  issue  of  uotes  by  said  colony, 
reported.    The  address  was  read  and  accepted,  and  1-  as  follows, viz. :] 

[To  the  Inhabitants  of  tht  Massachusetts  Bay:] 
[Friends    \\i>    Fellow    Countrymen: — With    greal    -  lion 

we  bear  public  testimony  of  your  disposition  to  serve  the  glorious 
e  in  which  America  is  now  engaged,  evidenced  bj  youi  readiness 
to  supply,  "ii  the  credit  of  the  colony,  many  necessary  articles  for  the 
iim •  of  the  army,  and  in  various  other  ways;  In  which  you  have  given 
convincing  proof-  thai  you  are  heartilj  disposed  to  maintain  the  public 
liberty.] 

[The  cause,  we  have  nol   the  least  doubt,  if  you   continue  to   exerl 
yourselves  in  conjunction  with  our  sister  colonic-,  will  finallj  prevail.] 
[This  Congress  have  opened  a  subscription  for  one  hundred  thousand 
pound-,  lawful  money,  lor  which  the  receiver  general  is  directed  I 
-ur  notes,  on  interest,  al  the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  payable 
in  June,  177  7  :  and  as  it  is  of  th<'  utmost  importance  that  the  mi 
be  immediately  obtained,  thai    the  public   credil   maj   no1   suffer,  we 
ino-i  earnestly  recommend  to  such  of  you  as  have  cash  in  your  hands, 
which  you  can  -pare  from  the  necessarj  supplies  ol  your  families, 
you  would   lend  the   same  to  the  colony,  by  which  you  will  put  ii  in 


256  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  25, 

our  power  to  carry  into  effect  the  measures  undertaken  for  the  salva- 
tion of  the  country.] 

[That  the  army  should  be  well  supplied  with  every  article  necessary 
for  the  most  effectual  military  operations,  you  must  all  be  sensible  ; 
and  that  if  we  should  fail  herein,  it  may  prove  ruinous  and  destructive 
to  the  community,  whose  safety,  under  God,  depends  upon  their  vigor- 
ous exertions.] 

[As  you  have  already,  in  many  instances,  nobly  exerted  yourselves, 
this  Congress  have  not  the  smallest  doubt,  but  that  you  will,  with 
great  cheerfulness,  crown  all,  with  furnishing  as  much  cash  as  will  be 
necessary  for  the  good  purposes  before  mentioned,  especially  when  it 
is  considered,  that  there  are  now  no  ways  of  improving  money  in 
trade,  and  that  there  is  the  greatest  probability,  that  the  other  colonies 
will  give  a  ready  currency  to  the  notes,  which  will  render  them,  in  one 
respect  at  least,  on  a  better  footing  than  any  notes  heretofore  issued 
in  this  colony.  If  you  should  furnish  the  money  that  is  now  needed, 
you  will  perform  a  meritorious  service  for  your  country,  and  prove 
yourselves  sincerely  attached  to  its  interests;  but,  if  an  undue  caution 
should  prevent  your  doing  this  essential  service  to  the  colony,  the  total 
loss,  both  of  your  liberties  and  that  very  property  which  you,  by  re- 
taining it,  affect  to  save,  may  be  the  unhappy  consequence  ;  it  being- 
past  all  controversy  that  the  destruction  of  individuals  must  be  involved 

in  that  of  the  public] 

Thursday,  May  25,  1775. 

[The  committee  ordered  to  inspect  the  several  towns  and  district 
stocks  of  powder,  and  consider  what  towns  are  well  stocked,  and  what 
proportion  they  could  spare  for  the  public  service,  have  attended  that 
business,  and  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  proportion,  viz.  :] 

[Suffolk — Roxbury  3  barrels,  Medfield  1,  Wrentham  4,  Stoughton  1, 
Medvvay  1,  Walpole  1.  Essex — Marblehead  3,  Newburyport  3,  New- 
bury 1,  Andover  2,  Haverhill  2,  Bradford  1-2,  Boxford  1-2.  Middle- 
sex— Cambridge  3,  Charlestown  3  3-4,  Marlborough  3,  Framingham 
2,  Littleton  1-2,  Chelmsford  1  1-2,  Sudbury  2,  Weston  1,  Westford 
1-2,  Groton  1,  Townshend  1-2,  Dracut  1,  Stow  1-2.  Plymouth — 
Bridgewater  4,  Middleborough  1.  Worcester — Worcester  1,  Lancas- 
ter 1 ,  Mendon  2  1-2,  Brookfield  3,  Oxford  I  1-2,  Charlton  1-2,  Sutton 
2  1-2,  Leicester   1,  Westborough  1  1-2,  Shrewsbury  2  1-2,  Lunenburg 

1 ,  Bolton  1 .     Total— 67  3-4  barrels. 

Daniel  Thurston,  per  order.] 

[Upon  the  foregoing  report,  Ordered,  that  the  committee  who 
brought  in  said  report,  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  in  conformity 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

thereto,  and  that  it  l>e  inserted  in  the  resolve,  thai   the  towns  shal 
respectivel]  paid  lor  whit  powder   is  drawn  from   their  several   town 
Btock,  or  have  it  replaced,  and  that  each  town  !>r  notified  of  th<-  quan- 
tity respectively  to  be  taken  from  its  Btock.] 

[The  committee  reported  ;i  resolve  as  directed,  which  was  read  and 
accepted,  and  i-  as  follows,  viz.:  Resolved,  that  there  be  drafted  out 
of  the  town  stocks  of  powder  from  each  respective  town  aforesaid, 
the  quantitj  of  powder  affixed  to  the  nan-  of  the  town,  tor  the  use  of 
the  armj  in  the  defence  ol  the  colony,  and  thai  it  be  replaced  as  -oon 
a>  the  Btate  of  the  colony  magazine  will  admit  of  it,  or  otherwise  paid 
for  in  money,  and  thai  the  selectmen  of  each  town  be  forthwith  -erved 
with  an  account  of  the  draft  made  on  their  town,  and  that  they  imme- 
diately deliver  it  to  the  committee  of  supplies,  or  theii  order.] 

[The  c mute.-  of  safetj  1 1 a \  1 1 1 lt  represented  to  tin-  Congress,  that 

considerable  ditlieulty  exists  in  the  adjustment  of  Gen.  Ward's  r. 
ment,  in  consequence  of  the  pretensions  of  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw  and 
(o|.  Jonathan  Ward  to  the  post  of  lieutenant  colonel  in  said  regiment, 
it  was  Ordered,  that  said  representation,  a-  also  the  memorial  of  Col. 
Henshaw,  setting  forth  Ins  (hums  to  said  post,  he  referred  to  a  com- 
mittee. The  committee  having  considered  the  matter,  reported  a  re- 
solve,  which  w.i-  accepted,  and  1-  a-  follows:] 

[Resolved,  as  the  opinion  of  tin-  Congress,  that  Col.  Ward   is  best 
entitled  to  receive  the   commission    a-   lieutenant   colonel  of  the  re. 
ment,  which  right  was  disputed  1>\  Lieut,  ('ol.  lien-haw.] 

[Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter  he  desired  to  attend  his  duty 
on  the  committee  for  countersigning  the  treasurer's  notes,  immedi- 
ately.] 

[Mr.  Dexter  transmitted  the  following  letter  to  the  Congress,  which 
w  a-  ordered  to  be  read.] 

[Dedham,  May  25,    1775. 

Honored  Gentlemen: — I  was  under  the  necessity  to  come  home 
lasl  evening.  Had  I  been  at  Congress  to-day,  and  been  as  unwell  as 
I  am  at  present,  I  Bhould  have  very  poorly  performed  my  duty  respect- 
ing the  notes.  I  found  myself  so  indisposed  this  morning,  that  I  ven- 
tured to  conclude  to  tarry  till  to-morrow  morning  at  home,  and  -ick 
or  well,  will  endeavor  to  be  early  at  Watertown  tor  that  purpose. 
W  nli  much  regard,  I  am  your  very  humble  servant, 

S      Ml  \  I  I.R.] 

[The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
several  persons  al    Etoxbury,  reported   verbally,  that  il  is  the  opinion 
33 


258  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  25, 

of  the  committee,  that  the  said  petition  be  sent  to  Gen.  Thomas,  and 
that  he  be  directed  to  inquire  into  the  causes  of  the  complaint  therein 
contained,  and  take  proper  measures  for  their  redress.] 

[The  report  was  accepted.] 

[The  following  letter  was  received  from  Gen.  Thomas,  and  ordered 
to  be  read.] 

[Roxbury  Camp,  May  25,  1775. 

Gentlemen  : — I  have  had  the  honor  of  being  informed  by  your 
committee,  that  the  honorable  Congress  have  made  choice  of  me  as 
lieutenant  general  of  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  to  know  whether  I 
would  accept  that  trust.  I  am  sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  the 
office,  and  of  my  inability  of  discharging  that  duty,  but  since  you 
have  done  me  the  honor  of  appointing  me  to  that  important  office, 
shall  accept  of  the  same,  and  attend  the  Congress  to-morrow. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  with  the  most  profound  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

John  Thomas. 
To  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress.] 

[The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  an  application  from  the  offi- 
cers of  the  army,  respecting  absconding  soldiers,  reported.  The  re- 
port was  read,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Whereas,  application 
hath  been  made  to  this  Congress,  by  some  of  the  officers  of  the  army, 
that  some  effectual  method  may  be  taken  for  the  speedy  return  of  ab- 
sconding soldiers,  or  such  as  shall  tarry  beyond  the  time  limited  by 
furlough :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  recommend- 
ed, to  the  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  towns  and  dis- 
tricts in  this  colony,  or  to  the  selectmen,  where  no  such  committees 
are  appointed,  that  they  take  effectual  care  that  such  absconding  or 
delinquent  soldiers  be  immediately  sent  back  to  their  respective  regi- 
ments.] 

Friday,  May  26,  1775. 

[The  Hon.  Joseph  Ilawley,  from  the  committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to 
the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York,  now  sitting  in  that  colony,  re- 
ported the  following,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  forward- 
ed.] 

[Watertown,  May  26,  1775. 

Gentlemen  : — Enclosed  are  copies  of  a  letter  from  Col.  Arnold, 
and  a  list  of  military  stores  at  Ticonderoga.1     You  cannot  fail  to  ob- 

(1)  The  letters  of  Col.  Arnold,  and  the  other  documents  relating  to  the  capture  of  Ticonderoga, 
will  be  inserted  in  the  Appendix. 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINC1  VI.  CX)NQRE 

serve,  thai  Mr   Arnold,  i « » i -  the  defence  of  this  colony,  is  ei 
thai   Buch  ordnance  aa  he   judges  can   I"-   Bpared  from  that  i 
should  be  transported  to  the  arm)  in  this  colony.     Thi 
in  consequence  of  orders   given  t • »   him  b)   oui   committi 
Perhaps  this  m  lj  appear  to  you  extraordinary,  but,  we  tru-t,  you  will 
candidlj  overlook  such  a  mistake,  it"  it  be  one,  made  in  the  burr)  and 
confusion  of  war,  and,  we   most   solemnlj   declare  to  you,  that  tln^ 
Con  nd  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  are  at  the  utmost  ren 

t "r < •  r 1 1  any  disposition  <>r  design  to  make  any  the  least  infraction  upon, 
or  usurpation  of,  the   jurisdiction  of  an)  of  our  ad  it' 

;m\  Mt'  those  cannon,  &c,  taken  al  the  Lake  Champlain,  should  hap- 
pen, through  the  exertions  of  ent<  rprising  -pun-,  to  be  brought  within 
the  allowed  limits  of  this  colony,  and  come  to  our  use,  we  shall  hold 
ourselves  accountable  for  them  to  the  representatives  of  the  continent, 
.■mil  whenever  the)  shall  inform  us  thai  they  are  needed  foi  the  general 
defence,  at  any  other  par'  of  the  continent,  than,  in  this  colony,  we 
shall  endeavor,  that  they  I >« -  removed  thither  with  the  utmost  despatch.] 

atlemen  and  brethren  :  could  you  have  seen  the  horrid  devai 
tion  and  carnage  in  this  colony,  committed  by  ministerial  troops,  those 
sons  of  violence,  who  have  gol  some  footing  in  tlu<  colon) .  the  br< 
of  a  mos1  solemn  treaty  with  respect  to  the  inhabitants  of  Boston, 
when  tin  \  had  surrendered  their  arm-,  and  put  themselves  wholly  in 
the  power  of  a  militar)  commander,  relying  upon  his  faith  then 
pledged,  that  they  should  immediately  depart  from  the  town  with  their 

effects,  as  stipulated,  which  was  no   - ler  done,  than  the)  were  not 

only  refused  liberty  to  carry  out  the  most  valuable  part  of  those  effects, 

but   their   persons  wen-  detained   under  the  si   idle  pretences,  and 

Buffered  < ml \  to  scatter  from  their  prison,  a  few  in  a  day,  hardly  to  be 
seen  or  noticed ;  we  say,  gentlemen,  could  you  Bee  and  realize  these 
scenes  of  distress,  you  could  no!  refrain  one  momenl  from  doing  every 
thing  in  your  power  to  prevenl  the  like  distress  from  happenin 
your  metropolis,  and  availing  yourselves  of  every  article  which  our  en- 
emies can  improve  with  the  leasl  advantage  to  themselves  for  i  ffecting 
the  like  desolation,  horrors  and  insults,  on  the  inhabitants  of  your  citj 
and  colony,  or  which  mighl  enable  you  to  make  the  mosl  effectual  de- 
fence.  ] 

[  Have  you  not,  gentlemen,  divers  of  those  articles,  as  il  were,  und<  r 
your  hand  '     If  you  should  delay  securing  them   until   they  Bhould  I"' 
out  of  your   power,  and,  within  a  few  days,  you   should   behold  I 
very  materials  improved   in   murdering  you,  and   yourselv<  shing 

to,  the  want  of  them,  will  m>t  the  chagrin   and  regrel   be  intolerable  ' 


260  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  26, 

Brethren,  pardon  our  importunity.  It  is  our  own  case.  We  behold 
Castle  William,  and  realize  the  ample  warlike  provisions  and  apparatus 
therein,  held  by  our  enemies,  to  our  infinite  and  inexpressible  mortifi- 
cation.    We  wish  to  Heaven  that  you  may  be  timely  admonished  by 

the  consequences  of  our  delay. 

We  are,  &c] 

[The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  the  Hon.  James 
Russell,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted.] 

[Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  James  Russell,  Esq.  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
directed,  immediately  to  call  in  all  the  public  moneys  committed  to  his 
care  as  impost  officer,  and  pay  the  same  to  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  re- 
ceiver general  of  this  province.] 

[It  having  been  represented  to  this  Congress,  that  it  would  be  agree- 
able to  the  inhabitants  of  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire,  that  the  post 
rider  on  the  road  from  Cambridge  to  Haverhill,  should  extend  his 
route  to  the  town  of  Exeter,  to  meet  the  post  rider  from  Portsmouth 
to  that  place,  and  a  post  office  having  been  appointed  at  Exeter,  by  the 
inhabitants  of  New  Hampshire  :] 

[Resolved,  That  the  route  of  the  post  rider  from  Cambridge  be  ex- 
tended to  said  Exeter,  so  long  as  it  shall  be  found  to  be  expedient,  or 
until  the  Massachusetts  or  New  Hampshire  Congress,  or  future  house 
of  representatives,  shall  otherwise  order.] 

[Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  although  divers  able 
bodied  and  effective  men,  who  have  enlisted  into  the  Massachusetts 
army,  are  either  not  furnished  with  arms  and  accoutrements,  or  with 
such  only  as  are  insufficient  for  use,  yet,  that  it  will  be  for  the  public 
service  that  such  men  be  accepted  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  resolve  of  this  Congress,  passed  on 
the  6th  instant,  be  so  far  reconsidered,  that  the  muster  masters  be,  and 
they  hereby  are  directed,  to  accept  of  all  such  able  bodied  and  effec- 
tive men,  and  muster  them  accordingly,  any  thing  contained  in  the 
aforementioned  resolve  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding ;  and  that  the 
several  muster  masters  be,  and  hereby  are  directed,  to  make  a  return 
to  this  or  some  future  congress,  or  house  of  representatives,  of  the 
names  of  such  soldiers  as  shall  be  found  deficient  in  arms  and  accou- 
trements, and  also  of  the  names  of  the  towns  to  which  they  respec- 
tively belong.] 

[Upon  a  representation  of  the  committee  of  safety,  that  Mr.  Jona- 
than Brewer,  of  Waltham,  has,  contrary  to  the  orders  of  said  commit- 
tee, undertaken  to  enlist  a  company  of  rangers,  has  made  use  of  artifices 


1775.]  SE1  OND  PROS  ENCIAL  O  WGRESG  »] 

and  impositions  to  obtain  said  enlistments,  and  that  be  has  also  seized 
ami  retained  possession  of  horses  and  certain  real  estate,  the  |>r. 
property  <>f  \ .- 1 r n > 1 1 -  individuals,  and  converted  the  Bame  to  his  own 

wherebj  he  has  disqualified  himself  for  the  command  of  a  i 
ment,  il  was  Ordered,  thai  the  matter  be  referred  to  Doct.   Perkins, 
Mr.  rlollock  and  Mr.  Bent.] 

[The   committee    appointed    to   consider   <>f   the  charges    alleged 

againsl   Mr.  Jonathan  Brewer,  bj  the  I rable  committee  of  safety, 

having  attended  thai  service,  beg  leave  to  report  the  defence  of  said 
Brewer,  viz. :  that  he,  the  -aid  Brewer,  absolutel 3  denies  the  charge 
of  seducing  nun,  belonging  lo  other  corps,  to  enlist  in  his  regiment, 
or  anj  of  the  companies  thereof  \-  to  the  taking  the  horses  ol  Cols. 
Jones  and  Taylor,  he  acknowledges  his  thus  doing,  and  thinks  himself 
justified  therein,  by  furthering  tin-  service  of  the  province  in  which  he 
was  engaged,  thai  he  had  i\-<t\  them  some  time  past  in  that  way,  and 
on  Saturday  last  past  had  returned  Jones's  horse.] 

[He  also  owns  the  leasing  part  of  said  Jones's  estate,  and  taking 
curity  :    which  security,  lie  says,  was  in  the  keeping  of  one  ('apt.  But- 
ler; that   he  bad  proceeded   in  the   affair  merelj  from  a  principle  of 
sa\in_r  tlu-  improvement  of  one  Mr.  Jennison,  (whose  land-  were  con- 
tiguous to  those  of  -aid  Jones,)  and  whuh  were  exposed  l>\  a  neglect 
of   -aid   Jones  in   keeping   up  sufficient    fences.     Said  Jennison,  (as 
Brewer  Bays,)  supposing,  if  he  would  thus  dispose  of  the  above  l< 
land  to  him,  he  could  truce  ami  improve  it  without  molestation.     And 
thai  tin-  committee  can  proceed  no  further,  unless  the)  are  enabled,  bj 
hearing  the  full  of  the  evidence  supposed  t"  support  the  complaint. 
Per  order :  Richard   Perkins,  Chairman.] 

Saturiuv,   M,i\   -.'7.    177... 

[Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safet]  he  directed  to  write  to  Col. 
Arnold,  ami  inform  him  that  il  1-  In-  duty  to  conform  himself  d>  such 
advices  ami  orders  a-  he  -hall  receive  from  tin-  Congress 

[Doct.  Richard  Perkins,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  examine 
into  the  complaint  against  lieutenant  colonel  Brown,  setting  forth  that 
-aid  Col.  Brown  has,  at  various  times  am!  places,  used  language  d;-re- 
-pecifnl  to  the  Congress,  and  tending  i"  lessen  ami  bring  into  con- 
tempi  tin-  power  and  authority  "i'  the  Congress  of  tins  pr«>\  ince,  made 
the  following  report,  which  was  accepted,  viz.  :] 

[Thai   alter   a   full   hearing  of  the  allegations   ami   proofs,  for   ami 

againsl     said     Drown,    on     the     complaint    Ol     some     unknown    pei 

through  the  selectmen  of  Waltham,  to  tin-  honorabli    l  ,  we 


262  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  27, 

are  of  the  sentiment,  that  an  unhappy  controversy  has  existed  in  said 
town,  relating  to  public  affairs,  in  which  said  Brown  had  exerted  him- 
self very  earnestly  in  favor  of  the  cause  of  liberty,  by  which  means  he 
had  disgusted  several  persons,  who  have  since  endeavored  therefor  to 
censure  and  stigmatize  him  as  being  an  officious,  busy,  designing  man; 
and,  unhappily,  it  appears,  that  Mr.  Brown  has  associated  in  taverns, 
indiscriminately,  with  many  persons,  in  discourse  with  whom,  he,  at 
some  times,  had  inadvertently  expressed  himself,  which  he  would  not 
strictly  justify  himself  in.  And  that  it  is  evident,  those  disaffected  an- 
tagonists of  Mr.  Brown's,  had  taken  the  advantage  of  his  halting, 
purely  from  revenge  ;  and  the  committee  adjudge,  from  the  whole  of 
the  evidence  for  and  against  said  Brown,  that  he  is  injuriously  treated 
by  the  secret  resentment  of  designing  persons,  and  that  he  ought  to  be 
reinstated  to  the  esteem  and  countenance  of  every  friend  to  the  liber- 
ties of  this  country.] 

[Hon.  Joseph  Hawley,  from  the  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for 
the  regular  administration  of  justice,  reported  the  following :] 

[Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  a  want  of  a  due  and 
regular  execution  of  justice  in  this  colony,  has  encouraged  divers 
wicked  and  disorderly  persons,  not  only  to  commit  outrages  and.  tres- 
passes upon  private  property  and  private  persons,  but  also  to  make  the 
most  daring  attacks  upon  the  constitution,  and  to  unite  in  their  en- 
deavors to  disturb  the  peace,  and  destroy  the  happiness  and  security  of 
their  country  :  and,  whereas,  this  Congress  conceive  it  to  be  their  in- 
dispensable duty  to  take  effectual  measures  to  restrain  all  disorders, 
and  promote  the  peace  and  happiness  of  this  colony,  by  the  execution 
of  justice  in  criminal  matters  :] 

[Therefore,  Resolved,  That  a  court  of  inquiry  be  immediately  erect- 
ed, consisting  of  seven  persons,  to  be  chosen  by  this  Congress,  whose 
business  it  shall  be  to  hear  all  complaints  against  any  person  or  per- 
sons, for  treason  against  the  constitution  of  their  country,  or  other 
breaches  of  the  public  peace  and  security,  and  to  determine  and  make 
up  judgment  thereon,  according  to  the  laws  of  this  province,  and  those 
of  reason  and  equity  ;  no  judgments  to  be  made  up,  or  punishments 
inflicted,  in  consequence  of  them,  unless  in  such  cases  where  five  of 
the  judges,  so  appointed,  were  agreed  ;  any  three  of  said  judges  to 
have  power,  upon  complaint  made,  to  cause  any  person  or  persons 
complained  of,  to  be  imprisoned,  until  the  said  court  can  be  convened 
to  hear  the  same,  or  for  any  further  orders  of  Congress  which  may  be 
thought  necessary, five  of  said  judges  !<>  be  a  quorum,  and  to  be  vested 
with  the  full  powers  of  the  court,  and  to  meet  and  sit  in  such  place  or 
places  as  they  shall  agree  on.] 


\::  SECOND  PRO\  [NCIAL  I  I  »NGRESS 

Resolved,  Thai  [blank]  be,  and   I 

as  judges  of  the  said  court  of  inquiry,  t"  execute  1 1  ■  *  -  trust, 
to  the  above  resol  i 

[This  report  having  been  read,  after  some  d<  0    Jered,  thai  the 

t'lirtlirr  consideration  thereof  be  n  ferred  to  the  next  Congri 

[The  following  letter,  reported  bj  a  committee,  to  the  governor  and 
companj  of  the  colon]  of  Connecticut,  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to 
be  forw  arded  :  | 

[  \Y  \  i .  i:  i  ov  \.    May  27,    I '  75. 

G  stlemen  : — Enclosed  are  copies  of  a  letter  from  Col.  Arnold, 
and  a  list  of  militar)  t  Ticonderoga,  &<        W     have  wrote  you 

of  the  17th  instant,  relative  to  that  fortress,  &c,  and  >us 

that   you    would   give  such   orders   relative  thereto,  as  to  you  should 

in  meet  ;  but,  we  are  of  opinion,  thai  the  advice  of  the  Continental 
should  be  had  therein,  on  as  may  be,  and  also  the  par- 

ticular advice  of  the    Provincial   Cong  New  York,  to  each  of 

whom  we  have  wrote  upon  this  matter:  those  fortresses  being  within 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  colony  of  V  ■  York,  we  are  of  opinion  thai  if 
is  necessar)  to  consul!  them  upon  a  matter  in  which  they  are  so  great- 
ly interested.] 

[We  have  appointed  and  directed  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw  to  repair  to 
you,  and  consult  with  you  upon  the  affair  of  thai  fortress,  the  mainte- 
nance of  which,  we  think  of  the  utmosl  importance  to  the  s<  curitj  of 
New  York,  and  the  New   England  colonies.      Hi-  instructions  will 

laid   before  you,  and,  we  have  loubt,  you  will  take   such   mi 

relative  thereto,  as  will   promote  the  genera]  safety  of  tl 

To  tin  Hon.  th   G  and  i  'ompany 

Co  Connecticut.] 

[The  following  letter  to  Col.  Benedicl  Arnold,  reported  by  a  com- 
mittee, was  nad,  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  forwt  rded:] 

[Watertown,   May   -~ .   1775. 

Sib  : — We  have  this  day,  with  p  .  received  your  l<  tter  to  the 

committee  of  safety,  of  the  19th  instant,  b]  Capt.  Brown,  and  return 
sou  our  hearts  thank--  for  \our  exertions  in  the  public  cause,  and  full) 
agree  with  you, thai  the  interposition  of  Providence,  in  this,  and  man) 
other  instances,  is  apparent,  tor  which  we  have  the  ol 

thankfulnes 

[We  are  clearl)  of  opinion,  thai  keeping  Ticonden  "' 

•  importance,  and.  we  make  oo  doubt,  the  honorabli   I 


264  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [May  27, 

Congress  will  take  that  affair  immediately  under  their  wise  considera- 
tion, and  give  all  necessary  orders  therefor,  as  we  have  addressed  them 
most  earnestly  on  the  subject.] 

[You  inform  us  you  have  had  intimation  that  some  persons  were  de- 
termined to  apply,  in  order  to  injure  your  character  ;  if  any  such  ap- 
plications should  be  made  here,  you  may  be  assured,  we  shall  be  so 
candid  as  not  to  suffer  any  impressions  to  your  disadvantage,  until  you 
shall  have  opportunity  to  vindicate  your  conduct.] 

[We  enclose  a  resolve  of  this  Congress,  appointing  and  directing 
Col.  Joseph  Henshaw  to  repair  to  Hartford,  and  consult  with  the  gen- 
eral assembly  there  upon  this  important  matter,  by  which  you  will  see 
the  resolution  this  Congress  has  taken  relative  thereto.] 

[We  would  just  add,  that  the  letter  you  refer  to,  of  the  14th  instant, 

by  Mr.  Romans,  has  not  come  to  hand,  so  that  no  order  can  be  taken 

thereon. 

We  are,  &,c] 
To  Col.  Benedict  Arnold, 

Ticonderoga. 

[Resolved,  That  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw,  be  appointed  and  directed  to 
repair  to  Hartford,  and  inquire  whether  provision  is  made,  by  the  gen- 
eral assembly  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  for  securing  and  maintain- 
ing the  fortress  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  adjacent  posts ;  and  if  that 
assembly  has  made  provision  for  that  purpose,  the  said  Col.  Henshaw 
proceed  directly  to  Ticonderoga,  and  acquaint  Col.  Arnold  that  it  is 
the  order  of  this  Congress  that  he  return,  and  render  accounts  of  his 
expenses  in  that  expedition,  in  order  that  he  may  be  honorably  dis- 
charged ;  but  if  Col.  Henshaw  shall  find  that  such  provision  is  not 
made,  and  the  general  assembly  be  not  sitting,  that  he  proceed  to  Ti- 
conderoo-a,  and  inform  Col.  Arnold  that  it  is  the  order  of  this  Con- 
gress  that  he  continue  there,  with  such  number  of  forces  as  said  Col. 
Henshaw  shall  judge  necessary  for  the  purpose.  Nevertheless,  if  the 
said  Col.  Henshaw  shall  find  the  general  assembly  sitting,  and  that 
they  have  not  made  such  provision,  that  he  consult  with  them  touching 
this  important  matter,  and  take  their  proposals,  and  immediately  make 
report  to  the  Congress  of  this  colony.] 

Monday,  May  29,  1775. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  Continental 
Congress,  upon  the  necessity  of  maintaining  a  fortress  at  Ticonderoga, 
reported.  The  report  being  read,  Ordered,  that  it  be  accepted,  and  a 
copy  of  the  same,  fairly  transcribed,  be  sent  immediately  to  Philadel- 
phia.    It  is  as  follows,  viz.  :] 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

[May  it  please  jtoub  honors: — Enclosed  are  copies  of  a  letter 

from  Col.  Arnold,  and   a  li-t   of    military  Stores   art  Ticonderocra,  &,c. 

It  seems  that  the  >tep  Col.  Arnold  is  taking,  in  transporting  into 
this  colony  part  of  the  ordnance  taken  at  the  Lake  Champlain,  is  in 
consequence  of  directions  given  him  in  the  baste  and  confusion  of 
war;  and  if  this  Congress  bad  considered  the  proposal  in  a  calmer 
season,  perhaps  they  might  have  thought  it  would  have  been  proper, 
previously  to  have  consulted  our  brethren  of  the  colony  of  New  York. 
Certain  it  is,  that  this  colony  is  in  the  most  pressing  need  of  the  ord- 
nance which  Col.  .Arnold  is  transporting  hither.  We  beg  leave,  on 
this  occasion,  most  solemnly  to  assure  your  honor--,  that  nothing  can 
be  more  abhorrent  to  the  temper  and  spirit  of  tin-  Congress,  and  the 
peopN-  of  this  colony,  than  any  attempt  to  usurp  on  the  jurisdiction  of 
any  of  <>ur  r-i<ter  colonies,  which,  upon  the  superficial  consideration  of 
this  step,  there  may  seem  to  be  some  appearance  of.  But  we  a»ure 
ourselves,  thai  such  is  the  candor  and  generous  sentiments  of  our 
brethren  of  the  colony  of  New  York,  as  that  we  may  rest  secure  that 
they  will  readily  overlook  this  mistake,  if  it  is  one,  committed  in  the 
haste  of  war,  and  which  may  be  naturally  attributed  thereto.  And  if 
any  of  those  cannon  should  arrive  within  the  limits  of  tin-  colony,  we 
shall  hold  ourselves  accountable  for  them,  to  your  honors,  or  an\  suc- 
ceeding representatives  of  the  continent.  Permit  u>  to  observe,  that, 
in  our  opinion,  nothing  can  be  more  obvious,  than  the  infinite  import- 
ance to  the  safety  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  colonies  of  IS.  Ni  .rkj 
M  issachusetts,  New  Hampshire,  and  even  Connecticut,  than  the  main- 
taining, bolding,  and  effectually  securing  the  post  of  Ticonderoga,  or 
-.■me  spot  near  the  southwest  end  of  Lake  Champlain  :  for  it  that  post 
is  abandoned,  the  whole  Lake  Champlain  will  be  commanded  by  the 
government  of  Canada ;  and  the  command  of  thai  water  will  amazingly 
facilitate  all  such  descents  upon  these  colonies,  whether  greater  or  less, 
which  administration  shall  see  fit  to  order;  but  if  that  post  should  be 
held  by  the  colonies,  all  such  attempts,  for  the  destruction  of  the  colo- 
nic-, in.is  be  vastly  obstructed,  if  not  wholly  defeated.  We  ba 
therefore,  the  mosl  full  confidence,  thai  \our  honors  will  immediately 
take  these  matters  into  your  most  serious  consideration,  and  mal 
such  order  thereon  as  will  appear  most  tit  and  reasonable,  and  m< 
conducive  to  the  general  safety.] 

[We  would  further   humbl\   suggest,  thai  we  stand    in    n.  r  1 1  of  l;i: 

quantities  of  gunpowder,  and    it   is   impossible   to   obtain  thai   article 

troin  any  quarter  this  way;  we.  therefore,  most  earnestly  entreal  yonr 

honor-,  that  some  effectual  measures  may  be  devised,  that  we  maj  be 

34 


266  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  29, 

supplied  with  that  most  necessary  means  of  defence ;  and  we  find  that 
deficiency  of  that  article  prevails  in  all  the  colonies.  We  most  earn- 
estly press  this  matter,  as  the  salvation  of  these  colonies  so  much  de- 
pends thereon.  We  would  not  presume  to  dictate  to  your  honors,  but 
would  quere  whether  it  would  not  be  prudent,  to  advertise  all  nations 
of  the  opportunity  they  now  have  to  dispose  of  that  article  in  America 
at  the  best  market.  We  have  the  strongest  persuasion,  that  the  settled 
plan  of  the  British  administration,  is,  to  break  the  chain  of  union  of 
the  colonies  at  New  York  ;  and  we  are  sure  that  the  evidence  of  such 
design,  and  their  machinations  for  that  purpose,  cannot  escape  your 
attention.  We  confide  in  the  wisdom  and  vigilance  of  your  honors  to 
devise  such  measures  as,  under  God,  will  effectually  defeat  a  plan  so 
fatal,  and  which,  if  effected,  will  be  the  destruction  of  all  the  colonies.] 
[Hon.  Joseph  Hawley,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a 
letter  to  the  governor  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  relative  to  the  for- 
tresses at  Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point,  &c,  reported  the  following, 
which  was  read,  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  sent,  viz.  : 

[Watertown,  May  29,  1775. 

May  it  please  your  honor  : — Yesterday,  about  three  of  the 
clock,  P.  M.,  this  Congress  received  your  honor's  most  kind  and 
friendly  letter  of  the  25th  instant,  enclosing  the  resolution  of  the  gen- 
eral Congress,  of  the  18th  instant,  relating  to  Ticonderoga,  the  order 
of  the  general  committee  of  association  of  New  York  for  executing 
the  said  resolution,  the  letter  from  the  Connecticut  delegates  at  New, 
York,  each  of  which  contain  articles  of  intelligence  very  important 
and  interesting  to  all  the  New  England  governments.  But  while  we 
are  consoled  and  rejoiced  to  find  that  the  general  Congress  is  attentive 
to  the  safety  and  general  interests  of  the  colonies,  we  cannot  conceal 
from  the  general  assembly  of  your  colony,  that  we  should  be  to  the 
last  degree  agitated,  if  we  really  supposed  that  the  said  resolution  of 
general  Congress,  touching  Ticonderoga  and  said  posts  on  Lake 
Champlain,  was  their  ultimatum,  and  that  they  would  not  reconsider 
that  resolution.  But  as  we  cannot  suffer  ourselves  to  doubt  of  their 
best  intentions,  and  great  concern  for  the  liberty  and  safety  of  all  the 
colonies,  we  assure  ourselves,  that,  upon  better  information,  and  knowl- 
edge more  just,  they  will  be  fully  convinced  of  the  great  impolicy  of 
abandoning  Lake  Champlain,  which  we  conceive  they  have,  in  effect, 
advised  to  ;  although  we  confess  their  expressions  are  not  of  the  clear- 
est;  but  we  are  confirmed  in  our  construction  of  the  said   resolution, 


1775.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

by  the  order  taken  by  the  general  committee  of  New  York,  to  execute 
the  same.] 

[.May  it  please  your  honor:  Permit  us  to  acquaint  you,  that  as  soon 
as  possible  after  we  had  received  advice  of  the  success  of  out  people  at 
Crown  Point  and  St.  Johns,  and  the  taking  of  the  armed  sloop  on  that 
lake,  by  Col.  Arnold's  letter,  a  copy  whereof  we  have  sent  you  by 
Col.  Henshaw,  we  sent  an  express  to  New  York,  and  to  the  general 
Congress,  signifying  to  the  general  Congress,  and  to  the  Congress  of 
New  York,  in  the  strongest  manner,  our  opinion  of  the  absolute  ne- 
cessity,  and  great  advantages,  of  maintaining  the  post  of  Ticonderoga: 
but,  as  we  conceived  the  reason-  and  grounds  of  such  an  opinion  were 
obvious,  and  generally  known,  we  supposed  that  a  detail  of  the  argu- 
ments and  proofs  was  altogether  unnecessary.  But,  upon  seeing  the 
resolution  of  the  general  Congress,  upon  that  important  matter,  we 
were  much  surprised  and  concerned,  and  in  the  little  time  we  have 
had  to  deliberate  on  the  subject,  we  have  resolved  to  endeavor  to  sug- 
gest to  your  honor,  and  your  assembly,  the  reasons  which  at  present 
occur  to  us:  which, we  apprehend,  make  it  evident,  that  the  maintain- 
ing that  post  is  not  only  practicable,  and,  under  God,  in  the  power  of 
the  colonies,  but  of  inexpressible  necessity  for  the  defence  of  the  col- 
ony of  New  York,  and  all  the  New  England  colonies;  and  having 
enumerated  those  reasons,  as  they  occur,  without  consulting  method, 
or  any  orderly  arrangement,  to  submit  them  to  your  assembly  ;  most  im- 
portunately praying  that  if  your  honors  approve  them,  von  will,  with 
the  greatest  de-patch,  communicate  them,  with  many  more  observa- 
tions, which  your  better  knowledge  of  facts  will  suggest,  to  the  gene- 
ral Congress;  and,  if  yon  should  judge  it  advisable,  also  to  the  Con- 
gress  of  .New  York,  conceiving  that,  in  several  respects,  thej  would 
go  from  \ou  with  more  advantage,  not  only  to  New  York  but  also  t ■  > 
the  general  Congress,  than  from  ns.  It  seems  natural  to  compare  the 
two  stations  proposed  to  be  maintained,  namely,  Ticonderoga  and 
William  Henry,  in  the  following  manner,  that  is  to  say:  with  regard 
to  the  benefits  and  advantages  of  the  two  stations,  which  will  arise  for 
the  purposes  of  inueral  defence,  and  annoyance  of  the  Canada  ene- 
my, and  with  regard  to  the  feasibility  of  maintaining  each  place. 
And,  in  the  first  place,  as  to  the  advantages  of  general  defence,  result- 
ing from  a  post  at  Ticonderoga,  beyond  those  of  William  Henry,  they 
are  30  great  and  many,  that  they  cannot  be  enumerated  in  an  ordinary 
lettt  r.  Iii  the  view  of  a  post  of  observation,  we  beg  leave  to  observe, 
that  all  movements  from  Canada,  intended  against  New  England  or 
New  York,  by  the  way  of  Lake  Champlain,  whether  by  Bcalping  par- 


268  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.        [May  29, 

ties  or  large  bodies,  whether  in  the  winter  or  open  seasons  of  the  year, 
may  almost  certainly  be  discovered,  so  seasonably,  as  that  the  blow 
may  be  generally  warded  off:  whereas,  if  the  post  at  William  Henry 
be  only  kept,  it  is  probable  that  three  fourths  of  the  attempts  on  the 
frontiers  of  New  York  and  New  England,  by  Champlain,  will  never 
be  known  until  executed ;  as  to  enterprises,  by  any  large  bodies,  by 
the  way  of  Champlain,  it  is  clear  that  they  may  be  known  much  earlier 
from  the  former  than  the  latter  station  ;  also,  if  it  should  become  ne- 
cessary and  just  that  the  united  colonies  should  annoy  the  inhabitants 
of  Canada,  and  cause  them  to  feel  the  grievousness  of  war  on  their 
borders,  as  it  most  certainly  will  be  felt,  in  case  they  engage  in  the  war 
upon  us,  the  two  stations  scarcely  bear  any  comparison  ;  for,  if  we 
abandon  the  post  at  Ticonderoga,  the  enemy  will  infallibly  seize  it, 
and,  in  that  case,  what  annoyance  can  we  give  Canada,  by  the  way  of 
Champlain,  by  means  of  a  fortified  post  at  William  Henry  ?  If  the 
enemy  hold  Ticonderoga,  they  will  effectually  command  the  whole  of 
Lake  Champlain ;  if  the  united  colonies  hold  it,  they  will  so  far  com- 
mand that  lake,  as  by  the  way  of  it,  they  will  be  able  to  make  descents 
by  small  parties,  upon  great  part  of  the  country  of  Canada,  and  infi- 
nitely distress  them :  but  from  William  Henry  none  can  be  made  with- 
out vast  difficulty  and  risk.  As  to  the  advantages  of  subsisting  and 
defending  a  garrison,  and  maintaining  a  post  against  the  efforts  of 
Canada,  either  at  Ticonderoga  or  fort  William  Henry,  we  conceive 
they  are  much  in  favor  of  the  former.  For  us  to  supply  victuals  for  a 
garrison  or  an  army  stationed  at  some  one  place  or  the  other,  we  con- 
ceive, that  on  the  whole,  they  may  be  more  easily  and  certainly  afforded 
to  Ticonderoga  than  William  Henry.  We  suppose  that  what  should 
be  sent  from  ports  on  the  westerly  side  of  Hudson's  river,  may  almost 
as  easily  be  transported  to  Ticonderoga  or  to  William  Henry;  and  as 
to  such  supplies  as  would  go  from  all  parts  eastward  of  Hudson's 
river,  they  may  be  conveyed  to  the  former  place  with  much  more  facil- 
ity than  the  latter.  And  as  to  the  speed  and  certainty  of  marching 
succors,  for  the  relief  of  a  garrison  at  one  place  or  the  other,  in 
case  of  an  attack,  we  suppose  the  advantages  of  Ticonderoga  are  vast- 
ly superior  to  those  of  William  Henry;  for  we  cannot  forbear  observ- 
ing, that  our  brethren  of  New  York  government,  settled  on  the  west- 
erly side  of  Hudson's  river,  have  been  always  rather  slow  in  warlike 
efforts,  and  if  the  succors  must  go  from  Connecticut,  Massachusetts, 
New  Hampshire,  or  the  northeasterly  parts  of  New  York  governments, 
they  may  be  mustered  and  marched  much  sooner  to  the  former  station 
than  the  latter.     We  have  no  doubt,  but,  on  a  pressing  emergency,  a 


17  75.]  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

large  body  of  men  might  be  marched  from  the  middle  of  the  county 
of  Hampshire  to  Ticonderoga,  in  six  days ;  but  to  gentlemen  bo  well 
acquainted  with  the  geography  of  the  two  places,  we  need  not  dwell 
on  this  part  of  the  argument  ;  and,  in  short,  we  have  no  idea  ol  main- 
taining the  one  or  the  other  of  the  two  posts,  in  time  <>f  war  with  <  !an- 
ada,  but  either  by  constantly  keeping  an  arm]  on  the  spot,  or  making 
a  fort  of  sufficient  strength  for  a  garrison,  to  hold  out  against  an  at- 
tack, until  an  army  could  be  marched  from  New  Y<>rk  or  New  En- 
gland, sufficienl  to  raise  the  seige ;  the  latter  method  we  suppose  mosl 
politic,  and  quite  practicable,  with  regard  to  Ticondero<ra.  But,  at 
the  same  time,  we  beg  leave  just  to  hint,  that  a  fortified  station,  on  the 
easterly  side  of  South  Bay  or  Lake  Champlain,  opposite  to  Ticonde- 
roga, Crown  Point,  or  still  further  on,  affords  great  advantages  for  the 
maintaining  Ticonderoga,  and  defending  the  settlements  on  the  east- 
ward^ side  of  Lake  Champlain  :  and  there  is  artillery  enough  to  sp 
to  other  places;  and  if  we  abandon  the  land  between  the  Lakes  George 
and  Champlain,  we  shall  give  the  enemy  an  opportunity  to  build,  at  or 
near  the  points,  and,  by  that  means,  we  shall  lose  the  whole  of  Lake 
Champlain,  and  the  shipping  we  now  have  on  thai  lake,  by  which  we 
can  command  the  whole  of  it,  and  keep  the  enemy  at  a  distance  of 
a  hundred  miles  from  our  English  settlement-,  near  Otter  Creek,  cv  c.  ; 
but  if  that  fortress  should  be  maintained,  we  shall  have  those  verj 
tlements,  with  some  aids  from  the  old  settlements,  to  support  it,  which 
will  not  be  half  the  charge  thai  it  would  be  to  maintain  a  sufficienl 
number  of  soldiers,  so  far  from  their  homes.  We  have  there  about 
four  or  five  hundred  hardy  men,  with  many  families,  who,  if  those 
grounds  should  be  abandoned,  will  be  driven  from  their  settlements, 
and  leave  the  Massachusetts  and  New  Hampshire  people  naked,  with- 
out anj  barrier,  and  exposed  to  the  Canadians  and  savages,  who  will 
ha\e  a  place  of  retreat  at  the  point,  a-  they  had  almost  the  wholi 
the  last  war.  By  abandoning  this  ground,  we  give  up  an  acquisition 
which  cost  immense  sums  of  money,  the  loss  of  man]  lives,  and  five 
campaigns.  As  to  the  expenses  of  maintaining  a  fortress  at  Ticonde- 
roga, this  colony  will  not  fail  to  exert  themselves  to  the  utmost  of  their 
I  ower.  We  are  under  the  greatest  obligations  to  your  honor,  and  the 
general  assembly,  for  the  intelligence  you  have  given  us,  and  you  may 
depend,  we  -hall  not  fail  of  continuing  to  communicate  to  you  all  im- 
portant intelligence,  with  the  utmost  despatch.  The  interpositions  of 
Divine  Providence,  in  favor  of  America,  are  verj  obvious,  which  de- 
mand our  utmost  thankfulness.  Enclosed  is  a  brief  narrative  of  some 
of  them. 

We  are.  Sic] 


270  SECOND  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.      [May  29,  1775. 

[The  committee  to  whom  were  referred  the  papers  relating  to  Jona- 
than Brewer,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz.  : 

[Resolved,  That  the  papers  respecting  Jonathan  Brewer,  be  trans- 
mitted by  the  secretary  to  the  committee  of  safety,  to  be  by  them  acted 
upon  in  such  a  manner  as  they  think  fit,  so  far  as  to  determine  on 
the  expediency  of  recommending,  or  not  recommending  him,  to  this 
Congress,  as  an  officer  of  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony.] 

[The  committee  appointed  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress of  New  Hampshire,  reported  the  following,  which  was  accepted, 
and  ordered  to  be  forwarded  :] 

[Gentlemen  : — Enclosed  are  copies  of  governor  Trumbull's  letter 
to  this  Congress,  enclosing  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress, 
respecting  the  fortresses  at  Ticonderoga,  Crown  Point,  &c,  and  the 
resolution  of  the  general  committee  of  association  of  New  York 
thereon,  and  a  letter  from  the  Connecticut  delegates  at  New  York  to 
their  assembly.] 

[The  measure  taken  by  the  Continental  Congress,  if  carried  into 
execution,  in  our  humble  opinion,  will  affect  those  colonies  east  of 
Hudson's  river  in  the  highest  degree ;  by  that  you  will  see  that  all  the 
lands  and  waters  between  the  south  end  of  Lake  George  and  Crown 
Point,  together  with  all  Lake  Champlain,  will  be  left  open  for  Canadi- 
ans and  savages,  if  they  should  be  so  disposed,  to  range  all  that 
country  east,  and  distress  all  our  river  settlements.] 

[We  have  addressed  the  Continental  Congress  upon  the  necessity  of 
keeping  a  fortress  at  or  near  Ticonderoga,  and  have  also  most  press- 
ingly  desired  the  colony  of  Connecticut  to  exert  themselves  to  effect 
the  maintaining  such  a  fortress.  We  have  also  written  to  New  York 
upon  the  matter.  We  now  lay  the  same  advice  before  you,  that  you 
may  have  opportunity  to  take  such  measures  as  you  shall  think  proper. 
As  your  colony  is  so  deeply  affected,  you  will,  from  a  concern  for  that, 
and  a  generous  regard  to  the  common  safety,  which  you  have  appeared 
at  all  times  to  have,  we  trust,  take  the  matter  up,  and  by  decent  and 
respectful  addresses  to  the  Continental  Congress,  endeavor  to  prevail 
with  them  to  alter  a  measure  so  dangerous  in  its  effects. 

We  are,  &c] 

(1)  During  the  sessions  from  the  23d  of  May  until  the  dissolution  of  Congress,  commissions  were 
issued  to  officers  in  the  regiments  commanded  by  colonels  Learned,  Doolittle,  Reed,  Thomas,  Wal- 
ker, Whitcomb,  Cotton,  Ward,  Prescott,  Gerrish,  Danielson,  Mansfield,  Bridges,  Patterson,  and 
Scammond,  on  the  certificates  of  the  committee  of  safety,  that  the  several  corps  were  filled  with  a 
proper  complement  of  men. 


JOURNAL 


OF    THE 


THIRD   PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


OF 


fHassacijusetts, 


Convened  at  Watertoum,  Wednesday,  May  31, 177  o....Dissohtd  Wednes- 
day, July  19,  1775. 


JOURNAL. 


At  a  Congress  of  Delegates  from  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 
the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  began  and  held  at  the  Meeting- 
house, in  Watertown,  the  31st  of  May,  l""». 

.Mr.  Samuel  Freeman  was  unanimously  chosen  Secretary,  and  the 
Hon.  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  President. 

Resolved,  That  the  Congress  will  now  proceed  to  hear  the  returns, 
and  consider  the  qualifications  of  the  members. 

The  returns  being  read,  it  appeared,  that  the  following  gentlemen 
were  elected  by  the  inhabitants  of  their  respective  towns,  to  represent 
them  in  this  Congress,  viz. : 

COUNTY  OF  SUFFOLK. 

Boston. — lion.  Thomas  Cushing,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  Hon. 
John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Pitts,  Benjamin 
Church,  Jr.,  Esq.,  Mr.  Oliver  Wendall. 

Koxbury. — Capt.  Aaron  Davis. 

Dorchester. — Col.  [Lemuel]  Robinson,  Mr.  James  Robinson. 

Milton. — Capt.  Daniel  Vose. 

Braintree. — Col.  Joseph  Palmer. 

Wei/ mouth. — Deacon  Nathaniel  Bailey. 

Hi  mi  ha  in  and  Cohasset. — Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq. 

Dedham. — Hon.  Samuel  Dexter,  Esq.,  Mr.  Abner  Ellis 

Mi  (I  fir  Id. — Mr.  Daniel  Perry. 

Wrentkatn. — Mr.  Jabez  Fisher,  Mr.  Lemuel  Kollock. 

Brookline. — Capt.  Benjamin  White. 

Stoughton. — Mr.  Thomas  Crane. 

tfedway. — Capt.  Jonathan  Adams,  Mr.  Moses  Adam- 

Needham. — Col.  William  Mcintosh. 

fValpole.—NLi.  Enoch  Ellis. 

Bellingham. — Doct.  John  Corbet. 

Chelsea. — Deacon  John  Sale 
35 


274  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  31, 

COUNTY  OF  ESSEX. 

Salem. — Hon.  Richard  Derby,  Jr.,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Pickering,  Jr., 
Capt.  Samuel  Williams,  Mr.  Daniel  Hopkins. 

Danvers. — Doct.  Samuel  Holten,  Capt.  William  Shillaber. 

Ipswich. — Col.  Michael  Farley,  Dummer  Jewett,  Esq. 

Newbury. — Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq. 

Newbury  port. — Capt.  Jonathan  Greenleaf,  Mr.  Stephen  Cross. 

Marblehead. — Azor  Orne,  Esq.,  Mr.  Elbridge  Gerry,  Capt.  Jonathan 
Glover,  Mr.  Joshua  Orne. 

Lynn. — Mr.  Edward  Johnson. 

Andover. — Mr.  Samuel  Phillips,  Jr. 

Beverly. — Capt.  Josiah  Batchelder,  Jr. 

Rowley. — Mr.  Nathaniel  Mighill. 

Salisbury. — Major  Nathaniel  Currier. 

Haverhill. — Mr.  Jonathan  Webster,  Jr. 

Gloucester. — Col.  Peter  Coffin,  Major  Samuel  Whittemore. 

Bozford. — Capt.  Asa  Perley. 

Almsbury. — Capt.  Caleb  Pillsbury. 

Wenham. — Mr.  Benjamin  Fairfield. 

Topsfield. — Deacon  John  Gould. 

Methuen. — Mr.  James  Ingalls. 

Middleton. — Mr.  Archelaus  Fuller. 

Bradford. — [Col.  Daniel  Thurston.] 

Manchester. — [None.] 

COUNTY  OF  MIDDLESEX. 

Cambridge. — Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Jr.,  Capt.  Samuel  Thatcher. 

Charlestown. — Mr.  Richard  Devens,  David  Cheever,  Esq. 

Watertoion. — Capt.  Jonathan  Brown. 

Woburn. — Josiah  Johnson,  Esq. 

Concord. — Col.  James  Barrett. 

Newton. — Abraham  Fuller,  Esq. 

Reading. — Mr.  John  Temple. 

Marlborough. — Mr.  Peter  Bent. 

Billerica. — William  Stickney,  Esq. 

Framingham. — Joseph  Haven,  Esq.,  Capt.  Josiah  Stone. 

Lexington. — Deacon  Jonas  Stone. 

Chelmsford. — Col.  Simeon  Spaulding. 

Sudbury. — Deacon  Thomas  Plympton. 

Maiden. — Capt.  Ebenezer  Harnden. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

Weston. — Col.  Braddyl  Smith. 

Mrdfnnl.—Uv.  Benjamin  Hall,  Mr.  Stephen  Hall,  3d. 
Hopkinton. — Capt.  John  Holmes. 
Westford. — Capt.  Joseph  Read. 
Groton. — Hon.  James  Prescott,  Esq. 
Pepperell. — Capt.  Edmund  Bancroft. 
Wtiltltam. — Mr.  Jacob  Biselow, 
Stow. — Henry  Gardner,  Esq, 
Sherburne. — Mr.  Daniel  Whitney. 
Littleton. — Mr.  Abel  Jewett. 
Townshend. — Mr.  Israel  Hobart. 
Stoneham. — ("apt.  Samuel  Sprague. 
Wilmington. — <'a]>t.  Timoth)  Walker. 
Drat  i/(. — Deacon    Vinos  Bradley. 
Holliston. — Col.  Abner  Terry. 
Acton. — Mr.  Josiah  Hayward. 
Tewkesbury. — Mr.  Ezra  Kendall. 

Dunstable. l — John Tyng,  Esq.,  James Tyng,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joel  Parkhurst. 
Lincoln. — Major  Eleazer  Brooks. 

COUNTY  OF  HAMPSHIRE. 

Springfield. — Mr.  John  Hale,  .Mr.  Edward  Chapin. 

West  Springfield. — Major  Benjamin  Ely,  Doct.  Chauncy  Brewer. 

Northampton. — Joseph  llawley,  Esq.,  Mr.  Elias  Lyman. 

Wilbraham. — Major  John  Bliss. 

Sou t ft  Hadley  and  Granby. — Capt.  Phinehas  Smith,  [Mr.  Noah 
Goodman.] 

Hatfield. — John  Dickenson,  John  Hastings,  Elihu  White. 

WestfieU.— Col.  John  Mosely,  Col.  Elisha  Parks. 

Greenfield.  —  Mr.  Samuel  Hinsdale. 

Until,, i.— Col.  Elisha  Porter. 

Sunderland  and  Montague. — Capt.  Israel  Hubbart,  Doct.  Moses 
Gunn. 

Brimfield,  Monson  and  South   Brimfield. — Col.  Timothy  Danielson 

Northfield. — Mr.  Phinehas  Wright. 

Blandford. — Deacon  William  Boies,  Capt.  William  Knox. 

Granville. — Timothy  Robinson,  Esq.,  Mr.  Nathan  Harlow. 

(1)  John  Tyng,  Bsq.  and  James  Tyng,  Esq.,  were  roturnod  as  dot  D 

as  tin'  lioalth  Hi'  tlir  Connor  was  so  much  impaired  ;i<  t"  pr<  venl  nil  attt  ndeni  •  .  uid  the  mull 
tj  of  engagements  of  public  and  private  business  compelled  the  latter  t"  resign  hii   -■  it,  Mr.   ' 
1'urklnirit  was  elected,  ti>  supply  the  vacancies  thus  occ  tsioned,  June  19,  I* 


276  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  31, 

Palmer. — Capt.  David  Spear. 

New  Salem. — Lieut.  Amos  Foster. 

Belchertown. — Capt.  Nathaniel  Dwight. 

Colraine. — Lieut.  Hezekiah  Smith. 

Greenwich. — Mr.  Joseph  Hendrick. 

Amherst. — Nathaniel  Dickinson,  Jr. 

Chesterfield. — Capt.  Benjamin  Bonney. 

Shutesbury. — Mr.  John  Hamilton. 

Williamsburg. — Mr.  Josiah  Dwight. 

Shelburne. — Deacon  Samuel  Fellows. 

Ware. — Joseph  Foster,  Esq. 

Ludlow. — Capt.  Joseph  Miller. 

Worthington. — Doct.  Moses  Morse. 

Whatehj. — Mr.  Noah  Wells,  Mr.  Salmon  White. 

Warwick. — Col.  Samuel  Williams. 

COUNTY  OF  BERKSHIRE. 

Sheffield,  Grreat  Harrington,  Egremont  and  Alford. — Mr.  William 
Whiting. 

Tyringham. — Major  Giles  Jackson. 

Stockbridge. — Timothy  Edwards,  Esq.,  [Jerathmiel]  Woodbridge, 
Esq. 

Lenox. — Capt.  Caleb  Hyde. 

Williamstoien. — Mr.  Samuel  Kellogg. 

Richmond. — Capt.  Elijah  Brown. 

Sandisficld. — Deacon  Samuel  Smith. 

Tyringham. — Mr.  Elijah  Warren,  John  Chadwick,  Esq. 

Leverett.1 — [None.] 

COUNTY  OF  WORCESTER. 

Worcester. — Mr.  David  Bancroft. 

Lancaster. — Doct.  William  Dunsmore,  Deacon  Thomas  Fair- 
banks. 

Brookfield. — Jedediah  Foster,  Esq. 

[Mcndon. — Capt.  Thomas  Wiswall.] 

Oxford. — Edward  Davis,  Esq. 

Sutton. — Capt.  Henry  King,  Mr.  Amos  Singletary. 

Rutland. — Mr.  Jobn  Fessenden. 

(1)  The  town  of  Leverett  considering  "  their  circumstances  as  very  young  and  weak,"  declined 
returning  a  membei 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

Hutchinson. — John  Caldwell,  Esq, 
Oakham.—Cspt.  Isaac  Stone. 
Leicester  and  S/min r. — Deacon  Oliver  Watson. 
PaztonJ —  Rev.  Alexander  Thayer. 
Westborough. — Capt.  Stephen  Maynard. 
Shrewsbury. — Mr.  Daniel  rlemenway. 
Lunenburg. — Doct.  John  Taylor. 
FHtchburg. — Mr.  Joseph  Fox. 
Uxbridge. — Mr.  Abner  Rawson. 
Harvard. — Mr.  Joseph  \\  heeler. 
Bolton. — Capt.  Samuel  Baker. 
Sturbridge. — Capt.  Timothy  Parker. 
Hardwick? — Capt.  William  Page. 
Grafton. — Doct.  Joseph  Batchelder. 
Veto  Braintree. — Major  James  Woods. 
Dudley. — Major  William  Learned. 
Southborough. —  Lieut.  William  Collins. 
Upton. — Mr.  Abiel  Sadler. 
Leominster. — Deacon  Israel  Nichols. 
Holden.— Mr.  John  Child. 
Western. — Simeon  Dwight,  Esq. 
Doi/i;/f/>. — Deacon  Jeremiah  Whiting. 
Athul. — Capt.  John   Haven. 
Petersham. — <  ol.  Jonathan  Grout. 
Westminster. — Deacon  .Nathan  Wood. 
Templeton. —  Mr.  Jonathan  Baldwin. 
Princeton. — Mr.  Moses  Gill. 
Royaiston.2 —  [  .None.  ] 
Hubbardston. — Lieut.  William  Muzzy. 
Charlton. — Rev.  Caleb  Curtis. 
Vorthborough. — Mr.  Levi  Brigham. 

(1)  The  district  of  Paxton,  "  t«'  show  theii  dislike  of  the  extravagant 

the  ;i run,  in  a  time  of  general  c  ilamity,"  instructed  tlnir  delegate,  on  lii*  election,  I 
bis  influence,  that  no  field  officer  Bhould  receive  more  than  £<>  per  month,  no  captain  mora  v 
anil  no  other  person  have  compensation  in  a  greater  proportion. 

(2)  The  inhabitants  of  Hardwick,  on  tho  22d  of  May,  elected  Capt.  William  I' 
them  in  Congress  during  June  and  July  ;  Capt.  Stephen  Rice  to  annul  ilHrm.-   \ 

■  ol.  Jonathan  Warner  to  sit  during  Octobi  •  irly  dissolution  of  thi 

nted  the  t»"  las)  Domed  gentlemen  from  taking  theii  i<  ata. 

(3)  The  inhabitants  "i  Roj  tlston,  Ma)  25,  1775  ering  the  infltm  ■ 

of  in.  ad  the  inability  of  the  people  !•>  maintain 

ted  n"i  t"  lend  a mbei  "i  Co  that  time,  i"it  i  mply  srith 

evei  the  provincial  assembly  should  recom nd  for  the  public  . 


278  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  31, 

COUNTY  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

Plymouth. — Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq.,  Mr.  Isaac  Lothrop. 

Scituate. — Nathan  Cushing,  Esq. 

Duxbury. — Mr.  George  Partridge. 

Marshfield. — Mr.  Benjamin  White. 

Bridgewater. — Col.  Edward  Mitchell. 

Middleborough. — Capt.  Joshua  White. 

Rochester. — Major  Ebenezer  White. 

Plympton. — Capt.  Seth  Cushing. 

Pembroke. — Mr.  John  Turner,  Mr.  Jeremiah  Hall,  Mr.  Edward 
Thomas. 

Kingston. — Hon.  William  Seaver,  Esq.,  Deacon  Ebenezer  Wash- 
burn. 

Hanover. — Col.  Joseph  Cushing. 

Abington. — Doct.  David  Jones. 

Halifax. — Mr.  Ebenezer  Thompson. 

COUNTY  OF  BARNSTABLE. 

Barnstable. — Col.  Joseph  Otis,  Daniel  Davis,  Esq. 

Yarmouth. — Capt.  Elisha  Basset. 

Sandwich. — Mr.  Stephen  Nye,  Col.  [Nathaniel]  Freeman. 

Eastham. — Mr.  Amos  Knowles. 

Wellfleet.— Col.  Elisha  Cobb. 

Harwich. — Mr.  Joseph  Nye. 

Falmouth. — Mr.  Moses  Swift. 

Chatham. — Col.  Joseph  Doan. 

Truro. — Mr.  Samuel  Harding. 

COUNTY  OF  BRISTOL. 

Taunton. — Robert  T.  Paine,  Esq.,  Col.  George  Williams,  Capt. 
[Simeon]  Williams. 

Rehoboth. — Capt.  Thompson  Carpenter,  Mr.  [Ephraim]  Stark- 
weather. 

Swanzey. — Col.  [Jerathmiel]  Bowers,  Mr.  Philip  Slead. 

Dartmouth. — Hon.  Walter  Spooner,  Esq.,  Benjamin  Aikin,  Esq. 

Attleborough. — Capt.  John  Stearns. 

Dighton. —  lv/.ra  Richmond,  Esq.,  Doct.  William  Baylies. 

Freetown. — Mr.  Thomas  Durfee. 

Norton  and  Mansfield. — Capt.  W7illiam  Homes. 

Easton. — Mr.  Benjamin  Pettingil. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  <  ONGRE88 

Raynham. — Mr    Benjamin  Kin 
Berkley. — .Mr.  Samuel  Tobey,  Jr. 

<  01  NT'S  OF  \<)KK. 

York. — Mr.  Daniel  Bragdon. 

B  ttery. — Edward  Cutt,  Esq. 

Wells.— [None.] 

Berwick. — .Major  [chabod  Goodwin. 

Annul, II. — Mr.  John  Hovey. 
Biddeford. — James  Sullivan,  Esq. 

COUNTY  OF  CI  MBERLAND. 
Falmouth  andCapi  Elizabeth. — Mr.  Samuel  Freeman. 
Gorham. — Capt.  Bryant  Morton. 
Brunswick. — ('<>1.  Samuel  Thompson. 
\     th   Yarmouth. — David  Mitchel,  Esq. 
|  Si  arborough.'y — [  None.  ] 

COUNTY  OF  LINCOLN. 

Pownalborough. — Mr.  Timothy  Langdon. 
Georgetown  and  Woolwich. — Capt.  Samuel  McCobb. 
Topsham. — [Mr.  .lames  Fulton.] 
Gardinerston. — Mr.  Joseph  North. 

hi  KES  COUNTS 
Chilmark. — [  None.] 
Tisbury — James  Athearn,  Esq. 
Edffarton.—NLr.  Beriah  Norton. 


■s 


COUNTY  OF  NANT1  CKET. 

[  Shi  rburit.  ] —  [  None.  | 

31st    May,    1775.     Ordered,  That    Doct.   Hoi  ten,   Mr.  Watson    and 
Col.  Lincoln,  be  a  committee  to  wail  on  the  K<  \    Doct,  Langdon,  and 

1     The  inhabitant*  of  Scarborough  represented,  thai  "  they  thought  themn 

port   the  charge  of  o  member  ol  I  id  town  having  no  m ■• 

Inmber  wai  the  chief  trade;  that  being  done,  the  crop*  having  been  very  abort,  and 
coming  from  the  lonthern  colonioi,  they  wore  in  great  diatreia  lor  want  I  •«  > 1 1 •  of  n 

■in  thoj  were  willing  to  exert  themaolvei  to  the  atten i  to  nipport  -  mmenl  «nil 

■  jut  rigbti  and  privilege  added  their  "prayer*,  thai  <;<»1  might  bli 

,.i  Congreaa,  and,  in  the  end,  confirm  that  liberty  whioh  ooi  forofatl 
enjoy." 


2S0  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [May  31, 

inform  him  that  this  Congress  are  now  ready  to  attend  divine  service, 
and  request  his  attendance. 

Resolved,  That  four  o'clock  this  afternoon  be  assigned  for  the  con- 
sideration of  the  returns  of  members  from  Hardvvick,  Eastham,1  and 
several  other  towns. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brown,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Col.  Sayer,  be  [a] 
committee  to  wait  on  the  commanding  officer  of  the  militia  of  this 
town,  to  thank  him  for  his  polite  offer  to  escort  the  Congress  to  the 
meeting-house,  and  to  inform  him,  that,  as  this  Congress  are  now  sit- 
ting, the  Congress  think  it  needless  to  withdraw  for  that  purpose  :  but 
will,  with  the  reverend  gentlemen  of  the  clergy,  attend  them  to  Mrs. 
Coolidge's,  if  they  please  to  escort  them  thither,  when  the  Congress 
adjourns. 

[Afternoon] 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Doct.  Whiting,  Mr.  Pitts,  Mr.  Jewett  and 
Col.  Lincoln,  be  a  committee  to  return  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  to 
the  Rev.  Doct.  Langdon,  for  his  excellent  sermon  delivered  to  the 
Congress  in  the  forenoon,  and  to  desire  a  copy  of  it  for  the  press.2 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Pitts  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  some  method  for  supplying  the  soldiers  immediately 
with  advance  pay,  and  also  to  consider  a  letter  from  Gen.  Thomas  on 
that  subject. 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of  the  last  Congress,  relative 
to  providing  the  army  with  chaplains,  be  laid  before  the  reverend  gen- 
tlemen of  the  clergy,  now  in  convention,  at  Watertown. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Col.  Bowers,  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Bayley 
and  Mr.  Slead,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  two  returns  of  mem- 
bers from  Eastham. 

The  returns  of  three  members  from  Hardwick,  who  are  to  attend 
this  Congress  severally,  each  two  months,  was  approved  of. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  Gen.  Thomas's  letter,  reported 
verbally  ;  the  report  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  committed  to 

(1)  A  remonstrance  was  presented  against  the  return  of  Mr.  Amos  Knowles,  Jr.,  one  of  the 
members  returned  from  Eastham,  with  testimony  tending  to  prove,  that  lie  bad  used  expressions  re- 
flecting on  the  wisdom  and  fidelity  of  Congress,  and  that  tie  entertained  sentiments  unfavorable 
to  its  policy  and  measures.  These  charges  were  denied,  and  the  origin  attributed  to  personal  or 
parly  hostility  by  the  respondent.  The  election  of  the  members  from  Eastham  and  Williamsburg 
was  contested,  on  the  ground  that  the  town  meetings  were  not  properly  notified. 

(2)  The  sermon  of  Doct.  Langdon  was  from  Is  w  111  i.  26.  ".flnrf  /  will  restore  thy  judges  as  at  the 
,fir*t,  and  thy  counsellors  as  at  tin  beginning  :  afterwards  tlmu  shalt  be  called  the  city  of  righteousness, 
the  faithful  city."     The  discourse  was  printed  at  Cambridge. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCl  \l.  CONGRES  28] 

writing,  and  one  copy  sent  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  and  another  to 
the  camp  at  Etoxbury. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  William-  and  Deacon  Chei 
a  committee  to  introduce  to  this  Congress   a  committee  from  the  r< 
erend  gentlemen  of  the  clergy,  in  convention  at  Watertown,  now  at 
the  door. 

The  committee  were  accordingly  introduced,  and  informed  the  Con- 
gress that  the  said  convention  would  be  glad  of  the  use  of  the  meeting- 
house to-morrow  morning,  at  eight  o'clock.     Thru  the  said  commit! 
h  ithdrew. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Williams  and  Deacon  Cheever,  be 
a  committee  to  inform  the  reverend  gentlemen  of  the  convention,  that 
this  Congi  imply  with  their  request,  and  that   the  committee  laj 

before  the  said  convention,  a  copy  of  the  resolve  of  the  last  Congr< 
respecting  chaplains. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Hastings,  who  attended  the  last  Congress  as 
door-keeper,  be  desire. I  to  attend  this  Congress  till  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  the  papers  relative  to  the  fortresses  at  Ticonderoga, 
&,c,  be  laid  before  the  Congress. 

The  paper-  being  read.  Resolved,  thai  Mi.  Phelps,  who  was  the 
be  irer  of  some  of  them,  be  introduced  to  the  Congress. 

After  information  from  Mr.  Phelps,  Ordered,  that  the  president,  Mr. 
Glover,  Col.  Nicholson,  Doct.  Taylor,  .Mr.  Edwards,  Col  Dwight, 
Doct.  Wheeler,  Mr.  Hale  and  Doct.  Whiting,  be  a  committee  to  take 
said  papers  into  consideration,  to  sit  forthwith,  and  report  as  soon  as 

III  i\    he. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Greenleaf, 
Cap  Bal  /helder  ami  Col.  Otis,  be  a  committee  to  consider  a  letter 
from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  colon]  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, to  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Newburyport.1 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

I     'I 'lie  following  letter,  from  the  committe  i  of  correspondence  of  \-«  II  unpshi 
in  \ 

PORTSMOl    i 

"  GENTLEMEN  :— We  had  two  provision  vei  mthof  ourharb  ught, 

by  tfa  ilication  to  -I  ly  for  tin  ir  i 

im  the  admiral  to  tak  ludun  with  provisions,  salt,  01 

send  1 1,  rin  to  I  in- 1  mi  ;  a  ii.l  In'  Bays  furthor,  tho  irculai  through  tho  continent.    ''■ 

tiit-  n in-lit,  inn!  also  inform  you,  thai  'In   I  '"P 

first  fair  wind,  to  convoy  the  two  vessel*  all 
and  are  sorr)  to  find  ourselves  unable  to  pre 
gun  ship,  and  o  them      '  I 

36 


282  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  1, 

Thursday,  June  1,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  Gen.  Thomas's  letter,  brought 
in  the  following  report,  which  was  accepted,  and  a  copy  of  it  ordered 
to  be  sent  to  the  muster  master  at  Cambridge,  and  another  to  the  mus- 
ter master  at  Roxbury,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  letter  from  Gen.  Thomas, 
relative  to  immediately  paying  the  army  the  advance  pay,  have  attend- 
ed that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  have  waited  on  the 
receiver  general,  to  know  of  him  how  soon  he  can  furnish  the  muster 
masters  with  the  notes  proposed  for  the  army  ;  and  were  informed  by 
the  receiver  general,  he  now  had  several  hundred  notes  ready  to  de- 
liver ;  and  that  he  had  provided  all  necessary  helps,  and  would  make 
the  greatest  despatch  possible ;  and  that  he  should  be  able,  at  least,  to 
pay  off  one  regiment  every  day,  and  perhaps  more ;  and  that  he  would, 
from  day  to  day,  deliver  one  half  of  said  notes  to  the  muster  master  at 
Cambridge,  and  the  other  half  to  the  muster  master  at  Roxbury. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  be  sent  to  the  muster  masters. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Jones  and  Mr.  Orne,  be  added  to  the  committee 
who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  returns  of  members  from  Eastham. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  members  be,  and  hereby  are  appoint- 
ed, monitors  in  this  Congress,  viz.:  1st.  Col.  Gerrish :  2d.  Mr. 
Durfee  :  3d.  Col.  Farley  :  4th.  Doct.  Taylor  :  And  that  the  divis- 
ion of  the  house  be  as  follows,  viz.  : 

First  Division :  the  pews  at  the  right  hand  of  the  pulpit,  and  all 
the  pews  on  the  west  and  south  part  of  the  meeting-house,  from  the 
aisle  that  bounds  the  seats  and  the  body  pews  : 

Second  Division  :  the  pews  on  the  left  hand  of  the  pulpit,  and  all 
the  pews  on  the  north  and  east  part  of  the  house,  from  the  aisle  that 
bounds  the  seats  and  the  body  pews : 

Third  Division :  all  the  body  pews  and  seats  on  the  left  hand  of  the 
broad  aisle : 

Fourth  Division  :  all  the  body  pews  and  seats  on  the  right  hand  of 
the  broad  aisle. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  adopt  and  observe  the  rules  and 
orders  established  by  the  last  Congress. 

enmstance,  and  sending  ; « t ■  #■  v j>r-  -s  i h in  nighl  with  it,  i-.  because  we  have  jusi  heard  thai  you  have 
an  armed  *  esse]  in  your  i" 

■•  \\  i  lered  t«'>  small  \*  asi  1-  to  cruizi   off  and  on,  and,  if  po  Bible,  give  tlci-;  intelligence 

to  all  vessels  bound  t"  this  nr  any  othei  port,  and  trn-t  you  « ill  do  the  same. 

l'.\  order  of  the  Committi  i  . 


/'■■  i; 


V.'iir  mOSl  humble  servant, 

II.  WENTWORTH,  Chmrnum." 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  I  ONGRES  283 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Prescott,  Mr.  Slead,  Col.  Barrett,  Mr.  Thatcher, 
and   Mr.  Partridge,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  number  of  t 
poor  of  the  town  <>!'  Boston  should   be  sent   t"  the  town  of  Ashby,  >ir 
other  towns,  not  mentioned  in  the  schedule  annexed  to  a  resolve  passed 
in  the  lasl  <  !ongr< 

[The  committee  presented  the  following  report,  which  was  read  and 
accepted  :] 

Whereas,  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Boston,  bj  a  resolve  of  Congress 
passed  the  firs!  daj  of  Maj  last,  are  confined  to  a  certain  number  of 
towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  as  appears  by  a  schedule  annexed  to 

said  resolve,  and  some  of  said  | r  having  relations  and  connections 

in  other  towns  and  districts  than  are  mentioned  in  said  schedule,  and 
being  desirous  t'>  Lr,»  and  reside  in  such  places,  it  is,  therefor*  /.'  - 
solved,  that  the  poor  of  Boston  maj  be  rfin< >\ *■<  1  into  any  other  town  or 
district  in  tin-  colony,  where  the  selectmen  of  such  town  or  districl 
shall  see  lit  to  receive  them,  all  such  town-  and  districts  observing  the 
rules,  regulations  and  directions  given  in  the  resolve  aforesaid,  and 
shall  be  entitled  t'>  the  same  rewards  and  privily,  -  ;i>  mentioned  in 
said  resolve. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher,  Mr.  Spaulding,  Mr.  Stickney,  Mr. 
Partridge  and  Major  Perley,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  proposal 
of  the  reverend  gentlemen  of  the  clergy,  now  in  convention  at  N\  ater- 
t<>u  ii,  [  h  Imli  i~  as  follows  :] 

/     '      //   i    ./    eph  Warren,  Esq.,  President  of  fh>    Provincial  Con- 
of  tin  Colony  «/  tin  Massachusetts  Bay,  \r.  .• 

Sih  : — We,  the  pastors  of  the  congregational  churches  of  the  colo- 
n\  ..t'  the  M  •  busetts  Bay,  in  <>nr  present  annual  convention,  grate- 
fully beg  leave  to  express  the  sense  we  have  of  the  regard  -hewn  by 
the  honorable  I'lovincial  Coni_rre>s  to  ns,  and  the  encouragement  thi 
have  been  pleased  to  afford  t<>  our  assembling  as  a  bodj  this  day. 
Deeplj  impressed  with  sympathy  lor  the  distresses  of  our  much  in- 
jured and  oppressed  country,  we  are  nol  a  little  relieved,  in  beholding 
the  representatives  of  this  people,  chosen  by  then-  tree  and  unbiassed 
suffrages,  now  met  to  concert  measures  for  their  relief  ami  defence,  in 
whose  wisdom  and  integrity,  under  the  -mile- of  Divine  Providen< 
innot  hut  express  our  entire  confidence. 

\-  n   has  I n  found  necessarj  to  raise  an  arm)  for  the  common 

safety,  and  oui  brave  countrymen  have  so  willing!]  offered  themselves 
to  tin-  hazardous  service,  we  are  not  insensible  of  the  vast  burden  that 
their  necessarj  maintenance  must   [devolve]  upon  the  people.     R 


284  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  1, 

therefore,  cannot  forbear,  upon  this  occasion,  to  offer  our  services  to 
the  public,  and  to  signify  our  readiness,  with  the  consent  of  our  seve- 
ral congregations,  to  officiate,  by  rotation,  as  chaplains  to  the  army. 

We  devoutly  commend  the  Congress,  and  our  brethren  in  arms,  to 
the  guidance  and  protection  of  that  Providence,  which,  from  the  first 
settlement  of  this  country,  has  so  remarkably  appeared  for  the  preser- 
vation of  its  civil  and  religious  rights. 

Samuel  Langdon,  Moderator. 

At  the  Convention  of  the  Ministers  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 

June  1 ,  1775  : 

"The  convention,  taking  into  consideration  the  method  of  furnishing 
the  army  with  chaplains,  agreeably  to  the  offer  they  have  made  to  the 
honorable  Congress,  think  it  most  expedient,  that  a  sufficient  number 
of  persons  should  be  chosen  out  of  their  number,  by  the  officers  of 
the  army,  to  officiate  statedly,  rather  than  by  quick  rotation,  in  that 
character  ;  and  the  convention  depend,  that  the  parochial  duties  of 
those  ministers  who  shall  serve  in  the  army,  will  be  performed  by  their 
brethren  in  the  vicinity. 

A  true  copy.     Test :  Amos  Adams,  Scribe." 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Col.  Cushing  and  Major  Whittemore, 
be  a  committee  to  inquire  how  many  armourers  are  already  appointed 
in  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  how  many  more  are  necessary. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Brooks,  Capt.  Stone  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  letter  from  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of 
Hopkinton,  and  that  they  sit  forthwith.1 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  the  committee 
of  correspondence  for  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire,  reported,  ver- 
bally, that  it  was  their  opinion,  that  it  would  be  expedient  to  forward, 
forthwith,  a  copy  of  said  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence 
for  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  and  another  to  the  colony  of  Connec- 
ticut, and  that  the  several  members  of  the  sea  port  towns,  or  of  the 
towns  adjacent,  should  write  to  the  committee  of  such  sea  port  towns, 
informing  them  of  the  subject  of  said  letter. 

(1)  This  letter  si  ites,  thai  »  false  alarm  having  been  spread  in  the  town  of  Hopkinton  and  the 
country  adjoining,  the  people  were  called  from  their  labors,  and  much  and  u     I       lo     of  time  and 

h  alarms,  ;i  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  wa     held, 

and  a  commttt  of  Gilberl    Dench,  Si lei   Park,  Ebenezer  Claflin,  Samuel 

Hoyden  lo  Hale,  appointed,  to  determine  when  it  should  be  necessary  for  the  people  of 

the  town  tn  march  on  any  alarm  ;  and  desired  the  Congri  to  •  I  ili  h  som  ignal,  by  which  au- 
thentic intelligence  might  l><-  distinguished  from  falsi   reports. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  <  ONGRESS 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thompson,  Col    Freeman  and   Mi    Jewett, 
committee  to  consider   a  letter  from  the  committt  fetj  for  the 

tow n  <>i  Salem,  and  r« -| »< »r t . ' 

The  <■ aittee  on  1 1 » « -  Bastham  returns,  reported,  that  in  t l».-i r  < i|»in- 

ion  neither  of  the  members  were  legallj  chosen  ;  the  report,  after 
bate,  was  nol  ted. 

Resolved,  Thai  tin-  last  vote  be  reconsidered,  and  thai  a  recommen- 
,  bi   -   in  to  the  town  of  Bastham,  to  choose  one  or   more  mem- 
to  them  shall  seem  meet,  to  n  present  them  in  th     l 

Th  ppointed  to  i   the  letter  from  the  committee 

ret)  "f  the  town  of  Salem,  reported;  which  reporl  «  pted, 

and  i-  as  follows,  \  iz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  l>\  the  honorable  Provin  Congress,  to 
take  into  consideration   the   letter  from  the  committee  oi  .  and 

town  clerk,  for  the  town  of  Salem,  respecting  the  answers  of  Mr.  Ste- 
phen Higginson  t<>  questions  asked  him  before  the  House  of  Commons 
of  Great  Britain,  &c,  beg  leave  to  report:  that  they  have  critically 
examined  that  matter,  and  are  <>f  opinion  that  the  intentions  <>f  said 
1 1  g  ginson,  in  those  answers,  were  friendl)  to  the-  inhabitants  ■  >!'  Salem 
and  Marblehead,  and  t<>  the  colonies  in  general,  and  that  he  ought  to 
be  honorablj  acquitted  by  this  Congress,  and  recommended  to  the 
favor  of  the  public. 

i  pel  Commoni  of  i 

: 

1 

. 
i  Rhode!  illoctivel)  produ 

i  Carolina*,  Virginia,  P 

ploj '-il  in  the  ■ 

half  of  111 
• 

ii  t iirkrt.  whioh  earrii 

under  th< 

of  ili'-  inhabitantt  at  and  near  VI  I 

iduced  theroto."    T 

I    in   the    /  'I.   l  li,    i  ' 

1 1  i 

th  it  ho  wait  "ii  thi 

■ 

Ili  ■  i mi. :  ■ 


286  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  1, 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  be  directed  to  inquire  of  the 
receiver  general,  if  he  has  received  the  money  from  the  Hon.  Mr. 
Russell,  agreeably  to  the  resolve  of  the  last  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Bayley,  Capt.  Holmes  and  Col.  Thompson, 
be  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  town  of 
Eastham  to  choose  a  new  member  or  members  to  represent  them  in 
this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  three  hundred  passes,  of  the  following  form,  be 
printed,  viz.  : 

To  the  Guards  of  the  Colony  Army  : 

Pursuant  to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  you  are  hereby 

ordered  to  permit ,  a  member  of  said  Congress,  to  pass  and 

repass,  with  such  as  may  accompany  him,  at  all  times. 

,  President, 

June         1775. 

Hon.  Mr.  Dexter  reported  to  the  Congress,  that  he  had  made  in- 
quiry of  Mr.  Gardner,  the  receiver  general,  as  directed,  and  that  the 
receiver  general  informed  him  he  had  not  seen  Mr.  Russell  since  the 
order  of  Congress,  respecting  his  paying  the  public  moneys  he  has  in 
his  hands  to  Mr.  Gardner. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  the  selectmen 
of  Hopkinton,  reported  :  the  report  was  recommitted,  and  Mr.  Phil- 
lips, Mr.  Partridge,  Col.  Richmond  and  Mr.  Sawyer  added  to  the  com- 
mittee. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter  and  the  Hon.  Col. 
Bowers,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  application  made  to  this  Con- 
gress by  Col.  Barrett,  in  behalf  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson,  for  the  use 
of  one  of  the  horses  taken  from  the  regulars,  durino-  the  absence  of 
the  Hon.  Thomas  Gushing,  Esq.,  who  has  Mr.  Emerson's  horse  now 
in  the  public  service. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  Mr.  Emerson, 
reported.     The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  the  Rev.  Wil- 
liam Emerson  of  Concord,  respecting  the  use  of  a  horse  taken  upon  the 
19th  of  April  lust,  from  one  of  the  regulars,  by  Mr.  Isaac  Kittridge 
of  Tewksbury,  Capt.  Nathan  Barrett,  and  Henry  Flint  of  Concord, 
beg  leave  to  report,  by  way  of  resolve,  that  said  horse  be  delivered  to 
said  Emerson,  by  the  person  or  persons  in  whosesoever  possession  he 
may  be  found,   lie,   the   said    Emerson,   paying   a   reasonable   price  for 


L775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

keeping  said  horse,  and   Mr.  Emerson  is  herebj  permitted  to  keep  and 
use  said  horse,  till  the  further  order  of  this  Con 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  paper.-  relating  to  Ticon- 
deroga,  &c,  reported  a  letter  to  Col.  Arnold,  another  to  the  Hon 
William  Williams,  Esq.,  speaker  of  the  assembly  of  the  colom  of 
Connecticut,  and  another  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, which  were  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  authenticated, 
and  sent  forward,  and  arc  as  follow,  viz. 

Letter  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold: 

Sir  : — This  Congress  have  received  yours  of  the  19th  and  23d  of 
Ma)  ult.,  per  Capt.  Brown  and  Capt.  Phillips,  a  cop)  of  which  has 
been  senl  to  New  Hampshire;1  they  highly  approve  of,  and  take  great 
satisfaction  in  the  acquisitions  you  have  made  at  Ticonderoga,  Crown 
Point,  on  the  lake,  &c.  As  to  the  state  you  are  in  respecting  men, 
provision.  &c,  we  have  advices  from  Connecticut  and  New  York,  thai 
ample  preparation  is  making,  with  th<  patch,  in  those  two 

colonics,  from  whence  you  may  depend  on  being  seasonably  sup- 
plied. They  are  sorry  to  meet  with  repeated  requests  from  yon,  that 
some  gentleman  be  senl  to  succeed  you  in  command;  tin  \  assure  yon. 
that  they  place  the  greatest  confidence  in  your  fidelity,  knowledge, 
courage,  and  good  conduct  ;  and  they  desire  that  yon.  at  present,  dis- 
miss the  thoughts  of  quitting  your  important  command  at  Ticondero- 
I  rown  Point,  Lake  Ch  I  you  are  hereby  requested 

to  continue  your  command  over  t  -  raised  by  this  colony,  posted 

at  th  era!  places,  at  least  until  the  colom  of  New  York  or  Con- 

necticut  shall   take  on   them   the   maintaining   and   commanding  the 
same  agreeablj  i«>  an  order  ol  the  Continental  Congn  ss 

To  Col  Benedict  Arnold, 

Ticondero^ 

P.  S. — We  have  just  received  intelligence,  by  a  letter  from  Gov. 
Trumbull,  that  the  general  assembly  have  ordered  a  thousand  men  to 
march  immediate!]  to  reenforce  the  army  now  at  Crown  Point,  Ticon- 
deroga, Ov.  c.,  also  i"  send  |  500  ll><.  powder,  and  also  that  each  soldier  is 
furnished  with  one  pound  of  powder,  v\  c.  The  <  Jongress  further  ad\  ise, 
that  in  case  your  present  necessit)  requires  it,  you  make  use  of  the 
£160  you  found  on  board  the  sloop,  for  the  service  of  this  colony,  you 
accounting  for  the  same  to  this  <>r  some  other  congress,  or  house  of 


- 


1     These,  with  other  let  I    J.   Irnold,  and  document! 


288  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  1, 

representatives  of  this  colony ;  and  they  hereby  assure  you,  that  this 
colony  will  repay  it,  whenever  it  shall  be  ordered  by  the  Continental 
Congress ;  and  that  you  also  complete  the  raising  the  number  of  four 
hundred  men  in  the  pay  of  this  colony,  if  you  judge  it  necessary. 

[To  the  House  of  Asscmbhj  of  Connecticut:] 

Gentlemen  : — We  gratefully  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  favor 
of  the  27th  ult.  We  fully  concur  in  opinion  with  you,  that  maintain- 
ing a  post  at  Ticonderoga  or  Crown  Point,  is  of  the  utmost  import- 
ance :  therefore,  take  particular  satisfaction,  that  you  have,  on  this 
subject,  so  early,  and  repeatedly  expressed  your  minds  to  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

By  private  intelligence  of  the  29th  ult.,  sent  to  Capt.  Joseph  Trum- 
bull, we  are  informed,  that  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York,  do 
not  understand  the  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress,  concerning 
said  fortresses,  to  extend  so  far  as  wholly  to  dismantle  them  ;  but  so 
far,  only,  as  to  supply  any  fortifications  that  may  be  built  at  the  south 
end  of  Lake  George  ;  which  resolve,  in  this  sense  of  it,  they  are,  with 
despatch,  executing  :  therefore,  in  our  present  distressing  situation,  we 
have  postponed  sending  further  assistance  to  ||aCol.||  Arnold,  especially 
since  New  York  have  not  requested  it. 

To  the  Hon.  William  Williams, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assembly  of  the  Colony  of  Connecticut. 

[  To  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire :] 

Gentlemen  : — We  send  you  enclosed,  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  Col. 
Arnold,  commander  of  the  troops  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point, 
together  with  a  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  speaker  of  the  house  of  rep- 
resentatives for  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  by  which  you  will  be  ac- 
quainted with  the  present  situation  of  those  fortresses,  and  the  meas- 
ures necessary  to  be  taken  for  securing  and  defending  so  valuable 
acquisitions. 

You  will,  doubtless,  agree  with  us  in  sentiment,  that  it  is  a  matter 
of  the  greatest  importance,  that  those  places  remain  in  our  possession, 
in  order  to  secure  our  frontiers  from  the  depredations  of  our  enemies, 
if  they  should  attempt  to  attack  us  from  that  quarter,  of  which  there 
appears  to  be  great  danger. 

It  was  the  agreement  of  this  colony,  that  four  hundred  men,  and 
£100  in  money,  should  be  raised  for  the  reduction  of  the  place;   and 

a  UCuptain.ll 


17"  THIRD  l'K<>\  INC]  \l.  CONGRES 

ii  i-  > mi  determination  i"  contribute  <>ur  lull   proportion  toward  secur- 
ing the  acquisition.     B3  the  lettei  from  the   speaker  of  the  bouse  "i 
-  for  Connecticut,  you   will  find,  that   that   colon) 
ml  immediatel)  to  their  assistance,  four  companies  >00 

pounds  weight   of  powder;    and   \\<-  suppose  the  troops  on  the 

march  there  :  and  we  most  earnest]]  request,  that  you  would  contrib- 
ute \'>ui  endeavors,  liki  for  the  speed)  and  effectual  securit)  of 
the  aforementioned  places,  which,  considering  the  importance  of  the 
affair,  and  the  ready  disposition  which  you  have  discovered  t'<>r  the  de- 
if  the  common  cause,  leaves  us  oo  room  t"  doubt  of  your  com- 
pliance therewith. 

'/'./  tin    I' 1  ! I 

/.'    ohed,  That  the  Becretar)    be,  and  hereb)  1-  empowered,  to  ap- 
|iniiii  some  person  t"  assist  him  in  his  office. 

Adjourned  nil  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Friday,  June  "J.  1/7."). 

The  committee  appointed   to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to 
the  town  of  Gasthain   to  choose   one   or  more  members  to  represent 
them  in  this  Congress,  reported;  the  report   was  accepted,  and  is 
follows,  \  i/..  : 

\\'i  ihis  Congress,  upon  examination,  judge   that  the  persons 

returned  .1-  d  3  for   Bastham,  in  the  count)  of  Barnstable,  \\' 

no 1  legally  chosen,  and  that  the  allowing  either  of  them  a  seat  in  this 
house  would  be  attended  with  many  inconveniences;  therefore,  Re- 
solved, that  11  be,  and  it  hereb)  1-  recommended,  to  the  said  town  of 
I.  -tliiin,  thai  they  forthwith  elect  or  depute  one  or  more  j >. ■  r-- >i  1- ,  to 
serve  for,  and  represent  said  town,  in  the  Provincial  Congress,  now 
held  ;it  the  meeting-house  in  Watertown,  to  be  chosen  b)  such  onl) 
are  qualified  to  vote  for  representatives  in  the  general  assembly,  and  to 
be  continued  b)  adjournment,  as  the)  shall  see  cause,  until  the  expira- 
tion of  six  months  from  tin-  first  Bitting  of  this  Con  rress,  and  no  Ion- 
ger,  and  (<»  consult,  and  deliberate,  and  resolve,  upon  such  furtl 
measui  God,  shall    be  effectual,  to   save   this  people  from 

impending  ruin,  and  i>>  secure  those  inestimable  liberties,  derived  to 
11-  from  our  ancestors,  and  which  it  is  <»ur  duty  to  preserve  for  pos- 
terit) . 

R<  I'h  it  ten  o'clock,  this  foren ,  be  assigned  !'<>i  1 1 1 « -  cho 

1  chaplain  for  this  ( !ongr< 
:;: 


290  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  2, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Col.  Barrett,  Capt.  Holmes,  Col.  Bowers 
and  Col.  Sawyer,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  making  fur- 
ther provision  for  distributing  the  poor  of  Boston  to  such  towns  in  the 
colony  as  the  committee  may  think  convenient. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Spooner,  Mr.  Sever,  Col.  Bowers, 
and  Mr.  Fisher,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition 
and  memorial  of  the  several  committees  of  correspondence  for  the 
county  of  Worcester,  and  report.1 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  resolve  and  proposals  of 
the  reverend  gentlemen  of  the  clergy,  reported  ;  the  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  it  is  of  the  greatest  importance  that  our  colony  army  be 
furnished  with  gentlemen  to  act  as  chaplains,  on  whose  virtue,  firmness 
and  patriotism  they  can  safely  rely  ;  and  whereas,  the  reverend  con- 
vention of  the  clergy  of  this  colony  have,  most  nobly  and  without  re- 
ward, tendered  their  services  in  their  country's  cause  : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  the  general  and  field  officers  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  empowered  and  directed,  to  choose  nine  gentlemen  of  the 
clergy  of  this  colony,  to  act  as  chaplains  to  said  army  :  provided  that 
not  more  than  two  of  them  belong  to  any  one  county  ;  and  the  gene- 
ral officers  of  said  army  are  hereby  empowered  to  determine  the  regi- 
ments to  which  each  chaplain  shall  be  desired  to  officiate;  and  also, 
the  committee  of  supplies  are  hereby  directed  to  make  suitable  provis- 
ion for  said  chaplains  during  their  continuance  in  camp. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Spooner,  Col.  Richmond  and  Col.  Dwight,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  expense  Capt.  Phelps  has 
been  at,  in  supplying  the  Massachusetts  forces  at  Ticonderoga,  and 
report. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Whiting  and  Doct.  Bailies,  be  added  to  the 
committee  which  was  appointed  by  the  last  Congress,  to  examine  those 
persons  who  might  be  nominated  for  surgeons  of  the  Massachusetts 
army. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Bayley,  Hon.  Joseph  Gerrish,  Esq.,  Josiah 
Johnson,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Hale,  Hon.  William  Sever,  Esq.,  Col.  Joseph 
Otis,  Hon.  Jerathmiel  Bovvers,  Col.  Cutt,  Capt.  Stephen  Maynard,  Col. 
Thompson,  Mr.  Joseph  North  and  Timothy  Edwards,  Esq.,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into   consideration    the    situation    and   circumstances  of 

(1)  Tins  puipoit  of  thif  inferred  fi  ilution  of  the  convention  of  com- 

mitti  respouden  e  of  tho  county  of  Worcester,  May  31,  1775:    "  Voted,  Thai  ;i  committee 

be  chosen  to  draw  up  a  i  e  to  the  Provincial  I  allowed  to  have  a 

seat  therein,  who  does  not  i  ote  ;  w  bj  his  own  monej  for  public  pui     isi    .  in  common  with  the  other 
member*  iind  liis  constituents 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVING  I  \l.  <  <  >NGRES8  29] 

the  sea  port  towns  and  islands  in  1 1  * i  —  colony,  winch  are  .  sposed  to  the 
excursions  and  ravages  of  the  enemy,  ;unl  in  particular  i"  consider  the 
letter  of  Mr  Stephen  Nye  to  <'<>!.  Freeman;  the  petition  from  the 
town  of  Kitterj  ;  the  resolve  of  the  lasl  Congress  relative  t"  the  inva- 
sion of  the  enemy  on  our  sea  co  sts,  &  b.  and  ;i  petition  from  some 
of  the  inhabitant-  <<\  De.r  I-land,  and  si  I  forthwith,  and  report  as 
- i  as  may  be.1 

<  >rd.T  Mi'  the  da]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Jones,  Mi  Bliss  and  Mr.  Toby,  be  a  committee 
to  receive,  sort  and  counl  the  votes  for  a  chaplain.  The  committee 
having  attended  thai  service,  reported,  thai  the  K . ■  \  Mr.  [William] 
1 I  u  don  u  as  chosen. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Davis,  Mr.  Wheeler  and  Major  Bliss,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  wail  upon  the  ELev.  Mr.  Gordon,  informing  him  that  this 
( longress  have  made  choice  of  him  to  officiate  as  their  chaplain  during 
it-  session  in  this  place. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  how  many  armourers  were  ap- 
pointed, 6cc,  reported,  that  the  committee  of  safet)  informed  them 
thai  there  were  thirteen  appointed,  and  several  others  nominated,  and 
that  the  general  officers  had  agreed  thai  thirteen  was  a  sufficienl  num- 
ber,  1  > 1 1 1  that  the)  were  in  want  of  tools  and  stock. 

OD. 

Ordered,  Thai  commissions  be  given  to  the  officers  of  Col.  Scam- 
mell's  regiment,  excepl  Buch  captains  as  have  already  received  their 
commissions,  agreeabl)  to  the  list  by  him  exhibited. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Prescott,  Col.  Preeman,  I  f < «n.  Mr  Spooner,  .Mr. 
Partridge,  Col.  Cushing,  Col.  Spaulding  ami  Col.  Saver,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  consider  the  petition  of  Capt.  Jacob  Gerrish,  and  -even  other 
captains  in  the  Massachusetts  array. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Richmond  be,  and  hereby  is  appointed,  to  coun- 
tersign the  notes,  which  were  ordered  to  be  prepared  for  the  soldiers' 
advance  pay,  in  the  room  of  Major  Puller,  who  decline-  serving  fur- 
ther in  thai  business. 

Ordered,  Thai  Deacon  Baker,  Major  Brooks,  Mr.  Nichols  and  Col. 
Grout,  be  added  to  tin-  committee  who  were  appointed  bj  the  lasl  <  lon- 
gress, to  draw  up  - •  easj  and  concise  method  of  making  salt  petre 

i 

■  w  it  ihip»,  and  of  nuffering  mid  dUtreu  from 
•I  tin-  ma  ntioned  in  il>«  t«*i 


292  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  2, 

Ordered,  That  the  officers  of  Col.  Gardner's  regiment  be  commis- 
sioned agreeably  to  the  list  by  him  exhibited. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Parker,  Capt.  Thatcher,  Mr.  Jewett,  Col.  Por- 
ter and  Mr.  Singletary,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be 
done  with  the  horses  lately  taken  from  Noddle's  Island. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
Capt.  Jacob  Gerrish  and  others,  reported,  verbally,  that  they  think  it 
expedient  that  Col.  Gerrish  be  notified  to  attend  said  committee,  to- 
morrow morning,  at  eight  o'clock,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Learned,  in 
Watertown,  if  he  sees  cause  :  thereupon, 

Ordered,  That  the  same  committee  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  short 
resolve  for  this  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done  with 
the  horses  taken  from  Noddle's  Island,  reported.  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  shall  be  done  with  the 
horses  taken  by  our  forces  from  Noddle's  Island,  which  belong  to  our 
enemies,  beg  leave  to  report :  that  the  same  horses  be  delivered  to  the 
committee  of  supplies,  to  be  by  them  used  and  improved  for  the  bene- 
fit of  the  colony,  as  they  shall  think  fit,  until  further  order  from  this 
or  some  future  congress,  or  house  of  representatives. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Farley,  Deacon  Baker  and  Mr.  Batchelder,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  safety,  what  progress  has 
been  made  in  the  raising  a  regiment  for  the  train. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  whereby  to  notify 
Col.  Gerrish  to  appear  before  said  committee  to-morrow  morning,  re- 
ported the  following,  which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  Capt.  Thatcher 
was  desired  to  carry  it  to  Col.  Gerrish  this  evening.  It  is  as  follows, 
viz.  : 

To  Col.  Samuel  Gerrish  : 

A  number  of  gentlemen  have  presented  a  petition  to  this  Congress, 
in  behalf  of  themselves  and  the  men  they  have  enlisted,  praying  that 
Capt.  Moses  Little  and  Mr.  Isaac  Smith  may  be  appointed  and  com- 
missioned  as  two  <>!  the  field  officers  over  them.  Six  of  the  said  peti- 
tioners are  returned  by  you  as  your  captains,  as  appears  by  your  return, 
and  the  petition  In-  been  committed  to  a  committee,  to  hear  the  peti- 
tioner- and  report  to  the  Congress;  and  it  is,  therefore,  Ordered,  that 
the  -ml  Col.  Samuel  Gerrish  be  notified,  and  he  is  hereby  notified,  to 
attend  the  said  committee,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Learned,  in  Watertown, 
the  3d  day  of  June  instant,  at  eight  o'clock  in  the  forenoon. 


i:.  THIRD  PROVINC]  \l.  CONGRESS 

!:•  id  and  accepted,  and  Capl  Thatcher  was  desired  to  carry  this 
resoh e  t<>  Col.  ( lerrish  tin-  e\ enii 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  consider  the  subject  of  the  letter  from 

tin'  selectmen  of  Hopkinton,  again   reported.     The  considerati f 

the   report   was  ordered   to   he  put  off  till  to-morrow  morning,  el< 
o'clo 

The  committee  appointed  (<>  wait  on  the  Rev.  .Mr.  Gordon,  report- 
ed, that  they  had  informed  Mr.  Gordon  thai  tin-  Congress  had  ap- 
pointed  him  their  chaplain,  and  that  Mr.  Gordon  told  them  he  would 
attend  tin-  Congress  to-morrow  morni 

'I'll.'  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expense    Mr.    Phelps  had 

been  upplying  the    M  forces   at  Tic !■  i  luh- 

ited  an  account,  which  they  looked   upon  was   not    supported   by  any 

hers,  and   therefore  submitted  the  matter  to  Congress.      Ordered, 

that  the  consideration  of  the  si ■  be  put  <>tl'  to  to-morrow  morning. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday-,  Jum-  ::.   177.">. 

Ordered,  That  ('<>!.  rainier,  Col.  Davis,  Mr.  Glover,  Deacon  Gould 
and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a  committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  respecting  a  person  in  Brookline,  who  is  broke  out  with 
the  small  pox,  and  that  the}  sil  forthwith. 

e  committee  appointed  t<>  consider  the  situation  and  circumstan- 
of  tli<-  islands  and 
I-;    That  the  petition  of  Col.  Lithgow  be  committed  to  tl  mit- 

■ 
2d.    \  i   solve  "ii  the   subject  of  Mr.  Nye's  letter,  [which  is  as  i"< >1- 

IOWS  :  J 

\\  hi  n  is,  the  forces  undei   the  command  of  general  Gage,  are  fre- 
quentl)  plundering  and   making  depredations  <>n   the  islands  and  sea 
coasts  of  this   province,  particularly  <>n  the  island  <>i    Nashawn,  and 
« »t In  r-  adjacent  ;  whereby,  not   only   individuals,   bul   the   public,  are 
much  injured,   and   our  enemies  strengthened.     Resolved,   thi 
that  it  be  recommended  t<>  all  those   persons  occupying  the  islands  >>r 
foresaid,  which  are   exposed  to  be  ravaged  <>r  plundered, 
and  cannot  be  defended  by  the  inhabitants ;  to  remove   all   their   hay, 
cattle,  horses,  sheep,  &c,  so  far   into   the  country,  or  otherwise  dis- 
of  them,  that  the)  maj  I"-  out  "f  the  way  <>!"  '>ur  implacable  i 
■    that    it   be   recommended   to   the  committee  of  correspon- 
dence, m  each  town  and  district,  <>r  selectmen,  where  no  such  commit- 
n,  to  take  effectual   care   that    this  resolve  be  imm 


294  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  3, 

strictly  and  fully  executed,  and  that  all  persons  who  refuse  to  comply 
herewith,  be  viewed  as  disposed  to  furnish  our  enemies  with  such  un- 
removed  hay  and  stock,  and  shall  therefore  be  held  as  inimical  to  the 
liberty  and  rights  of  this  country.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of 
safety,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  a  person  is  now  broke  out  with  the  small  pox,  at  Brook- 
line,  on  the  road  between  Cambridge  and  Roxbury,  whereby  the  pub- 
lic in  general,  and  the  camps  in  particular,  will  be  greatly  endangered, 
if  said  person  is  suffered  to  remain  in  said  house  : 

Therefore,  Resolved,  That  said  person  be  immediately  removed  to 
the  house  of  Ebenezer  Smith  in  Little  Cambridge,  wherein  the  small 
pox  has  lately  been ;  and  that  the  selectmen  of  Brookline  are  hereby 
directed  to  remove  said  person  to  said  house,  in  the  most  careful  man- 
ner, at  the  expense  of  said  town  of  Brookline;  and  the  selectmen  of 
Cambridge  are  hereby  directed  to  receive  said  person  into  said  Smith's 
house. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Major  Bliss,  Hon. 
Mr.  Sever,  Col.  Freeman,  Col.  Farley  and  Col.  Richmond,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  a 
reenforcement  of  the  Massachusetts  army,  for  the  protection  of  the 
sea  coasts,  &c.  ;  and  that  this  committee  be  directed  to  confer  with 
the  committee  of  safety  on  the  subject  of  it ;  and  that  those  gentle- 
men, who  have  been  appointed  and  commissioned  as  general  officers,  be 
invited  to  the  conference. 

Also,  Resolved,  That  eight  o'clock,  on  Monday  morning  next,  be 
assigned  for  such  conference,  to  be  held  at  Cambridge,  and  that  the 
committee  of  safety,  and  the  said  general  officers,  be  served  with  a 
copy  of  this  resolve. 

A  number  of  papers  from  the  committee  of  safety,  respecting  Col. 
Jonathan  Brewer,  were  read.1 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  papers  relative  to 
Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  be  referred  to  the  afternoon,  three  o'clock. 

Afternoon. 
Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  prepared,  and  delivered  to  Col. 
John  Nixon. 

Ordered, That  Mr.  Gieenleaf,  Capt.  Bragdon  and  Mr.  Sawyer,  be  a 

I     The  coi Fet)  charged  Col.  Brewer  witli  having  obtained  the  men  enlisted  into  the 

regiment  he  had  formed,  from  others  corps,  by  wrong  representations;  and  with  converting  private 
property  to  his  own  use  without  proper  authority 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  I  ONGRES8 

committee  to  der  the  petition  ol  a  number  of  persona  of  the  town 

of  Dartmouth.' 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Jacob  < i.rri-li  and  other-,  report- 
ed i  erballj  iblj  to  «  hich  report, 

/,'    olved,  Thai  the  petition  I  r  granted,  as  thai  the  petitioners 

be  directed  to  applj  to  the  committee  of  safety,  tor  :i  recommendation 
to  this  Congress,  to  commission  Capt.    Moses    Little   as  colonel  of  a 
■in-lit  in  the  Massachusetts  armi . 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Dwight,  Hon.  .Mr.  Sever,  Col.  Farley,  Major 
B  -  and  Mr.  Edwards,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a 
letter  from  Col.  James  Easton,  and  report. 

j  The  ]  ordei  of  the  daj  |  w  as]  ved  lor. 

The  papers  respecting  Col.  Brewer  were  read.     After  deb 

Moved,  Thai  the  matter  subside;  the  question  being  put,  it  passed 
in  the  negative.  Moved,  that  the  petitioner  be  admitted  on  the  floor; 
the  question  was  put,  and  il  passed  in  the  negative. 

Resolved,  That  Tuesda)  next,  al  eighl  o'clock,  A.  M.,  be  assigned 
for  i  Col.  Jonathan    Brewer,  on   the  subject  of  certain  papers 

laid  before  this  *  !ongress  by  order  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  that 
the  committee  of  safety,  as  also  Col.  Brewer,  be  servi  d  ith  a  copy  of 
this  resolve,  and  that  Col.  Brewer  be  directed  to  bring  with  him  a  re- 
turn of  the  number  of  men  enlisted  in  his  regiment,  distinguishing 
how  manj  are  presenl  at  head  quarters,  and  how  many  are  absent. 

Agreeablj  to  an  order  of  <  Ion  jre  s,  a  colo 
livered  to  <  !ol.  John  Nixon. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  from  Dartmouth,  reported.  The  re- 
port being  amended,  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  \i/..  : 

( >n  the  petition  of  David  Shepherd  and  others,  from  Dartmouth, 
representing  that  uneasiness  has  arisen  on  account  of  s  id  petitioners 
fitting  oui  sundry  vessels  for  whaling  voyages,  and  for  Indie-, 

R  )h  d,  thai  the  petitioner-  be  informed,  that  this  Congress  know  of 
no  objection  to  their  pursuing  the  above  voyage,  or  anj  otherwhere 
thej  are  willing  to  risk  their  interest,  provided  thai    the  owners  and 

D  i  ■  i        ; 

"  t li  11 1  iu.   -  of  oui  \ ib  foi  " 

two  «  itli   lam  ii    of  «  lii i  h  an 

the  town, 
i  or  V  I 

tonnii 
thould 

Provincial  I  hich  "  ill 

1  ilivo  to  ii.  i 

■ 


296  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  3, 

masters  of  such  vessels  strictly  adhere  to  the  resolutions  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress. 

Ordered,  That  a  messenger  be  forthwith  sent  to  the  receiver  general 
with  the  following  letter,  viz.  : 

Sir  : — The  absolute  necessity  of  paying  the  colony  forces  immedi- 
ately, having  been  duly  considered  by  this  Congress,  and  not  being 
able  to  make  necessary  payments,  to  prevent  the  troops  from  returning 
home,  without  your  being  present ;  you  are  therefore  directed,  upon 
the  receipt  of  this  order,  immediately  to  repair  to  this  place,  and  make 
the  utmost  despatch  in  completing  the  signing  of  the  bills  wanted  for 
the  above  purposes. 

P.  S. — The  Congress  is  just  informed,  that  a  gentleman  at  Salem 
has  =£500,  which  he  is  willing  to  lend  the  province ;  which  would  be 
of  the  greatest  importance  to  pay  immediately  to  the  soldiers,  and 
might  prevent  the  greatest  mischiefs. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Phillips  be  desired  to  repair  to  Salem  to  Mr. 
Becket,  desiring  him  to  bring,  or  send,  the  money  he  has  offered  to 
lend  the  province,  to  this  place,  to-morrow  morning,  and  take  a  note 
therefor  from  the  receiver  general. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone  be  directed  to  apply  to  Mr.  Revere,  de- 
siring him  to  attend  the  business  of  stamping  the  notes  for  the  sol- 
diers, all  the  ensuing  night,  if  he  can,  and  to  finish  them  with  the 
greatest  despatch  possible ;  and  also  to  despatch  a  messenger  to  Major 
Fuller,  desiring  him  to  attend  to  countersign  them. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Sunday,  June  4,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Henshaw  be  admitted  to  give  an  account  of  his 
proceedings  at  Connecticut,  where  he  was  sent  by  the  last  Congress 
on  the  affair  of  Tieonderocra. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb  be  directed  to  pay  the  advance 
pay  to  those  companies  of  Col.  Patterson's  regiment,  who  came  from 
the  county  of  Berkshire,  out  of  the  first  money  he  may  receive  from 
the  receiver  general. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Lemuel  Robinson  be  directed  to  pay  the  ad- 
vance pay  to  the  three  companies  of  Col.  [Fellow's]  regiment,  which 
came  from  the  county  of  Berkshire,  out  of  the  first  money  he  may  re- 
ceive from  the  receiver  general. 

Ordered,  That   the   papers  exhibited   by  Col.   Henshaw  be  put  into 


1775.]  THIRD   PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  297 

the  hands  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  committee  of  this  Con- 
gress, who  are  appointed  to  confer  with  them  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner  and  Col.  Prescott, 
be  a  committee  to  inquire  what  number  of  colony  notes  are  struck  off, 
how  many  are  signed,  whether  the  press  is  now  going,  and  to  make  a 
thorough  inquiry  in  this  respect,  and  report  at  the  adjournment. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Whiting  be  appointed  to  employ  a  messenger, 
to  be  sent  to  Major  Fuller,  directing  his  attendance  to  the  service  of 
countersigning  the  notes,  immediately.1 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Bragdon  and  Col.  Thompson,  be  appointed  to 
attend  Mr.  Revere  whilst  he  is  striking  off  the  notes  for  advance  pay 
to  the  soldiers,  eight  and  day,  ['alternately,]  till  they  are  all  struck  off. 

The  committee  on  Col.  Easton's  letter,  reported,  that  it  was  their 
opinion  it  would  be  best  to  commit  it  to  the  committee  who  were  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety,  to-morrow  morning  : 
it  was  accordingly  given  to  the  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner. 

Ordered,  That  the  key  and  billet  delivered  to  this  Congress,  from 
Major  Fuller,  by  Capt.  Stone,  be  put  into  the  hands  of  the  committee 
who  were  appointed  to  make  inquiry  respecting  the  colony  notes. 

Adjourned  to  twelve  o'clock. 

[Noon.] 
Met  at  twelve  o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Richmond  be  excused  from  serving  on  the  com- 
mittee who  were  appointed  to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety,  be- 
ing engaged  in  countersigning  the  notes,  and  that  Col.  Gerrish  attend 
that  service  in  his  stead. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  afternoon. 

[Afternoon.] 

Met    at   four   o'clock,    and    adjourned    to    Monday   morning,   eight 

o'clock. 

Monday,  June  5,  1775. 

A  petition  from  Truro  for  powder  was  read. 

Resolved,  That  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  withdraw  their  petition. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster  be,  and  hereby  is  appointed,  to  counter- 
sign the  $20,  *14,  and  £6  notes. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr.  Phillips  and  Mr.  [bGoodwin,]  be  ap- 
pointed to  number  the  notes  which  are  preparing  for  advance  pay  for 
the  soldiers.  Mr.  Pickering,  to  number  the  sheets  struck  off  on  the 
first  plate:  Mr.  Phillips,  those  of  the  second;  and  Mr.  ["Goodwin,]  those 
of  the  third. 

a  [alternatively.]  iJooding.] 

(1)    Majoi  Pallet  was  detained,  by  sickness,  from  nttonrlnnrp  on  tho  committer. 

38 


298  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  5, 

Ordered,  That  the  letter  from  Gov.  Trumbull,  just  received  and 
read,  be  committed  to  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  confer  with  them. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Foster  bring  in  a  resolve,  appointing  some  per- 
sons to  examine  and  inspect  the  mineral  earth,  brought  by  him  to  this 
place. 

Col.  Foster  brought  in  a  resolve  accordingly,  which  was  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  Doct.  Whiting,  Deacon  Baker  and  Col.  Grout,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  nature  and  quality  of  the  said  mineral 
earth,  and  in  such  inquiry  to  consult  the  Hon.  Joseph  Warren,  Esq. 
and  Mr.  Professor  Sewall,  and  such  other  persons  as  they  may  think 
proper,  and  report  to  this  Congress  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Mr.  Greenleaf,  Mr.  Partridge,  Col. 
Cushing  and  Mr.  Edwards,  be  a  committee  to  hold  a  conference  with 
the  general  officers  of  the  American  army,  and  to  inquire  of  them 
whether  there  is  any  thing  this  Congress  can  do  to  preserve  the  health 
of  said  army. 

A  petition,  signed  by  Phillip  Hubbard  and  others,  was  read,  and  or- 
dered to  lie  on  the  table. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Cushing,  Capt.  Holmes,  Mr.  Part- 
ridge and  Mr.  Currier,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  order  it  would 
be  proper  for  this  Congress  to  take  relative  to  any  letters  which  have 
been  or  may  be  intercepted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edwards,  and  Mr.  Stone  of  Lexington,  be  ap- 
pointed to  inquire  what  is  become  of  a  letter  said  to  be  sent  by  the 
Stockbridge  Indians  to  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  respecting  intercept- 
ed letters,  reported ;  the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz. : 

Whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress,  that  several  let- 
ters, and  packets  of  letters,  of  public  concernment,  wrote  to  and  by 
the  avowed  enemies  of  this  country,  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  sun- 
dry persons  in  this  colony  ;  and,  whereas,  it  appears  absolutely  neces- 
sary that  all  such  letters  should  be  immediately  laid  before  this  Con- 
gress, for  their  consideration  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  all  persons  who 
now  are,  or  shall  hereafter  be  possessed  of  such  letters,  shall  lay  them, 
as  soon  as  may  be,  before  this,  or  some  future  Congress,  for  their  ad- 
visement thereon. 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  which  passed  this  Congress,  relative  to 
accommodating  the  Rev.    Mr.   Emerson  with  one  of  the  horses  taken 


gSs  Xngcles  County  Law  LIEJejv 

L776.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

from  the  regulars,  be  so  far  reconsidered,  as  that  it  be  recommitted, 
for  ;i  plainer  description  of  the  horse  intended  to  be  delivered  to  him; 
and  thai  Col.  Batchelder  and  Col.  Dwight  be  added  t.»  the-  committee, 
in  the  room  of  Doct.  Taylor  and  Col.  Bowers,  who  are  absent. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  the  officers  of  Col. 
Nixon's  regiment,  agreeably  to  the  list  bj  him  exhibited. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Col.  Barrett,  Capt.  Holmes,  Col.  Bowers 
and  Col.  Sawyer,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  proposal  of  Capt. 
Poster,  relative  to  removing  the  poor,  and  the  goods  of  the  poor,  of 
the  town  of  Boston,  into  the  country. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  lay  before 
this  Congress,  in  writing,  an  account  of  their  proceedings,  with  respect 
to  the  memorandum  of  Gen.  Ward  for  sundrj  military  stores,  commit- 
ted t  >  them  b)  the  last  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Capt.  Smith  and  Col.  Goodrich,  be  a 
committee  to  impure  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  if  they  have  sent 
to  New  York  for  any  of  the  powder,  which,  it  is  said,  is  lately  arrived 
there. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Capt.  Holmes,  Mr.  Sawyer,  Col.  Grout 
and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  in  addition  to 
the  resolve  of  the  last  Congress,  respecting  the   poor  of  the  town  of 

Boston,  passed  the  lir>t  nlti ,  winch  shall   extend  to  BUch  of  the  poor 

of  said  town,  sufferers  by  the  Boston  port  bill,  as  were  removed  out  of 
that  town  before  the  date  of  said  resolvi 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  nature  and  qualities  of 
the  mineral  earth,  brought  by  Col.  Foster  from  Brooktield,  reported, 
that  it  was  their  opinion,  and  the  opinion  of  those  whom  they  con- 
versed with  thereon,  that  it  contains  a  matter  useful  for  the  production 
of  nitre,  but  that  there  was  ton  -mail  a  quantity  for  an  experiment  : 

Whereupon,  Ordered,  That  this  committee  be  directed  to  appoint 
some  suitable  person,  to  repair  to  Brookfield,  to  make  some  experi- 
ment with  the  mineral  earth,  which  is  said  to  be  there  in  large  quanti- 
ties. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  Col.  Otis,  Col.  Porter,  Capt 
Stone  of  Oakham,  and  Capt.  Stone  of  Pramingham,  be  a  committee 
to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  giving  a  currency  to  the  bills 
of  credit  of  all  the  governments  on  the  continent. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  descriptive  of  the 
horse  designed  for  Mr.  Emerson,  reported ;  the  report  was  u-.u\  and 
accepted,  and  i-  as  follow  - 

Whereas,  in   a   resolve  of  this  Congress,  passed  the  1-t  instant,  the 


300  THIRD  PROVINCIAL   CONGRESS.  [June  5, 

horse  appointed  for  the  use  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Emerson  of  Concord,  was 
not  so  fully  described  as  that  Thomas  Read  of  Woburn,  the  keeper  of 
said  horse,  could,  with  safety,  deliver  him  to  said  Emerson  ;  therefore, 
Resolved,  that  said  Read  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to  deliver  a  cer- 
tain sorrel  horse,  that  was  taken  by  the  guards,  at  Roxbury,  from  an 
officer  of  general  Gage's  troops,  on  the  20th  of  April  last,  to  said 
Emerson,  he  paying  a  reasonable  sum  for  the  keeping  said  horse,  and 
said  Mr.  Emerson  is  hereby  permitted  to  keep  and  use  said  horse,  un- 
til the  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Porter,  Capt.  Stone  of  Oakham,  Capt.  Part- 
ridge, Col.  Otis  and  Deacon  Baker,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the 
letter  from  Mr.  Gridley  to  the  committee  of  safety,  and  to  confer  with 
them  thereon,  and  also  on  the  state  of  the  artillery  in  general. 

Resolved,  That  the  four  prisoners  brought  to  this  Congress  by  ser- 
geant John  Parker,  be  committed  to  the  custody  of  the  guard,  which 
is  appointed  to  guard  the  public  stores  in  Watertown,  till  further  or- 
ders of  this  Congress ;  and  that  the  commissary  be  directed  to  provide 
what  provisions  they  may  stand  in  need  of,  till  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan  bring  in  a  resolve,  for  the  purpose  of 
discouraging  and  preventing  persons  from  taking  any  notes  or  bills  of 
credit,  of  this,  or  the  other  colonies,  under  the  value  specified  therein. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  giving  currency 
to  the  notes  of  the  other  governments,  reported  :  the  report  was  or- 
dered to  lie  on  the  table,  till  Mr.  Sullivan  had  brought  in  the  resolve 
for  which  he  was  just  now  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Cutt,  Capt.  Parker,  Mr.  Page,  Capt.  Morton 
and  Capt.  Stone,  of  Oakham,  be  a  committee  to  make  some  establish- 
ment for  an  allowance  of  provisions  for  the  soldiers  of  the  Massachu- 
setts army. 

Resolved,  That  Friday  next,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for 
the  consideration  of  the  report  of  Col.  Thompson,  relative  to  his  pro- 
ceedings at  Kennebeck. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Tuesday,  June  6,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Cushing,  Mr.  Partridge,  Mr. 
Greenleaf  and  Col.  Glover,  be  a  committee,  to  devise  some  means 
whereby  the  army  may  be  more  regularly  supplied  with  the  necessaries 
procured  for  it  by  the  colony. 

[The]  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Resolved,  That  those  members  who  are  out  upon  committees  be 
directed  to  attend. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE.-  301 

lii>nlr,(l,  That  three  o'clock,  P.  If.,  be  assigned  for  the  choice  <>f  a 
v  ice  president. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Thompson,  Major  Brooks  and  Col.  Cott,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  bringing  tin-  four  pris- 
oners t'»  this  place  yesterday. 

Moved,  That  the  Congress  take  son rder  at  this  time  relative  to 

the  prisoners  :  the  question  being  put,  il  passed  in  the  aegath 

The  papers  respecting  Col.  Brewer  w<  re  read,  and  Col.  Brewer  was 
then  admitted,  and, on  his  request,  Resolved,thai  ('apt.  Edwards,  Capt. 
Butler,  Lieut.  Tuckerman,  Col.  Buckminster,  Mi.  Cudworth,  Thomas 
Withington  and  Capt.  Gray,  be  admitted  on  the  floor  of  tin-  bouse,  as 
[  ^witnesses  j  in  the  cause. 

The  complaint  of  the  committee  of  safety  being  read,  and  Col. 
Brewer  having  had  leave  of  making  bis  defence,  he  was  full)  heard 
therein,  as  were  also  the  witnesses  by  him  produced,  the  galleries  being 
lir»t  opened  for  any  who  were  inclined  to  hear  the  cause. 

Col.  Brewer,  having  offered  what  he  saw  fit,  withdrew  with  his  wit- 
nesses, and  the  galleries  being  cleared,  Resolved,  that  the  further  con- 
sideration of  this  matter  be  referred  to  the  afternoon 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  giving  currency 
to  the  bills  of  credit  of  the  other  governments,  reported:  the  report 
was  ordered  to  lie  upon  the  table  till  the  afternoon. 

[  Afternoon  1 

I  oted,  That  the  resolve,  which  passed  in  the  forenoon,  for  choosing 
a  \ice  president,  be  reconsidered. 

The  Congress   Presumed]   the  consideration   of  the   case  of   Mh 
Brewer;    and,    after    a    long    and    full    debate,    it    w  a-    Moved,    thai    the 
question  be  put  whether    the    president  should    be  directed  to  deliver  a 
commission  to  Mr.  Brewer,  as  colonel  of  a  regiment  in  the  Massachu- 
setts  army,  ami   it   passed   in  the  negative  :  the  number  of  members 

pre-ent   beni^r    150,  and  but   70  for  the  question. 

Mr  ( ' 1 1 ~  1 1 1 1 1 15  informed  the  Congress,  that  Mr.  Benjamin  Edwards 
on  hearing,  at  the  door  of  this  house,  of  the  determination  of  the  Con- 
irre>>  respecting  Mr.  Brewer,  made  use  of  the  following  expression, 

viz.:     "  By  God,  if  this  pros  nice  i-  to  be  governed  m  tin-  manner,  it  i> 

time  for  u-  to  look  out,  and  'tis  all  owing  to  the  committee  of  safety,  a 
puk  of  sappy-head-fellows.     I  know  three  of  them  myself."     Wl 
upon.  Resolved,  thai  Mr.  Edward-  be  directed  to  attend  this  hou 
make  answer  to  the  above  charge.     Mr.  Edwards  being  called  in,  and 

a  [evidence]  b[ro»i»umcd.J 


302  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  6, 

having  heard  the  charge  alleged  against  him,  it  was  Resolved,  that  Mr. 
Edwards  have  leave  to  withdraw,  and  that  he  be  directed  to  attend  this 
Congress  to-morrow  morning,  at  ten  o'clock. 

The  petition  of  Major  Baldwin,1  being  read  and  considered,  it  is 
thereupon  Ordered,  that  the  Rev.  president  Langdon  be  requested  to 
furnish  Major  Baldwin,  out  of  the  college  apparatus,  with  [such]  instru- 
ments as  he  stands  in  need  of,  to  perform  the  public  services  therein 
mentioned,  he  giving  his  receipt  therefor,  to  return  the  same  in  good 
order,  as  soon  as  the  said  services  shall  be  performed. 

A  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  the  [aadmission]  of 
slaves  into  the  army  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  fur- 
ther consideration. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  additional  resolve,  relative 
to  making  provision  for  the  poor  of  Boston,  reported  :  the  report  was 
read,  amended  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  Cam- 
bridge, Watertown  and  Worcester  papers  ;   and  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  the  provision  already  made  for  the  removal  of  the  poor  of 
Boston,  suffering  by  the  cruel  hand  of  arbitrary  power,  has  not  an- 
swered the  salutary  purposes  intended,  and  it  becomes  necessary  that 
further  provision  be  made,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  such  suffering  poor 
shall  be  allowed  to  remove  into  any  town  or  district  in  the  colony, 
other  than  such  towns  or  districts  as  are  already  ordered  to  provide  for 
and  receive  the  number  of  said  poor  to  them  assigned  ;  and  every  town 
and  district  in  the  colony,  that  shall  receive  and  provide  necessary 
support  for  such  suffering  poor,  shall  be  indemnified,  in  every  respect, 
as  fully  as  any  other  town  or  district  in  the  colony,  provided  they  ob- 
serve and  comply  with  directions  already  given  relative  to  said  poor. 
And,  whereas,  in  the  present  distressed  circumstances  and  confusion  of 
the  town  of  Boston,  some  of  said  poor  have  or  may  remove  out  of  said 
town  without  proper  certificates  from  the  committee  of  donations,  and 
the  town  to  which  such  persons  remove,  may  refuse  to  receive  them 
for  want  of  the  same  ;  Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  select- 
men of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony  to  which  such 
persons  may  remove,  that  such  provision  be  made,  as  is  necessary  to 
prevent  their  suffering,  until  such  certificate  can  be  procured;  and 
such  town  or  district  shall  be  indemnified,  as  before  provided,  they 
observing  the  directions  given  in  the  resolve  passed  by  the  last  Con- 
it  [Inadmission.] 

(1)  The  petition  of  Loammi  Baldwin  represented,  that  Gen.  Ward  had  approved  of  a  proposal  for 
taking  surveys  of  the  ground  between  the  ramp  of  the  Massachusetts  army  and  the  posts  of  the 
British  troops,  and  requosted  the  loan  of  mathematical  instruments  from  the  apparatus  of  Harvard 
College,  to  he  used  in  the  execution  of  Uiis  service. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVING  l.\l.  I  ONGRESG  303 

se  relative  to  said  poor ;  and  such  persona  --hall   I  idered 

l>ari  of  their  assignment  And,  whereas,  it  is  found  extreme!)  difficult 
for  the  committees  at  Charlestown  and  Roxburj  to  remove  said  poor 
to  the  several  town-  and  districts  to  which  thej  are  destined,  for  want 
of  teams  to  go  Bach  a  distance  as  is  necessary  in  manj  cases,  il  is 
farther  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  each  town  and  district  in  this 
colony,  thai  they  assisl  iu  removing  -aid  poor,  upon  everj  necessary 
occasion,  when  n  is  in  their  power,  to  the  several  places  of  their 
signment,  keeping  a  particular  account  of  their  trouble  and  expena 
and  the  nam.-  of  the  persons  thej  assisted,  and  they  -h all  be  paid  in 
manner  as  before  provided.  And  the  committees  at  Charlestown  and 
Eloxbury,  who  were  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  make  provision  tor 
such  poor  as  might  come  out  of  the  town  of  Boston,  are  desired  to 
procure  a  list  of  said  pour  from  the  committee  of  donations  for  future 
ii-.' .  and  also,  t"  take  the  advantage  "t"  the  teams  that  maj  come  from 
the  westward,  for  the  removal  of  said  poor  by  every  opportunity  in  their 
power. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circum- 
stances <>f  !>rni£rinrT  four  prisoners  from  <  lambridge,  be  directed  to  make 
such  provision  for  them  as  is  necessary,  till  further  orders  from  this 
Congress,  and  that  -Mr.  Robinson  be  added  to  the  committee,  and  that 
said  committee  report  what  they  think  would  be  best  to  be  don.^  with 
them. 

Adjourned  to  Wednesday  morning,  eighl  o'clock. 

\\  i  MM  boat,  June  7,  IT  1 
Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Parker,  Mr.  Webster,  Major  Ful- 
ler and  Col.  Prescott,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  General  Ward,  re- 
questing him  to  exhibit  to  this  Congress  a  return  of  the  number  of  men 
in  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  thai  Mr.  Sullivan.  Doct.  Holicnand 
Mr.  Cushing  be  a  committee,  to  bring  in  a  resolve  tor  this  purpose. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  besl  to  be  done  with 
the  tour  prisoners  broughl  from  Dartmouth,  via  Cambridge,  reported  : 
the  report  was  recommitted 

\  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of  Machias  was  read  and  committed 
to  Mr  Batchelder,  Col.  Otis,  Mr.  Nichols,  Mr  Lothrop  and  Mr.  Web- 
ster, to  consider  thereon  and  report.1 

it  the  petition  meDtionod  in  tbe  text.     It  *u  ■ubecribed  by  Jo 
and  ihir  thai  citiz. 

■hr  Bono*        '  '•'  I 

..I  vi  II  Mis       v\  m,  the  bigheal  Mtiiikctioo,  »■  now  •'  ""• 


304  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  7, 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  what  is  become  of  the  original 
letter  from  the  Stockbridge  Indians,  reported,  that  they  think  it  proba- 
ble, from  what  they  have  on  inquiry  heard,  that  it  is  in  the  hands  of 
the  Hon.  Mr.  Hancock. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  Col.  Gridley's  letter  to  the 
committee  of  safety,  beg  leave  to  report  in  part,  that  an  ordnance  store- 
keeper be  immediately  appointed,  and  recommend  that  Major  Nathaniel 
Barber  be  appointed  to  that  employment,  and  beg  leave  to  sit  again,  to 
report  a  proper  establishment,  as  also  to  report  what  further  [asteps] 
are  necessary  to  be  taken  as  requested  in  Col.  Gridley's  letter. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  the  lieutenants  and  en- 
signs of  Col.  Mansfield's  regiment,  agreeably  to  the  list  by  him  exhib- 
ited. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edwards,  Col.  Porter,  Doct.  Whiting,  Mr. 
Wheeler  and  Mr.  Goodridge,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  letters 
from  the  Stockbridge  Indians,  and  report. 

extensive  and  wealthy  province,  and  relying  on  your  wisdom,  the  wisdom  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, the  justice  of  our  cause,  and  the  tender  mercy  of  our  fathers'  God,  we  promise  ourselves,  in 
due  time,  a  happy  deliverance  from  the  iron  chains  of  tyranny,  which  were  forming  for  us,  and  from 
servitude  equal  to  Egyptian  bondage." 

"  As  a  part,  therefore,  of  your  charge,  we,  the  distressed  inhabitants  of  Machias,  beg  leave  to 
approach  your  presence,  and  to  spread  our  grievances  at  your  feet.  We  dare  not  say  we  are  the 
foremost  in  supporting  the  glorious  cause  of  American  liberty  ;  but  this  we  can  truly  affirm,  that  we 
have  done  our  utmost  to  encourage  and  strengthen  the  hands  of  all  the  advocates  for  America  with 
whom  we  have  been  connected  ;  that  we  have  not  even  purchased  any  goods  of  those  persons, 
whom  we  suspected  to  be  inimical  to  our  country,  except  when  constrained  by  necessity  ;  and  that 
none  on  the  continent  can  more  cheerfully  risque  all  that  is  dear  to  them  on  earth,  when  called,  in 
support  of  those  precious  privileges  which  God  [gave,]  and  our  venerable  ancestors,  as  a  most  in- 
valuable legacy,  have  handed  down  to  us." 

"  We  must  now  inform  your  honors,  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  place  exceed  one  hundred  fam- 
ilies, some  of  which  are  very  numerous,  and  that  divine  Providence  has  cut  otf  all  our  usual  re- 
sources. A  very  severe  drought  last  fall  prevented  our  laying  in  sufficient  stores  ;  and  had  no 
vessels  visited  us  in  the  winter,  we  must  have  suffered  ;  nor  have  we  this  spring  been  able  to 
procure  provisions  sufficient  for  carrying  on  our  business.  Our  laborers  are  dismissed  ;  some  of  our 
mills  stand  still  ;  almost  all  our  vessels  have  forsaken  us  ;  our  lumber  lies  by  us  in  heaps  ;  and,  to 
complete  our  misfortunes,  all  our  ports  are  to  be  shut  up  on  the  first  of  July  next ;  we  must  add,  we 
have  no  country  behind  us  to  lean  upon,  nor  can  we  make  an  escape  by  flight;  the  wilderness  is 
impervious,  and  vessels  we  have  n>.ne." 

"To  you,  therefore,  honored  gentlemen,  we  humbly  apply  for  relief.  You  are  our  last,  our  only 
resource,  and,  permit  in  again  to  say,  you  are  our  guardians,  and  we  rejoice  and  glory  in  being  sub- 
ject [to  you].  Pardon  our  importunity.  We  cannot  take  a  denial,  for,  under  God,  you  are  all  our 
dependanro,  anil  if  yon  neglect  08,  wo  are  ruined.  Save,  dear  sirs,  one  of  your  most  flourishing 
settlements  from  famine,  and  all  its  horrors.  We  ask  not  for  charity  ;  we  ask  for  a  supply,  to  be 
put  into  the  liamU  of  M^-r*.  Smith  ami  Stillman,  or  any  other  person  or  persons  your  wisdom  may 
point  out,  who  shall  obligate  themselves  to  pay  the  whole  amount  on  demand  in  lumber,  the  only 
staple  of  our  country." 

"  That  God  ma;  long  preserve  you,  and  make  you  happily  instrumental  in  his  hand,  in  bestowing 
all  the  sweets  of  peace  and  liberty  to  this  much  injured  country,  and  even  to  Great  Britain  herself, 
is  the  constant  ami  fervent  prayer  of,  gentlemen,  your  most  humble  petitioners," 

"  Machias,  May  25,  1775." 

a  [stores.] 


177.-,.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE8S.  306 

\  petition  from  Col.  Brewer,  and  another  from  several  nominal  cap- 
i  tins  under  him,  were  read  and  ordered  to  In-  on  the  table. 

Two  resolves  from  the  Continental  Congress  were  read,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed  in  hand  bills,  and  dispersed  throughout  the  colony. 

Col.  Porter, Col.  Tyng  and  Mr.  Jewett,  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  prepare  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  into  execution  the  Baid 

resolves. 

Resolved,  Thai  Mr  Edwards  be  called  in,  and  admonished  by  the 
president:  which  was  done  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  Col.  Fellowes  and  the 
officers  of  his  regiment,  agreeably  to  the  lisl  exhibited  l>\  In-  lieutenant 
colonel. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  expressive  of  the. 
dutj  of  the  committee  who  were  appointed  this  day  to  wait  on  General 
Ward,  reported.  The  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Col.  Parks,  Mr.  Webster,  Major  Fuller 
and  Col.  Prescott,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  lion,  general  Ward, 
and  hold  a  conference  with  him  on  the  state  of  the  army,  and  to  desire 
him  to  make  a  return,  as  soon  as  may  be,  to  tin-  Congress,  of  the 
number  and  equipments  of  the  troops  raised  by  this  colony,  and  now 
in  the  ramps  at  Cambridge  and  Roxbury,  and  stationed  el-ewhere,  that 
due  ad\  isement  be  had  thereon. 

The  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  Hon.  Col.  Bowers,  ap- 
pointed to  consider  a  memorial  from  the  convention  of  Worcester, 
being  absent,  Ordered,  that  the  lion.  Mr.  Dexter,  Col.  D wight,  and 
dpi.  Stone,  be  appointed  in  their  stead. 

A  memorial  from  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Salem  was  read,  and 
committed  to  Col.  Glover,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Wheeler. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  giv- 
ing currency  to  the  bills  of  credit  of  the  other  governments,  was  read 
and  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Orne,  Col.  Porter  and  Mr.  Whittemore,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Benjamin  Ames,  and  seven  other 
companies  of  Col.  Fry's  regiment,  and  report 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants  of  Maclua-  report- 
ed. The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  upon  the  table  for  further  consider- 
ation 

[  \  ftornoob.] 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Warren,  Hon.  Sir.  Dexter,  Col.  Gerrish,  Col. 
Otis  and  Col.  Farley,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  the  two  gentlemen 
39 


306  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  7, 

members  of  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  who  have  brought  a  let- 
ter from  that  Congress  to  this. 

Resolved,  That  to-morrow,  four  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  two  gentlemen  to  act  as  major  generals  in  the  Massachusetts 
army. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  letter  from  Hopkinton  was  read  : 
the  consideration  of  it  was  put  off  to  five  o'clock  this  afternoon. 

On  the  representation  of  the  town  clerk  of  Lunenburg,  in  his  letter 
to  Doct.  Taylor,  respecting  their  town's  stock  of  powder,  &c,  Resolved, 
that  that  town  be  excused  from  delivering  out  of  their  stock  any  more 
than  one  half  barrel  ;  the  resolve  of  the  former  Congress,  directing  the 
selectmen  of  said  town  to  deliver  two  [barrels],  to  the  order  of  the 
committee  of  supplies,  notwithstanding. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Orne  and  Mr.  Vose,  be  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  collect  the  letters  of  the  late  Governor  Hutchinson,  in  the 
room  of  Doct.  Perkins  and  Mr.  Ellis,  who  are  absent. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  circumstances  of  the 
four  prisoners,  reported.  The  report  was  amended  and  accepted,  and 
is  as  follows : 

[The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  circum- 
stances of  four  prisoners  brought  to  this  Congress  on  the  second  day 
of  June  instant,  said  to  be  taken  at  Dartmouth,  since  the  nineteenth  of 
April  last,  beg  leave  to  report :  that  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee, 
that  the  said  four  prisoners,  viz.  :  Richard  Luckus,  mate  of  the  ship 
Falcon,  John  Dunkinson,  surgeon's  mate,  Jonathan  Lee  and  Robert 
Caddy,  be  sent  to  Concord,  to  the  care  of  the  selectmen  of  said  town, 
to  be  by  them  secured  and  provided  for,  agreeably  to  their  rank,  at  the 
expense  of  this  colony,  until  they  receive  some  further  order,  from  this 
or  some  other  Congress  or  house  of  representatives  of  this  colony.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  gentlemen  from  the 
New  Hampshire  Congress,  reported,  verbally  ;  whereupon,  Ordered, 
that  said  committee  be  directed  to  reduce  their  report  to  writing. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  inhabitants  of 
M:ichias,  being  again  read,  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Machias,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  it  be  recommended  by  this  Con- 
gress to  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Salem,  or  to 
the  like  committees  of  any  other  towns  within  this  province,  to  supply 
Messrs.  Gardner  &.  Smith,  of  said  Machias,  for  the  present  relief  of 
the  said  inhabitants,  with  the  following  articles,  viz.  :  one  hundred 
Imshels  of  iudian  corn  ;   ten  barrels  of  pork  and  beef;  one  cask  of  mo- 


1776.]  THIRD  PROVIN<  I  \1.  <  <  rNGRESG  307 

ind  one  cask  <»t'  rice;    and    tnk.-.  in  return  tor  tin-  -un. 

<>r  -mli  othei  paymenl  aa  t h.-  said  Gardner  and  Smith  m  ij 
make:  and  in  ease  they,  or  their  constituents,  the  above  said  inhabi- 
tants, should  nut  make  satisfaction  foi  the  same  in  a  reasonable  time, 
it  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  province, 
and  the  -.ml  inhabitants  shall  refund  the  same  as  -non  a<  ma]  be 
Your  committee  further  report ,  that  a  recommendation  go  from  this 
Congress  to  the  governor  and  companj  >'t'  the  colony  of  Connecticut, 
tffer  the  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  part-  of  this  colony,  t<>  purchase 
and  carrj  out  of  said  colon]  of  Connecticut,  Buch  provisions  as  their 
necessitous  circumstances  ma)  require. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  gentlemen  from  N 
Hampshire,  having  reduced   theii  report  to  writing,  the  same  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  1-  as  follows,  viz.: 

Resolved,  That  an  application  be  made  by  this  Congress  to  the  Con- 
tinental Congress,  desiring  them  to  take  such  measures  as  to  them 
shall  appear  proper,  to  quiet  and  conciliate  the  mind-  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Canada,  and  the  several  trihes  of  Indians  adjacent  to  these  colonies, 
and  prevent  any  unfavorable  apprehensions,  from  the  military  prepara- 
tions of  the  several  colonic-  m  America,  ami  that  the  other  three  N<  1 
England  colonies,  with  the  colony  of  New  York,  be  desired  t<»  join  in 
such  an  application. 

/.'<  olved,  That  letter-  be  immediately  written  to  the  colonies  of  Con- 
necticut, Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire,  desiring  them,  severally, 
ppoint  committee-,  to  meet  a  committer  appointed  b]  tin-  Con- 
gress, it  the  town  of  Worcester,  in  this  colony,  on  Wednesday,  the 
28th  day  of  June  current,  m  order  to  settle  and  determine  the  number 
of  men  to  be  raised  on  the  present  emergency,  by  each  of  the  V 
England  colonies:  and  likewise  to  determine  where  they  shall  I" 
tioned  and  employed.1 

(I)  Tho  reaolut  1.111-  were  founded  on  pn  of  the  Provincial  Co 

communicated    bj  del  nding  on  the  aaaemblv  of  Maasachuaetts,  and 

low  in;;  letter : 

In  Provincial  I 

••  1 . 1 '.  \  1  I.I.MIA       II  ivii  /  undoubted  evidence  of  the  attempt*  of  the  British  miniitrj  to  ongnge 

1  in  their  interoit,  in  the  present  conl  ttli  A ri 

'  we  have  though)  it  i  ihoald 

,  to  defend,  and  quiet  the  minda  of  the  i"  ople  moi  in  the 

1  a  number  of  1 1 

iport- 

"  ^ 

.11  will  concur   in  mch 
rniir  » iadoi 

•  >r  whom  b  .  aenaibl)  I 


308  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  7, 

Whereupon,  Ordered,  that  the  president,  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  and  the 
Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  be  a  committee,  to  prepare  an  application  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  a  letter  to  each  of  the  colonies  of  Connecti- 
cut, Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire,  and  a  letter  to  New  York, 
agreeably  to  the  foregoing  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  to-morrow,  5  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  three  members  of  this  Congress,  as  a  committee,  to  meet 
committees  from  the  colonies  of  Connecticut,  Rhode  Island  and  New 
Hampshire,  agreeably  to  the  foregoing  resolve. 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  committee  of  safety,  on 
the  subject  of  their  resolve  relative  to  a  reinforcement  of  the  army,  re- 
ported, [as  follows :] 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of 
safety,  of  the  2d  instant,  relative  to  a  reinforcement  of  the  Massachu- 
setts army,  have  attended  that  service,  and  having,  agreeably  to  the 
order  of  Congress,  conferred  with  the  committee  of  safety  and  general 
officers  upon  the  subject  matter  of  the  resolves,  beg  leave,  upon  mature 
deliberation,  to  report,  that  it  appears  to  the  committee  inexpedient 
and  unnecessary  for  this  colony  to  augment,  at  present,  the  forces 
already  voted  by  it  to  be  established  for  the  defence  of  this  and  the 
other  American  colonies.  Elbridge  Gerry,  Chairman.] 

Whereupon,  Resolved,  That  to-morrow,  nine  o'clock,  be  assigned 
for  the  consideration  of  the  said  report,  and  that  the  committee  of 
safety,  the  committee  of  supplies,  and  the  several  committees  for  this 
Congress,  be  notified  of  this  assignment,  and  be  desired  to  attend  at 
that  time,  if  they  can  with  conveniency. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Pitts,  Mr.  Gerry,  the 
president,  Col.   Freeman,  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr.  Batchelder,   Hon.  Mr 
Dexter  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a  committee,  to  consider  the  expediency 
of  establishing  a  number  of  small  armed  vessels,  to  cruise  on  our  sea 

"  We  furthermore  think  it  suitable,  just  to  suggest,  that  we  have  some  apprehensions,  lest  our 
military  manoeuvres  in  the  frontiers,  should  raise  a  jealousy  in  the  minds  of  the  Canadians,  and 
awaken  their  fears  of  direct  intentions  of  hostilities  against  them.  We  should  give  them  the  most 
positive  assurances  upon  this  head,  that  we  desire  nothing  more  than  our  own  security  ;  and  that  it 
is  our  most  hearty  wish  to  remain  in  steady  terms  of  friendship  with  them.  And  in  order  to  the 
more  regular,  harmonious,  and  effectual  prosecution  of  the  important  object  aforesaid,  as  also  other 
valuable  purposes,  that  we  conceive  it  may  answer,  we  would  humbly  move  for  a  conference  by  a 
committee,  with  a  committee  from  you,  at  such  time  and  place  as  you  shall  please  to  appoint,  and 
to  consider  of  an  address  to  be  forwarded  to  the  Canadians  :  and  put  it  in  the  power  of  this  Congress 
to  join  with  you,  and,  if  it  might  be,  with  the  other  New  England  colonies,  and  New  York,  that 
thi«  negotiation  might  answer  the  most  effectual  purpose.     By  order  of  Congress. 

I  am  your  moBt  obedient,  humble  servant, 

MATTHEW  THORNTON,  President." 
To  the  Hon.  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

coast.-,  for  the  protection  of  <>ur  trade,  and  the  annoyance  of  our  en<  - 

mil's:    and   that    the   members    be   enjoined,    by   order   nt'  <  '•►iiLfrt  — ,   to 
observe  secrecy  in  tin-  matter. 

Ordered,  That    Mr.   Sullivan,   Col.    Porter,    Hon.   Mr.   Se\er.  .Mr 
Greenleaf  and  Mr.  Partridge,  be  a  committee  to  consider  at  large  on 
some  measure  for  ["c missioning]  the  officers  of  the  army. 

Ordered,  That  the  -ecretary  he  directed  to  sen  e  General  Ward  with 

a  list  <>t'  tlie  officers  of  the  army,  commissioned  by  tin-  Congress 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

THUBSDATj   June    3,    177.".. 

An  account  of  the  t a l< 1 1 1 lT  ;i  sloop  which  sailed  from  Boston  for  An- 
napolis  tor  baj  ami  other  stores  foi  the  use  of  the  arm]  at  Boston,  from 
the  con  mi  it  lee  of  the  tou  u  of  A  i  ii  ii  del,1  was  read,  as  also  se\eral  letters 
which  were  found  on  board  said  sloop.      Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  be  given  to  said  commit- 
tee for  their  care  and  judicious  conduct  in  this  affair. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  resolve  itself  into  a  committee  of 
the  whole  house,  which  was  done  according . 

The  committee  of  the  whole  house,  by  Col.  Warren,  their  chairman, 
reported,  that  the  committee  have  not  sufficient  time  to  deliberate  on  a 
mutter  of  such  importance,  and  therefore  desire  leave  to  sit  again; 
which  report  was  accepted  by  the  Congress. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  of  the  house  reported,  that  it  was  the  opinion  of  said 
committee,  that  the  report  of  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  committee  of  safety,  on  the  augmentation  of  the  army, 
be  accepted  ;  which  report  was  accordingly  accepted  by  this  Congri 

Ordind,  That  a  commission  he  delivered  to  Thomas  Poor,  Esq.,  as 
major  of  a  regimenl  under  the  command  of  Col.  Fry. 

*  n  [commiaeionating.] 

(1)  TIm'  committee  of  Imndel  etale,  thai  the  iloop  Polly,  belonging  to  that  town,  with  Ephraim 
P  ■  tor,  while  retaining  from  .i  ooaating  \o\.i_-.-  t.i  Plymouth,  waa  leized  by  a  Britiab  arm 

ad  veaael,  carried  into  Boaton  harbor,  and  there  detained.     The  'iirc  ».i^  taken  into  the  cuatodj  "i 
i.  '■       ,  and  the  owner  obtained  payment  of  the  original  coat  of  the  articlea.      \  proposition 

waa  made  to  Mr.  Perkina,  to  enter  into  1 1 « .  ■  kin^N  sen  n-f,  ami  ai-copted,  aa  affording  meana  of 
The   iloop  waa  chartered   for  Windeor,  in    N  ia,  i"  rect  ive  h   |  <  lor  the 

anpply  of  the  troop*,  and  went  ont   with  J •  •- 1 ;•  U  Jonea  aurpercargo,  and  Jonathan  Hicki 
gtt.    The  nm»ter  aailed  directly  for  Annul.  I,  n  here  be  arrived  on  the  9d  of  Juni  .  and  aurrendt 
hia  comp  priaonora,    The  papera  tranamitted  to  Congreaa,  were  the  charter  part] 

Inalrnotiona,  and   I  acribed  by  Majoi  William  ShirreflT,  deputy  quarter  maater  general 

Inting  to  the  objecta  and  butim  Ml  of  the  oiynge. 


310  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  8, 

Resolved,  That  the  choice  of  two  major  generals  be  deferred  to  four 
o'clock,  to-morrow  afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency 
of  establishing  several  small  armed  vessels,  sit  forthwith. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  on  some  measures  for  commis- 
sioning the  officers  of  the  army,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which 
was  read  and  accepted,  and  an  hundred  of  them  ordered  to  be  printed, 
and  dispersed  among  the  army.     It  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  it  is  necessary  to  have,  as  soon  as  may  be,  a  return  of  the 
number  and  equipments  of  the  forces  raised  by  this  colony;  and  where- 
as, it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  such  returns  should  be  consistent 
with  the  strictest  truth :  it  is  therefore  Resolved,  that  if  any  officer  now 
commissioned  in  the  forces  aforesaid,  or  that  shall  hereafter  be  com- 
missioned therein,  shall,  wittingly  and  willingly,  after  his  being  so 
commissioned,  make  any  false  return  of  the  numbers  or  equipments  of 
the  men  under  his  command,  and  shall  be  thereof  convicted  before 
this,  or  any  future  Congress  of  this  colony,  or  before  a  general  court 
martial  of  the  army  raised  by  this  colony,  such  officer  shall  be  immedi- 
ately cashiered.  And  every  person  now  under  nomination,  or  that 
shall  hereafter  be  nominated  to  any  office  in  said  forces,  that  shall, 
wittingly  and  willingly,  make  such  false  return,  shall  be  deemed  inca- 
pable of  holding  any  commission  or  command  in  the  forces  aforesaid, 
until  the  last  day  of  December  next. 

The  petition  of  Col.  Henshaw  was  read,  and  committed  to  the  com- 
mittee who  were  appointed  to  consider  on  some  measure  for  commis- 
sioning the  officers  of  the  army. 

Resolved,  That  the  choice  of  three  delegates  to  meet  delegates  from 
the  other  colonies  in  New  England,  at  Worcester,  be  put  off  to  ten 
o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gushing  of  Hanover,  Capt.  Stone  of  Oakham, 
and  Dummer  Jewett,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration 
a  petition  from  the  committees  of  correspondence  for  the  county  of 
Cumberland,  and  that  they  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered^  That  Major  Bliss,  Major  Brooks  and  Mr.  Sayer,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  the  account  of  Capt.  Phelps,  and  to  consider  what 
sum  is  necessary  to  supply  Capt.  Phelps  with,  for  transporting  to  Ti- 
conderoga  the  pork  he  lias  purchased  for  our  forces  there,  and  bringing 
the  cannon  from  thence. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Wheeler  be  appointed  to  number  the  small  colo- 
ny notes,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Goodwin,  who  has  leave  to  go  home. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  the  Stockbridge 


1775.]  THIRD  ?RO\  i\«  l  \l.  I  ONGRESS  :;n 

Indians,  reported  the  following,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to 
be  authenticated  1»\  the  secretary,  if  the  president  it  not  in  N\  atertown, 
and  -in'  foru ard.1 

in  thi    Moheakounuck  tribt   of  Indians,  living    in  and  about   Stock- 
bridgi  : 

Brothers  We,  this  day,  bj  the  delegate  from  Stockbridge,  tii>t 
heard  \<"ir  friendly  answer  to  our  speech  to  you,  l>\  Capt.  William 
Goodrich;  winch  answer,  »<•  are  told,  you  mule  t<>  us  immediately,  by 
a  letter,  which  we  have  nol  yel  received.     We  ih>\\  reply. 

Broth i  as :  You  -  >\  thai  you  were  once  great,  bul  thai  you  are  now 
little;  and  that  we  were  once  little,  bul  are  nov*  great.  The  Supreme 
Spiril  orders  these  things.  Whether  \\«'  are  little  or  great,  lei  us  keep 
the  path  of  friendship  clear,  which  mir  fathers  made,  and  in  which  w<- 
have  I". tii  travelled  to  this  time. 

The  friends  <>f  the  wicked  counsellors  of  our  king  fell  upon  us,  and 

["he  talk  «.t"  the  Moheakounuck  or  Mukhekantok  indians  !  by  Solomon  riilmunnau- 

waumut,  ti  ichem,  at  Stockbridge,  the  real  of  the  tribe,  April  11,  1775,  after  i 

letter  of  the   interpreter,  containing  thi  red  intrant 

communication  to  n  late  period  :  it  i-  low. 

:  VVe  have  beard  you  speak  by  your  letter — we  thank  you  for  it — « 
" Bi  member  w ben  you  tir 

little,  ver)  small.     I  then  took  you  in  for  a  friend,  and  kepi  you  under 
.  :  since  ti. 

S 
II   ruuii  I   the  world,  ami  I  am  I 

:  you  fbl  pi 

luarrel  bel 
this  qu  irrel.     We  nei or  till  ti.. 
of  this  quarrel  !■■  tween  yoo  and  thi  iu  came  fn 

i  -       ', ■  ■  nr  blood  running,  you  vwll  soon  find  me  about  you  t . »  i 
brother'a  blood.     Although  I  am  l"»  and  very  small,  I  will  gripe  bold  of  your  eel,  that  ho 

cannot  run  !  so  light,  as  if  be  had  nothing  at  his  hi  el*." 

"Brothers  !    Sfou  know  I  am  not  so  wise  as  you  I  l 

now  going  to  aay.    ]  you  com  run  to  the  westward, 

•  I  the  mind  of  my  Indi  in  brethren,  the  S      N 

,  or  for  your  enemies,     [fl  find  the]  m,  I  will  try  to  turn  their  i 

I  think  they  will  listen  t"  mo,  for  they  have  always    looked   this   wa)  for  idi  ill  iro- 

■  -.mi  the  rising  of  the  Bun.     Iflhoy  beark  you  will  n 

behind  you.     However  their  mi  roq  shall 

Now    I    think    I  rvice    in   this    way,   than 

re:  it  may  be  rhile    before  blood   runs. 

I    I  this  for  your  consideration,  whetl       I  down  inro 

i        •  led." 

•■  It-  I  would  nol  have  you  think  by  this  that  we  ar.'  falliog  back  rrom  .mr  onf 

W  to  do  any  thing  Ibr  \..nr  relii  I  11  bo  guided  by  your  cou 

i  i,  if  \.>n  tend  for  me  to  right,  that  you  »ill  !•  I 

I  u    ool  usod  to  fight  1  I  isbion,  thei 

roar  men.    Only  point  oul  to  me  where  youi 


312  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  8, 

shed  some  blood,  soon  after  we  spake  to  you  last,  by  our  letter.  But 
we,  with  a  small  twig,  killed  so  many,  and  frightened  them  so  much, 
that  they  have  shut  themselves  up  in  our  great  town,  called  Boston, 
which  they  have  made  strong. 

We  have  now  made  our  hatchets  and  all  our  instruments  of  war 
sharp  and  bright.  All  the  chief  counsellors  who  live  on  this  side  the 
great  water,  are  sitting  in  the  grand  council  house  in  Philadelphia. 
When  they  give  the  word,  we  shall  all,  as  one  man,  fall  on,  and  drive 
our  enemies  out  of  their  strong  fort,  and  follow  them  till  they  shall 
take  their  hands  out  of  our  pouches,  and  let  us  sit  in  our  council  house, 
as  we  used  to  do,  and  as  our  fathers  did  in  old  times. 

Brothers  :  Though  you  are  small,  yet  you  are  wise :  use  your  wis- 
dom to  help  us.  If  you  think  it  best,  go  and  smoke  your  pipe  with 
your  indian  brothers,  towards  the  setting  of  the  sun,  and  tell  them  all 
you  hear,  and  all  you  see,  and  let  us  know  what  their  wise  men  say. 
If  some  of  your  young  men  should  have  a  mind  to  see  what  we  are 
doing  here,  let  them  come  down,  and  tarry  among  our  warriors.  We 
will  provide  for  them  while  they  are  here. 

Brothers  :  When  you  have  any  trouble,  come  and  tell  it  to  us,  and 
we  will  help  you. 

To  Capt.  Solomon  Uhhaunnauwaunmut,  Chief  Sachem  of  the  Mohea- 
koumick  tribe  of  Indians,  at  Stockbridge. 

[Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  great  benefit  may  arise 
to  the  American  cause,  should  our  friends  of  the  Stockbridge,  or 
Moheakounuck  tribe  of  Indians,  send  belts  and  messengers  to  the  seve- 
ral  tribes  connected  with  them  ;  and  as  the  same  may  be  attended  with 
expense  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Stock- 
bridge,  for  the  time  being,  be  a  committee  to  promote  the  forwarding 
such  messengers  and  belts,  and  that  the  committee  aforesaid  be  allowed 
to  draw  out  of  the  public  moneys,  in  the  hands  of  Stephen  Nash,  late 
collector  for  the  town  of  Stockbridge  aforesaid,  any  sum  or  sums,  not 
exceeding  fifteen  pounds,  for  which  said  committee  shall  account  to 
this,  or  some  future  Congress,  or  house  of  representatives,  and  be  al- 
lowed all  reason  able  charges  that  have  or  may  arise  for  promoting  and 
forwarding  the  premises 

The  committee  appointed  to  establish  an  allowance  of  provisions  for 
the  soldiers,  reported.  The  further  consideration  of  the  report  was  put 
off  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

A  colonel's  commission  was  delivered  to  Col.  John  Fellowes. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  118 

Friday,  June  9,  I" 

A  petition  from  the  selectmen  and  others  of  the  town  of  Manches- 
ter1 was  read,  and  committed  to  the  committee  who  were  appointed  i<» 
consider  the  circumstances  of  the  sea  port  towns. 

1  i.  Bowers  and  Mr  Fisher,  who  were  of  the  committee  appointed 
to  consider  the  petition  of  the  convention  of  committees  <d'  the  count] 
of  Worcester,8  being  absent,  Ordered,  that  .Major  Bliss  and  Don 
Taj  lor  be  appointed  in  i  heir  room. 

Col.  Bowers,  who  was  on  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the 
situation  and  circumstances  of  the  sea  coasts,  being  absent,  Ordered, 
that  the  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner  be  appointed  in  Ins  room. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone  of  Oakham,  Deacon  Bovey,  Col.  Pres- 
cott,  Col.  Farley  and  Col.  Grout,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what  is 
proper  to  be  done  with  the  prisoners  brought  to  this  place  from  Arun- 
del. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Goodrich,  Mr.  Mitchel  and  Mr.  Johnson,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  petition  from  Abiathar  Angel,  and  report. 

\  petition  from  the  town  of  Berwick  was  read,  and  committed  to 
the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  situation  and  circumstances 
of  the  sea  coasts. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of 
enforcing  two  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  reported  :  the  re- 
port was  accepted,  and  with  the  said  resolves  of  Congress  here  follow, 
\  i  /.  .  : 

In  Congress,  Ma\    17.  1775,  "/  Philadelphia. 

/,'  solved,  That  all  exportations  to  Quebec,  Nova  Scotia,  the  Island 
of  St.  Johns,  Newfoundland,  Georgia,  except  the  parisb  of  St.  Johns, 
and  to  Bast  and  West  Florida,  immediately  cease;  and  that  no  provi- 
sions "I'anv  kind,  or  other  necessaries,  be  furnished  to  the  British  fish- 
eries on  the  American  coasts,  until  it  be  otherwise  determined  by  the 
Congri--. 

Ma]  29. 

II,  solved,  That  no  provisions  or  necessaries  of  any  kind  be  exported 
to  the   island  of  Nantucket,  except  from  the  colony  of  the  Massachu- 

:    The  , le  of  Manchester,  rnffi  ring  under  the  prennre  of  military  duty,  which   inten 

the  cultivation  of  the  Beld*  and  the  prosecution  of  the  Behei  >  ted  libert)  t 

men  for  the  defence  of  the  town,  t.>  be  placed  <>n  the  provincial  eetablbhment,  and 
bed  i"  the  regimen)  ••(  the  army  italiom  I  titioner*. 

ition  of  the  i imitteei  "i"  \v  ddition  to  n  former  memorial, 

ihi  right  of  ill"  delegatei  returned  from  the  diatrieti  ofCharltoe  «nd 
Paiton  to  hold  tbi  I  -<.    The  objection*  eg  validity  of  the  election*  an  no* 

10 


314  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  9, 

setts  Bay,  the  convention  of  which  colony  is  desired  to  take  measures 
for  effectually  providing  the  said  island,  upon  their  application  to  pur- 
chase the  same,  with  as  much  provision  as  shall  be  necessary  for  its 
internal  use,  and  no  more.  The  Congress  deeming  it  of  great  impor- 
tance to  North  America,  that  the  British  fishery  should  not  be  furnish- 
ed with  provisions  from  this  continent  through  Nantucket,  earnestly 
recommend  a  vigilant  execution  of  this  resolve  to  all  committees. 
A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

Charles  Thompson,  Sec'ry. 

The  foregoing  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress,  being  read  and 
considered,  Resolved,  that  the  same  be  forthwith  printed  in  hand  bills, 
together  with  this  resolve,  and  dispersed  in  the  several  sea  port  towns 
in  this  colony,  that  due  obedience  may  be  paid  to  the  same.  Further, 
Resolved,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  island  of  Nantucket  have  liberty 
to  purchase  such  provisions  as  are  necessary  for  the  internal  use  of 
said  island,  in  any  of  the  New  England  governments;  provided,  never- 
theless, that  no  provisions  or  necessaries  of  any  kind  be  exported  to 
the  said  island  of  Nantucket,  without  a  permit  in  writing  from  the 
committee  of  safety  of  this  colony,  or  such  person  or  persons  as  they 
shall  appoint  to  give  such  permit,  expressing  the  quantity  so  to  be  trans- 
ported, be  first  had  and  obtained ;  and  that  the  same  be  exported  from 
such  port  only,  in  this  colony,  as  shall  be  expressed  in  the  same 
permit. 

The  order  of  the  day  was  moved  for. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  establishment  of  an  allowance 
of  provisions  for  the  soldiers,  was  read  and  considered,  and  after  de- 
bate thereon,  was  recommitted. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  county  of  Worcester  report- 
ed, that  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  that  the  delegates  chosen 
by  the  districts  of  Paxton  and  Charlton,  as  mentioned  in  said  petition, 
have  not  a  right  to  seats  in  this  house. 

Moved,  That  a  commission  be  delivered  to  Col.  John  Glover,  as 
colonel  of  a  regiment  in  the  Massachusetts  army. 

[Afternoon.] 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  from  the  county  of  Wor- 
cester was  considered,  and,  after  much  debate,  the  question  was  put, 
whether  said  report  be  accepted,  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

Ordered,  That  the  guard  who  has  in  custody  the  prisoners  from 
Arundel,  be  relieved  by  a  guard  from  the  town  of  Watertown. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sayer  be  added  to  the  committee,  who  were  ap- 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  315 

pointed  t<>  consider  some  measures  f>r  commissioning  the  officers  <>( 
tin-  army,  in  the  room  of  Col.  Porter,  who  has  leave  of  absent 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Thayer,  and  the  K 
Mi    Curtis,  and  it  being  moved  that  they  be  directed  to  return  as  soon 
as  ma]  be,  the  question  was  put,  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

Col.  Porter,  who  was  of  the  committee  to  consider  the  letter  of  Mr 
Gridlej  to  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  the  tram,  being  absent, 
Mr.  Partridge  was  appointed  in  bis  room. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  Bafetj  be  required,  aa  - i  is  may 

be,  tn  rcrtitv  to  this  Congress,  the  names  of  Buch  gentlemen  as  are 
candidates  for  the  command  of  a  regiment,  with  the  number  of  privates 
that  have  been  enlisted  nnder  them,  and  anj  other  claims  <>r  preten- 
sions that  any  gentleman  may  have  to  a  commission  in  the  Bervice. 

Ordered,  That  the  papers  exhibited  to  tins  Congress  by  Capt. 
Phelps  be  returned  to  him  l»y   Major  Bliss. 

Adjourned  to  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  morning 

Saturday,  June  10,  177."). 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  of  safety  be  directed  to  make  return, 
in   writing,  to  this  Congress,  as  soon  as  may  he,  of  the  names  of  all 

those  persons  who  claim,  or  offer  themselves  to  be  commissi -d  afl 

colonels  of  regiments  in  the  colon]  army,  and  are  not  commissioned, 
with  any  agreement  that  may  have  been  made  with  any  such  persona 
by  the  committee  of  Bafetj  ;  as  also,  a  Btate  of  those  regiments,  which 
Buch  persons  claim  the  command  of,  as  to  their  numbers,  equipments, 
and  the  time  they  have  been  engaged  in  Bervice. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done 
with  the  prisoners  brought  from  Arundel,  reported  as  follow-,  eiz. : 

The  Committee  appointed  to  examine  the  persons  and  paper-  sent  to 
this  Congress,  1>y  the  committee  of  the  town  of  Arundel,  have  attended 
that  service;  and,  after  due  perusal  of  said  papers,  Josiah  Jones  and 

Jonathan   link-,  therein  referred  to,  were  brought    before  them.      Saul 

Jones  iii  his  defence  says,  he  had  no  concern  with  the  sloop  Polly, 
otherwise  than  as  a  passenger  in  her  to  Nova  Scotia:  notwithstanding 
winch,  it  appears  (dearly  to  this  committee,  l>\  said  paper-,  as  also  bj 
the  evidence  of  <'apt.  Smith,  master,  herewith  transmitted,  that  -aid 
.lone-  went  on  board  said  Bloop  a-  supercargo,  in  tin-  Bervice  of  general 
Gage,  to  bring  hay  and  other  articles  to  Boston,  to  aupplj  our  enemies 
We  find  by  said  .lone-'  account  of  himself,  that  he  went  to  Boston 
soon  after  the  memorable  Lexington  battle,  of  the  19th  of  April  last, 
in  companj  with  John  Eluggles,  of  Hardwick,  who  was  ordered  bj  a 


316  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  10, 

committee  to  the  said  town  of  Hardwick  ;  and  that  said  Jones  was  know- 
ing to  the  proceedings  of  said  committee  against  said  Ruggles,  before 
they  set  out  together  from  Weston  to  take  refuge  in  Boston  ;  and  that 
they  left  the  common  road,  and  went  in  the  woods  and  difficult  places, 
to  pass  the  town  of  Roxbury.  The  committee,  upon  the  whole,  have 
not  the  least  reason  to  doubt,  of  said  Jones'  being  a  notorious  enemy 
to  his  country,  and  of  his  having  been  in  the  actual  employment  of  our 
enemies  against  the  just  liberties  of  the  people.  [They]  therefore  beg 
leave  to  report  the  following  order,  viz. : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  June  10,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Josiah  Jones,  taken  from  the  sloop  Polly,  be  sent, 
with  a  sufficient  guard,  to  the  town  of  Concord,  in  the  county  of  Mid- 
dlesex, and  committed  to  the  common  jail,  there  to  remain  until  the  fur- 
ther orders  of  the  Congress,  or  house  of  representatives  of  this  colony. 

Said  Jonathan  Hicks  in  his  defence  says,  that  since  the  public  dis- 
putes respecting  the  liberties  of  the  country,  he  has  not  liked  the  part 
that  has  been  acted,  in  many  respects,  on  either  side,  therefore  could 
not  see  his  way  clear  to  join  with  any.  Upon  examination,  the  com- 
mittee find  by  evidence,  that  at  Gardinerston,  while  he  lived  there,  he 
expressed  himself  highly  against  committees  of  correspondence,  &.C., 
calling  them  rebels,  and  using  other  opprobrious  language  against  the 
people  who  appeared  for  liberty,  and  endeavored  to  hinder  their  unity. 
That,  also,  while  he  the  said  Hicks  lived  at  Plymouth,  he  was  esteem- 
ed by  the  good  people  there,  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  his  country  by 
his  general  conduct,  and  that  at  certain  times  he  appeared  very  high, 
and  once  drew  his  sword  or  spear  upon  certain  persons.  Said  Hicks, 
upon  the  whole,  owns  his  general  conduct  has  been  such,  as  the  people 
for  liberty  call  tory,  but  still  says  he  is  against  the  oppressive  acts. 

Said  Hicks  confesses,  that  the  evening  after  the  battle  of  Lexington 
aforesaid,  he  left  Plymouth,  and  took  shelter  with  the  troops  at  Marsh- 
field,  not  thinking  himself  safe  in  the  country;  that  he  went  with  them 
to  Boston,  and  there  remained  until  he  went  on  board  the  sloop  Pollv, 
with  Jones,  and  says  he  designed  for  Halifax,  there  to  tarry,  if  he  could 
find  business,  in  order  to  be  out  of  the  noise. 

Capt.  Smith,  master  of  said  sloop,  can  give  no  account  of  Hicks' 
business  on  board  ;  all  he  can  say  is,  he  in  general  appeared  inimical, 
calling  the  liberty  people  rebels,  &lc.  The  committee,  therefore,  beg 
leave  to  report  the  following  order  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Waiertown,  June  10,  1775. 
Ordered,  That  Jonathan  Hicks,  taken  from  the  sloop  Polly,  be  sent, 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  :\\: 

with  a  sufficient  guard,  to  the  town  ofConcord,  in  the  count]  ol  Mid- 
dlesex, and  committed  to  the  common  jail,  there  to  remain  until  the  fur- 
ther orders  of  the  Congrt  --.  01  house  of  representatives  of  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  the  keeper  of  the  jail  in  the  count]  of  Middlesex  In- 
directed  to  receive  Me-srs  Jones  and  Hicks,  who  were  taken  prison- 
ers from  the  sloop  Polly,  at  Arundel,  and  keep  them  in  safe  custody 
till  further  order,  and  provide  them  necessaries  for  their  subsistence 
whilst  in  jail,  and  that  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town 
<it'  \\  atertown,  be  directed  to  see  that  the  resolves  of  <  longress,  r<  sj 
niir  the  said  Jones  and  1 1 1 <  ks  be  forthwith  earned  into  execution,  and 
to  take  Buch  guards  as  the]  think  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  Col.  Otis  and  .Mr.  Davis,  be 
added  to  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to  considi  r  the  i  xpedien- 
cy  of  establishing  a  number  of  armed  vessels  t'< >r  the  protection  of  the 
sea  coast  -. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley,  ('apt.  Stone,  of  Framingham,  Col. 
Parks,  lion.  Mr.  Sever,  Mr.  Johnson,  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner  and  Deacon 
Plympton,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  artificers 
which  may  be  necessary  for  the  army  in  the  pay  of  this  colony,  and 
that  they  report,  as  soon  as  ma]  be,  in  what  way  such  artificers  shall 
be  established,  the  numbers  wanted  for  the  arm]  at  Cambridge  and 
Roxbury  of  each  kind,  and  the  sum  that  is  proper  to  be  allowed  them 
per  month. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Whittemore,  ('apt.  Dwight  and  Mr.  Kollock,  be 
a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  lor  the  appointment  of  a  number  of 
armorer-  tor  the  M  ■--  ichusetts  army,  and  tor  the  establishment  of  their 
pay. 

The  resolve  for  establishing  an  allowance  of  provisions  for  the  sol- 
dier.- a  a-  again  read,  ami  accepted:  and  ordered  to  he  printed  in  hand 
hills,  and  is  as  follow  3,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  an  establishment  for  the  allow- 
ance for  provisions  for  the  soldiers  of  the  Massachusetts  army,  beg 
leave  to  report  the  following  resolve,  viz.: 

Resolved,  That  each  soldier  in  the  Mas.-achn-elts  army  shall  have 
t  he  follow  ing  allowance  per  dav,  \  iz.  : 

l-t.  One  pound  of  bread:  2d.  Halt'  a  pound  of  beel  ami  halt'  a 
pound  of  pork  ;  and  if  pork  cannot  he  had,  one  pound  ami  a  quarter 
of  beef;  ami  one  day  m  seven  they  shall  have  one  pound  ami  one 
quarter  of  salt  fish,  instead  of  one  day's  allowance  of  meat  :  3d.  <  me 
pint  of   milk,  or,  if  milk    cannot    he    had,  one   iiill  of  rice         Itb.    One 

quart  of  good  spruce  or  malt  beer :     5th.  (  me  gill  of  pea-  or  beans,  '>r 


318  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  11, 

other  sauce  equivalent :  6th.  Six  ounces  of  good  butter  per  week : 
7th.  One  pound  of  good  common  soap  for  six  men  per  week  :  8th. 
Haifa  pint  of  vinegar  per  week  per  man,  if  it  can  be  had. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  army,  re- 
ported, that,  in  order  to  execute  their  commission,  it  is  necessary  that 
they  should  be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  all  recommendations  for  com- 
missions, sent  to  this  Congress  by  the  committee  of  safety,  and  a  list 
of  all  officers  commissioned  by  the  Congress,  and  asked  leave  to  sit 
again.     The  report  was  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sayer,  Mr.  Edwards  and  Major  Fuller,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  proposal  of  the  Hon.  General  Ward,  re- 
specting furloughs  for  the  soldiers,  and  report. 

Afternoon. 

The  petition  of  a  number  of  the  freeholders  of  Williamsburg1  [was] 
read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Hale,  Mr.  Lyman  and  Col.  Danielson. 

The  petition  of  Davis  &,  Coverly2  [was]  read,  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Fairbanks,  Mr.  Webster  and  Col.  Sawyer. 

Monday  next,  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  was  assigned  to  make  choice  of 
three  delegates  to  meet  those  that  may  be  sent  from  the  other  New 
England  colonies. 

The  choice  of  two  major  generals  [was]  referred  to  Monday,  five 
o'clock,  P.  M. 

Hon.  Col.  Warren,  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt.  Stone, 
Mr.  Edwards,  Col.  Cobb,  Col.  Thompson,  were  appointed  a  committee 
to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  number  of  armed  vessels. 

Sunday,  June  11,  1775. 

[The  Congress]  met  at  eight  o'clock,  and  adjourned  to  half  past 
three,  P.  M. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Hon. 
Col.  AVarren  and  Hon.  Col.  Foster,  have  leave  to  offer,  for  the  consid- 
eration of  this  Congress,  an  address  which  they  have  prepared  for  the 
Continental  Congress.  The  same  being  read  and  amended,  was  ac- 
cepted, and  ordered  to  be  transcribed,  and  signed  by  the  Hon.  Major 
Hawley  as  vice  president,  and  sent  immediately,  by  express,  to  Phila- 
delphia ;  and  that  the  committee  of  supplies  be  desired  to  procure 
some  person  to  carry  it.     It  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

(1)  Letters  from  the  town  clerk  and  other  inhabitants  of  Williamsburg  declare  that  the  meeting 
held  for  election  of  a  member  of  the  Congress  was  illegal,  hut  assign  no  specific  informalities. 

(2)  The  petitioners  asked  leave  to  exchange  a  quantity  of  goods  owned  by  them  in  Boston,  for 
similar  merchandise  in  Marlt>orough,  the  property  of  a  merchant  residing  in  the  former  town. 


177.-,. J  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  319 

Mm/  if  i>ltti>r  your  honors  i 

The  -million  of  any  colony,  or  people,  perhaps  was  never  before 
such  as  maili  it  more  necessary  for  fully  exercising  the  powers  of  civil 
government,  than  the  present  Btate  and  situation  of  the  co|on\  of  the 
Massachusetts  Hay.  The  cinharrassments,  delay-,  disappointments 
and  obstructions,  in  executing  every  undertaking  necessary  lor  the 
preservation  of  our  lives,  and  much  more  of  our  property,  are  so  great 
and  many,  as  that  they  cannot  be  represented,  or  enumerated:  and  thai 
i-  chiefly  to  he  attributed  to  our  want  of  a  settled  civil  politj  or  govern- 
ment; hesides,  every  thing  necessarj  for  the  abovesaid  most  important 
purposes,  which  is  in  sonic  degree  effected,  i-  done  in  the  mosl  expen- 
sive manner:  in  short,  although  the  times  we  are  fallen  into,  and  the 
prospects  before  us,  are  such  as  require  the  utmost  economy,  yet, 
nothing  of  the  kind  can  be  preserved  in  our  present  state. 

There  are,  in  many  parts  of  this  colony,  alarming  symptoms  of  the 
abatement  of  the  sense,  in  the  minds  of  .some  people,  of  the  sacredness 
of  private  property,  which  is  plainly  assignable  to  the  want  of  civil 
government  :  and  your  honors  must  he  fully  sensible,  that  a  communi- 
t\  of  goods  and  estate,  will  soon  he  followed  with  the  utter  waste  and 
destruction  of  the  goods  themselves ;  besides,  the  necessity  of  civil  gov- 
ernment appears  more  and  more  apparent  from  the  extreme  difficult] 
of  maintaining  the  public  peace  without  it  :  although  we  can  trulj 
sav,  much  fewer  enormities  and  breaches  of  the  peace  have  happened 
among  us,  than  it  was  natural  to  expect,  from  the  contemplation  of 
such  a  Btate  as  we  have  been  cast  into, 

Ma\  it  please  your  honors:  The  pressing  weight  of  our  distresses 
has  necessitated  the  Bending  a  special  post  to  obtain  your  immediate 
advice  upon  this  subject;  and  we  do  most  earnestly  entreat,  that  you 
would,  as  soon  as  possible,  despatch  the  messenger  with  such  advice. 

Our  former  application  to  you,  of  the  10th  of  May  last,  has  rendered 
it  unnecessary  that  we  should  further  enlarge  upon  this  subject  :  ami. 
to  prevent  repetition,  we  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to  our  letter  of  that 
date. 

The  army  under  the  command  of  general  Gage,  we  estimate  to 
amount,  at  least,  to  5000  men,  well  appointed,  under  the  command  of 
general-  of  character  and   experience,  and    prepared    with   ever)    thini! 

necessary  for  action,  exclusive  of  the  additional  strength  derived  from 
negroes,  which  the  general  has  taken  into  his  service,  and  disaffected 
Americans  \\  e  have  greal  reason  to  apprehend,  that  a  reenforcemenl 
of  at  least  eight  regiments  of  foot  and  one  of  horse  maj  be  hourly  ex- 
pected     We  enclose  a  cop\  «.f  an  intercepted  letter  fir Major  Sher- 


320  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  12, 

riff,  which  exhibits  to  you  one  ground  of  this  apprehension.1  We  have 
had  under  our  consideration,  the  propriety  and  necessity  of  augmenting 
our  army,  notwithstanding  our  great  embarrassment,  and  though  we 
have  not  yet  adopted  it,  nothing,  perhaps,  but  the  more  ample  provi- 
sion of  the  neighboring  colonies,  will  relieve  that  necessity. 

The  depredations  and  piracies  frequently  committed  on  our  sea 
coasts,  and  the  little  trade  which  remains  to  us,  whereby,  among  other 
capital  articles,  the  importation  of  ammunition  and  provisions  is  almost 
totally  obstructed,  and  threatens  our  ruin ;  have  also  occasioned  our 
contemplating  steps  to  prevent  those  inconveniences,  by  ["fitting]  out 
a  number  of  armed  vessels,  with  sufficient  strength  to  encounter  their 
small  though  numerous  cutters. 

We  shall  only  add,  that,  as  the  seat  of  war,  with  all  its  attendant  dis- 
tresses, have,  for  the  present,  taken  their  principal  residence  here,  we 
should  consider  it  as  a  happy  event,  if  you  should  think  proper  to  ad- 
journ to  some  part  of  the  continent  not  so  far  distant,  that  the  advice 
and  aid  of  the  [''Continental  Congress]  may  be  more  expeditiously 
afforded  upon  any  emergency. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Monday,  June  12,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheeler,  Deacon  Baker  and  Mr.  Webster,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  some  measures  for  preventing  the  violation  of 
the  sabbath,  and  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  this  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  be  assigned  for  the 
consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to 
bring  in  a  resolve  for  giving  a  free  currency  to  the  bills  of  credit  of 
this  and  the  other  colonies. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  Hon.  Col.  Gerrish  and  Doct. 
Whiting,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  petition  from  the  committee 
at  Charlestown,  and  report. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  have  liberty  to  procure  such  assistance, 
from  time  to  time,  as  he  shall  think  necessary. 

a  [fixing.]  b  [continent.] 

(1)  The  letter  of  Major  William  Sherriff,  deputy  quarter  master  general,  was  dated  at  Boston, 
May  29,  1775,  and  addressed  to  Thomas  Williams,  Esq.,  keeper  of  the  king's  ordnance  at  Annapolis, 
in  Nova  Scotia.  The  writer  speaks  of  the  profits  and  rewards  the  people  of  the  eastern  province 
might  receive,  if  they  would  colled  forage  and  provisions  for  the  royal  army  in  Massachusetts. 
"On  the  othrr  hand,"  he  Bays,  "  if  they  give  thorns,  I-  -  ;tirs,  and  follow  the  example  of  these  mad 
men,  thej  will  consider  how  easily  government  can  chastise  them,  and  they  may  rely  upon  it  they 
will,  and  that    immediate!]  too:   !>nt  1  hope  they  will  consider  their  interest  better,  and  make   all 

the  i ley  thej  can"  .  .  .  .  "  We  are  in  the  Bame  situation,  as  when  I  wrote  you  last,  except  the 

addition  <>f  twelve  hundred  troops  lately  arrived  from  England.     The  regiment  of  horse,  and  eight 
other  regiments  are  hourly  expected,  when  I  hope  you  will  hear  better  accounts  from  us." 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONtJKKSS.  93] 

Resolved,  That  tuo  persons  be  appointed  to  repair  to  the  fortrew  of 
Ticonderoga,  to  examine  into  the  state  of  that  fortress,  and  of  affairs 
there,  and  to  act  in  Bucfa  a  manner  as  thej  shall  be  directed  bj  this 
Congress,  and  thai  lour  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  be  assigned  lor  the 
choice  of  such  persons,  by  ballot,  and  that  the  Hon.  Major  Haw  ley, 
Hon.  Col.  Warren  and  Mr.  Sullivan,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  in 
structions  for  such  delegates. 

The   committee   who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  <>t 
establishing  a  cumber  of  armed  vessels,  reported  :  the  consideration  of 
the  report  was  put  off  to  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Hon.  Mr.  Dexter,  one  of  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  pre- 
pare letters  to  the  Continental  Congress,  New  York  and  the  New 
England  governments,  being  abseut,  Ordered,  that  the  Hon.  Mr. 
Spooner  be  appointed  in  his  room. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sayer  he  directed  forthwith  to  till  up  and  deliver 
commissions  to  the  officers  of  Col.  Whitcomb's  regiment. 

Ordered,  [That]  Mr.  [aHolten],  Mr.  Mitchell  and  Mr.  Colvill,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Mr.  Ebenezer  Prout. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Whiting,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Parks,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  some  method  of  supplying  the  several  surgeons 
of  the  army  with  medicines. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, dtc,  reported  the  following,  which  was  accepted,  viz.  : 

Mm/  if  i>lui>i  your  honors: 

Tlu-  views  <>f  administration  having  been  made  evident,  by  their 
conduit  for  -ome  vears  |>a>t,  and  the  late  regulations  of  civil  and  ec- 
clesiastical polity  of  Quebec  having  clearly  discovered  an  intention  to 
make  use  of  the  Canadians  as  engines  to  reduce  this  continent  to  sla- 
very, it  has  been  found  absolutely  necessary  for  the  preservation  of  the 
liberties  of  America,  to  take  possession  of  the  important  pass  of  Ticon- 
deroga, and  to  send  forward  a  sufficient  force  to  hold  the  same  again.-t 
any  attempt  which  may  be  made  to  retake  it,  and  to  prevent  general 
Carlton  from  sending  forces  by  the  way  of  the  lakes  to  anno]  and  dis- 
tress the  frontiers:  but,  as  we  apprehend,  there  never  has  been  any  in- 
tention to  give  the  leasl  disturbance  to  our  brethren  of  Canada,  to  whom 
we  most  sincerely  wish  the  full  and  free  enjoyment  of  their  civil  and  re- 
ligion- rights.  We  humbly  request,  that  your  honor-  would  take  such 
steps,  to  prevent  any  false  impressions,  which  our  enemies  maj  attempt 
to  make  on  their  minds  concerning  our  designs, or  to  remove  an]   BUCu 

i  olten. 
41 


322  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  12, 

as  have  already  been  made,  as  you,  in  your  wisdom,  shall  think  most 
expedient :  as  we  look  upon  it  to  be  of  the  utmost  importance  that 
there  should  no  jealousies  subsist  between  them  and  the  other  colonies. 
We  also  have  had  the  most  disagreeable  accounts  of  methods  taken  to 
fill  the  minds  of  the  Indian  tribes  adjacent  to  these  colonies  with  senti- 
ments very  injurious  to  us  ;  particularly  we  have  been  informed  that 
Col.  Guy  Johnson  has  taken  great  pains  with  the  Six  Nations,  in  order 
to  bring  them  into  a  belief,  that  it  is  designed  by  the  colonies  to  fall 
upon  them  and  cut  them  off.  We  therefore  pray  you  would,  with  all 
the  speed  convenient,  use  your  very  great  influence  in  guarding  against 
the  evil  intended  by  this  malevolent  misrepresentation.  And  we  have 
wrote  to  our  sister  colonies  in  New  England,  and  to  New  York,  re- 
questing they  would  make  a  similar  application  to  you  respecting  these 
matters. 

We  are  your  most  obedient,  humble  servants. 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  for  choosing  two  persons  to  repair  to  the 
fortress  of  Ticonderoga  be  so  far  reconsidered,  as  that  there  be  three 
persons  chosen,  instead  of  two,  for  that  service. 

[Afternoon] 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Farley,  Major  Brooks  and  Mr.  Cross,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  and  report  what  is  proper  to  be  done  with  the  grass 
growing  on  the  estates  of  the  refugees  at  Cambridge,  Charlestown, 
Roxbury  and  Milton,  [who  reported  as  follows  :] 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  resolve  of 
the  committee  of  safety  relative  to  certain  quantities  of  grass  growing 
on  the  lands  of  the  refugees  in  and  about  Cambridge,  have  attended 
that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  report  by  way  of  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of  safety,  that 
they  appoint  some  person  or  persons  in  the  towns  hereafter  mentioned, 
viz.  :  Cambridge,  Charlestown,  Roxbury  and  Milton,  to  cut  the  grass 
and  secure  the  hay  growing  on  the  estates  of  the  refugees,  in  the  above 
mentioned  towns,  in  some  convenient  place,  for  the  benefit  of  the  col- 
ony, as  to  them  shall  seem  meet. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Hon.  Col.  Warren  and  Col.  Gerrish, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done  with  respect  to  a 
vessel  said  to  be  going  from  Salem  to  New  Providence  for  fruit  and 
turtle  for  the  army  at  Boston. 

Resolvid,  That  Mr.  Gerry  have  leave  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  pre- 
venting the  exportation  of  fish  and  other  provisions. 

The  resolve  was  accordingly  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCE  \l.  0ONGRE8  339 

printed  in  hand  lulls,  and  sent  to  the  several  maritime  towns  in  thii 
colony,  and  i-  as  follows,  \i/.. : 

w  bereas,  the  enemies  of  America  are  multiplying  their  cruelties  to- 
wards the  inhabitants  of  the  New  Kui_daud  colonies,  bj  seizing  provi* 
Bion  ressels,  either  the  propertj  of,  or  intended  to  supply  them,  and 
also  by  plundering  the  stock  of  cattle,  Bheep,  &  <  .  on  their  sea  coasts ; 
[therefore]  Resolved,  thai  it  be,  and  it  is  bereby,  recommended  to  the 
inhabitants  of  the  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony  thai  they  forthwith 
exert  themselves  to  prevenl  the  exportation  of  fish  and  all  other  k i n< N 
of  provision,  excepting  such  only,  as  shall  be  intended  to  Bupplj  the 
inhabitants  of  the  colonies  aforesaid,  and  as,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
selectmen,  and  committee  of  correspondence,  and  committees  of  safety 
of  the  towns  where  the  Bame  .-hall  be  Btored,  may,  with  prudence,  he 
Bhipped  for  conveyance  by  water  for  the  purpose  aforesaid.  And  it  is 
strong!]  recommended  to  the  selectmen,  committees  of  correspondence, 
and  committees  of  safety,  thoughout  the  colony,  that  they  cause  this 
resolve  to  be  strictly  executed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  method  for  supplying 
the  surgeons  in  the  army  with  medicine,  reported  :  the  report  was  read 
and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  a  complaint  that 
the  Burgeons  in  the  army  are  not  properly  furnished  with  medicint 

have    attended    that    service,  and    beg    leave  to  report  :    that  whereas,  it 

appears  that  there  is  not,  as  yet,  a  sufficient  number  of  medicine  ch< 
provided,  to  furnish  each  regimen!  with  a  distinct  chest  :  and  whereas, 

the  committ f  Bupplies  are  making  provision  for  the  supplying  of 

each  regiment  with  Buch  medicine  chests  as  soon  as  po.--il.hv  there- 
tore,  Resolved,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  hereby  are  direct- 
ed, immediately  to  furnish  the  Burgeon  of  the  first  regiment  at  Cam- 
bridge, and  also  the  Burgeon  of  the  first  regiment  at  Roxbury,  each  of 
them,  with  a  medicine  chest,  for  the  present;  and  that  all  the  other 
Burgeons  in  the  arm]  at  Cambridge  and   Roxbury,  have  free  recourse 

to  the  said  che-ts,   mid    he  -upplied    from    them,  from   time    to    time,  as 

they  -hall  find  occasion,  until  more  ample  provision  -hall  be  made  for 
them  .  all  which  is  humblj  -uhmitted,  ami  the  committee  beg  leave  to 
sit  again.  William   Whiting,  per  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  Bame  committee  be  appointed  to  examine  into 

the  medical  -tore-,  and  make  a  li-t  of  what   i-  mce--ar\    for  tlie  supply- 
ing each  regiment,  thai  the  same  may  be  laid  before  the  committe* 
ami   that  the  Bame  committee  consider  what  medicines  are  neot 
and  brine  in  a  list  of  what   medicines  are  in  the  medicinal  -tore     and 


324  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  12, 

that  they  be  directed  to  report  what  instruments  are  necessary  for  the 
surgeons  of  the  army. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done  rela- 
tive to  a  vessel  going  from  Salem  to  New  Providence,  reported  :  the 
report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress  has  been  informed,  that  a  schooner  belong- 
ing to  the  Ervings,  in  Boston,  is  fitted  out,  under  color  of  being  char- 
tered by  one  Thompson,  who  has  lately  fled  from  Medford  to  Boston  ; 
but  is  really  destined  to  Salem,  and  from  there  to  New  Providence,  to 
get  fruit,  turtle,  and  provisions  of  other  kinds,  for  the  sustenance  and 
feasting  of  those  troops,  who  are,  as  pirates  and  robbers,  committing 
daily  hostilities  and  depredations  on  the  good  people  of  this  colony, 
and  all  America ;  it  is,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Capt.  Samuel  McCobb, 
a  member  of  this  Congress,  be  immediately  despatched  to  Salem  and 
Marblehead,  to  secure  said  Thompson,  and  prevent  said  vessel  from 
going  said  voyage,  and  cause  the  said  Thompson  to  be  brought  to  this 
Congress :  and  the  committees  of  correspondence,  safety  and  inspec- 
tion of  said  towns,  and  all  the  good  people  of  this  colony,  are  directed 
to  give  the  said  Capt.  McCobb  all  needed  assistance  therein. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Capt.  Stone  and  Major  Bliss,  be  a 
committee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  three  gentlemen  as  a  com- 
mittee  to  meet  committees  from  the  other  governments  of  New  Eng- 
land, at  Worcester,  on  the  28th  of  June  current. 

The  committee,  having  attended  that  service,  reported,  that  the  Hon. 
Mr.  Dexter,  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  were 
chosen.  The  Hon.  Major  Hawley  and  the  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  having 
desired  to  be  excused,  and  having  offered  their  reasons  therefor,  they 
were  excused  accordingly  ;   whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning,  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  two  persons,  in  the  room  of  Major  Hawley  and  Mr.  Sever,  to 
attend  the  said  convention  at  Worcester,  on  the  28th  of  June  current. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sullivan,  Capt.  Stone  and  Major  Bliss,  be  a 
committee  to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  three  gentlemen  to  go  to  Ti- 
conderoga. 

The  committee  having  attended  that  service  reported,  that  the  Hon. 
Mr.  Spooner,  Hon.  Col.  Foster  and  Mr.  Sullivan,  were  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  choice  of  two  major  generals,  be  referred  to  to- 
morrow morning,  eleven  o'clock. 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  from  the  county  of  Cumberland,  laid  on 
the  table  by  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  of  it,  be 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  325 

committed  to  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  sea  coa-t~ 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  the  claims  of  those 
who  stand  as  candidates  for  commissions  in  the  army,  &x.,  was  read, 
and,  with  the  papers  accompanying  it,  was  committed  to  the  Hon.  Ma- 
jor Hawley,  Col.  Farley,  Capt.  Greenleaf,  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt.  Stone, 
Mr.  Partridge  and  Col.  Sayer. 

The  committee  on  Mr.  Prout's  petition  reported,  that  he  have  leave 
to  withdraw  it.     The  report  was  accepted. 

It  was  moved  and  seconded,  that  the  resolve  for  choosing  commit- 
tees  to  meet  committees  from  the  other  governments  in  New  England, 
at  Worcester,  the  28th  current,  he  reconsidered:  and  it  was  thereupon 
Resolved,  that  the  further  consideration  of  this  motion  be  referred  to 
ten  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

The  petitions  of  Col.  Brewer  and  his  officers,  being  read,  were  com- 
mitted to  the  committee  to  whom  were  this  day  committed  the  report 
of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  papers  accompanying  it. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Davis  &  Coverly,  reported  :  the 
report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows: 

Whereas,  application  has  been  made  to  this  Congre-s  by  Messrs. 
Davis  &,  Coverly,  merchants  of  Boston,  representing  that  they  have  a 
quantity  of  English  goods  now  in  Boston,  and  that  Henry  Barns,  of 
Marlborough,  has  a  quantity  of  English  goods,  nearly  of  the  same 
quality,  in  said  Marlborough,  and  therefore  pray  that  they  may  have 
leave  to  make  an  exchange  :  Resolved,  that  the  prayer  of  said  petition 
be  granted,  and  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  make  the  exchange 
asked  for. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  appointing  t 
number  of  armorers,  reported.1  The  report  being  read  and  amended, 
was  ["accepted.] 

Tuesday,  June  13,  1775. 

A  letter  from  Governor  Trumbull  was  read,  enclosing  a  letter  bom 
Col.  Arnold,  and  three  resolves  of  the  Continental  Congress  :  all  which 
were  committed  to  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  in- 
structions to  the  committees  that  are  to  repair  to  Ticonderoga. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  twenty-three  regiments  commissioned,  ex- 
clusive of  the  regiment  ofmatrosses. 

Ordered,  That   Mr.  Webster,  Col.  Richmond  and   Major  Wood,  be 

n  [accepted  and  i*  as  lollows.] 
(1)  Tin'  report  hn»  not  been  entered  on  the  journal,  nor  i»  it  preferred  on  the  III 


326  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  13, 

a  committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Abner  Graves  and  others,  and 
that  they  hear  the  petitioners,  and  notify  Capt.  Dexter  of  time  and 
place.1 

[The]  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Absent  members  [were]  directed  to  attend. 

Resolved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  report  relative  to  the 
establishment  of  armed  vessels,  be  put  off  to  three  o'clock,  in  the  af- 
ternoon, and  that  the  committee  of  safety  and  committee  of  supplies 
be  notified  of  this  resolve. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Otis  and  Col.  Grout  be  added  to  the  committee 
who  were  appointed  to  deliver  out  commissions. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  for  the  appointment  of  a  convention  of 
committees  from  the  several  governments  at  Worcester,  be  reconsid- 
ered, as  well  as  the  vote  whereby  a  committee  was  appointed  by  this 
Congress,  and  the  vote  assigning  a  time  for  the  choice  of  two  members 
in  the  room  of  two  members  of  that  committee  who  were  excused. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Partridge,  Mr.  Sayer,  and  Major  Brooks,  be  a 
committee  to  receive  and  count  the  votes  for  the  major  generals. 

Ordered,  That  only  one  major  general  be  chosen  at  a  time,  and  that 
the  gentleman  first  chosen  be  the  first  major  general. 

Resolved,  That  the  committees  who  may  at  any  time  be  appointed 
to  receive  and  count  votes  for  the  choice  of  any  person  to  any  office  or 
appointment,  be  strictly  enjoined  to  allow  no  member  to  shift  or  change 
a  vote  after  it  is  put  into  the  hat. 

The  committee  appointed  to  receive  the  votes  for  the  first  major  gen- 
eral, reported,  that  Col.  John  Whitcomb  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  choice  of  the  second  major  general  be  referred 
to  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon. 

An  account  of  Mr.  Charles  Cotton  was  read,  and  committed  to  Mr. 
Pickering,  Mr.  Ratchelder,  and  Mr.  Dwight. 

An  account  from  Mr.  Taylor,  was  likewise  exhibited,  and  committed 
to  Col.  Richmond,  Mr.  Singletary,  and  Mr.  Hale,  to  examine,  consider 
of,  and  report  upon. 

Two  accounts  of  Mr.  John  Brown  were  also  read,  and  committed  to 
Mr.  Hale,  Mr.  Edwards,  Mr.  Vose,  Col.  Thompson,  and  Major  Bliss. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Fox,  and  Mr.  Fessenden,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  appointing  Ensign  Foley  to 
be  an  armorer  in  the  Massachusetts  army,  in  addition   to   the   number 

(1)  The  petition  related  to  military  rank  and  organization. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  321 

winch  this  Congress  have  ordered  to   l>«'   appointed,  and  to  consider 

what   hi>   pay  shall  be,  if  thej  think  it  proper  he  should  be  appointed. 

The  committee  on  Charles  Cohen's  account,  reported;  whereupon, 

lit  sii/rul,  that  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to  pay  to 
Mr.  Charles  Cohen  out  of  the  public  treasury,  the  Bum  of  £13  18*.  8rf. 
in  lull  tor  his  account  this  da]  exhibited  to,  and  allowed  by,  \h\>  Con- 
gress. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday  to  consider  the  report  of  the 
committee  of  safety,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  ac- 
cepted; and  Capt.  Stone,  ('apt.  Dwight,  and  Mr.  Kollock,  were  or- 
dered to  crive  due  information  thereof  to  the  colonels  therein  mentioned. 
\  iz  : 

Resolved,  That  Colonels  Glover,  Heath,  David  Brewer,  Rohin>on, 
YVoodbridge,  Henshaw,  Little,  Jonathan  Brewer,  be  directed,  by  next 
Thursdaj  morning,  at  8  o'clock,  to  make  a  true  return  to  the  commit- 
tee on  the  claims  and  pretensions  of  the  several  gentlemen  claiming  to 
be  commissioned  as  colonels;  of  the  number  of  captain-,  who,  with 
their  respective  companies,  do  choose  to  serve  under  the  above  named 
gentlemen  respectively  as  colonels;  and  of  the  number  of  men;  and  of 
the  number  of  effective  fire-arms  in  each  company  :  and  of  the  place  or 
places  where  said  companies  are  :  on  pain  of  forfeiting  all  pretensions 
to  a  commission  of  a  colonel,  in  case  of  making  a  false  return. 

Afternoon. 

An  account  of  Mrs.  Dorothy  Coolidge  was  read,  and  committed  to 
Doct.  Taylor,  Col.  Thompson,  and   .Mr.  Bent. 

[The!  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  expediencj  of  establishing  a 
number  of  armed  vessels  was  considered,  and  after  a  verv  long  debate, 
the  further  consideration  of  it  was  referred  to  Friday  next,  at  eleven 
o'clock,  A.  M. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  prepare  instructions  to  the 
gentlemen  chosen  by  this  Congress  to  repair  to  Ticonderoga,  reported  : 
the  report  was  read,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.: 

To  Walter  Spooner,  Jedtdiah  Foster,  and  James   Sullivan,  Esquires: 

\  on  are  directed  to  proceed,  as  soon  as  ma\    be,  to  the  posts   of  T 

conderoga  and  Crown  Point,  by  the  road  through  the  new  settlements, 

called  the  New  Hampshire  Grants;  that  you  careful!]  observe  the 
quality  of  the  said  road,  and  judge  of  the  feasibleness  of  transporting 

pro\  i > ions  by  the  said  road  to  the  waters  of  Lake Chainplain  :    that  you 


328  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  13, 

take  with  you  copies  of  the  commission  and  instructions  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold,  and  inform  yourselves  as  fully 
as  you  shall  be  able,  in  what  manner  the  said  Col.  Arnold  has  exe- 
cuted his  said  commission  and  instructions. 

That  you  make  and  give  to  the  said  Arnold,  and  any  men  whom  he 
shall,  by  virtue  of  the  said  commission  and  instructions  retain  in  the 
service  of  this  colony,  such  orders  as  to  you  shall  seem  meet :  provided 
always,  that  you  do  not  authorize  the  said  Arnold  to  engage  and  re- 
tain in  the  pay  of  this  Colony,  as  soldiers,  a  greater  number  than  that 
specified  in  his  said  commission  and  instructions,  and  provided  that  the 
said  Arnold  and  his  men  whom  he  has  retained  are  free  and  willing  to 
continue  at  one  or  both  of  the  said  posts,  under  the  command  of  such 
chief  officer  as  is,  or  shall  be  appointed  by  the  government  of  Connecti- 
cut ;  and  in  case  you  shall  order  such  number  of  men  to  be  continued 
at  or  near  the  said  posts  in  the  pay  of  this  colony,  as  you  shall  judge  it 
necessary  there  should  be,  that  you  appoint  a  committee  of  one  or  more 
persons,  in  the  pay  of  this  colony,  to  provide  supplies  for  such  men, 
and  a  commissary  to  deal  out  such  supplies  to  them  :  which  commit- 
tee and  commissary  you  are  to  appoint  in  writing  under  your  hands. 

And  you  are  to  determine  and  order,  respecting  the  said  Arnold's 
continuing  in  the  commission  and  pay  of  this  colony,  as  to  you  shall 
appear  most  for  the  general  service  and  safety,  after  having  made  your- 
selves fully  acquainted  with  the  spirit,  capacity,  and  conduct  of  the  said 
Arnold.  And  in  case  you  shall  judge  it  proper  to  discharge  the  said 
Arnold,  that  you  direct  him  to  return  to  this  colony,  and  render  his  ac- 
count of  the  disposition  of  the  money,  ammunition,  and  other  things 
which  he  received  at  his  setting  out  upon  his  expedition,  and  also  of 
the  charges  he  has  incurred,  and  the  debts  which  he  has  contracted  in 
behalf  of  this  colony,  by  virtue  of  the  commission  and  instructions 
aforesaid. 

And  in  case  you  shall  find  any  men  at  the  said  posts  properly  re- 
tained, and  engaged  there  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  that  you  cause 
them  and  their  arms  to  be  mustered,  and  that  to  such  as  shall  pass  mus- 
ter, you  pay  out  of  the  money  which  you  shall  receive  from  our  receiver 
general  for  that  purpose,  the  same  advance  pay  as  is  by  order  of  Con- 
gress paid  to  such  men  as  are  retained  and  mustered  to  serve  within  the 
colony  ;  and  in  case  you  shall  not  find  any  men  at  the  said  posts,  prop- 
erly engaged  and  retained  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  or  that  the 
number  which  you  shall  find  so  retained,  shall  be  much  short  of  the 
number  which  said  Arnold  was  empowered  to  enlist,  that  then  you,  if 
you  shall  judge  that  the  effectual  security  of  the  said  posts  shall  require 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  399 

it,  and  if  you  shall  also  find  a  proper  person  in  those  pan-,  fit  and  -mt- 
able  for  the  command  of  four  hundred  nun.  or  such  less  number,  as  to- 
gether with  such  as  you  shall  find  ordered  and  posted  there  bj  an]  other 
colony  or  colonies,  and  shall  also  find  thai   soldiers   can    be  raised   in 

tho<e  parts  so  seasonal)! y,  as  thai  therein  the  effectual  maintenance  of 

the  said  posts  1 1 1 :  i  \    be  served    or    promoted:    you    are    to    appoint    meet 
persons  to  be  officers  and  commanders  for  such  a   number   of  men 
you  shall  order  to  be  enlisted,  and  give  the  necessary  orders  for  raising, 
enlisting,  and  maintaining  them,  for  such  term  as  you  shall  judge  net 
sary  for   defence   of  said   posts,  and   also   appoint   Bome  sufficient  and 
faithful  man  as  muster  master  and  paj  master  of  such   men.  and   leave 
sufficient  money  in  his  hands  for  thai  purpose,  taking  proper   receipt- 
ami    his  securit]  thai   the   monej  so  lefl  shall  he  applied  to  that    u 
And  you  are  to  take  a  careful  survej   of  the  ordnance  stores,    and   ord- 
nance at  those  posts,  together  with  all  other  article-  necessary  for  the 
maintenance  thereof,  ami   reporl    the    state  thereof  to  this  Coi 
Ami  if  you  shall  find  it  necessan  to  purchase  powder  for  the  men  who 
shall  he  retained  there  on  the  part  of  this  colony,  that  you  procure  the 
same,  and  so  much  as  you  shall  judge  needful,  in  the  besl  and  mosl  ex- 
peditious way  you  can,  on  the  credit  of  this  colony.      And  in  general, 
you  are  herebj  fully  empowered  to  do  every  thing,  in  behalf  of  this  col- 
ony, for  the  effectual  securing  and   maintaining  those  posts  which  you 
shall  judge  necessary,  equal  to  the  importance  of  the  same. 

Von  are  further  directed,  when  you  shall  have  transacted  what  you 
.ire  h\  the  foregoing  instructions  authorized  to  do  and  transact,  at  the 
posts  abovesaid,  by  the  very  first  opportunity,  to  advise  the  General 
American  Congress  thereof,  as  also  of  your  opinion  of  the  necessity  and 
importance  of  maintaining  the  said  posts  for  the  general  defence  of 
these  colonies:  and  when  you  shall  have  made  yourselves  fullv  ac- 
quainted with  the  state  and  condition  of  the  said  posts,  and  the  dispo- 
sition- and  establishments  which  you  shall  find  are  made  for  maintain- 
ing of  them,  if  you  shall  judge  thai  auv  further  provisions  are  neces- 
sary for  securing  and  maintaining  them,  you  are  directed,  fully  and  re- 
spectfully, to  signify  \our  thoughts  thereon  to  the  General  Congress 
You  are  als  i  directed  to  advise  the  eeneral  convention  of  the  colon]  ol 
New  York,  ami  the  governor  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  respect- 
ively,ofwha1  von  shall  order  and  transact,  I>\  virtue  of  the  said  in- 
structions 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the    expediency    of  appointing 

Ensign  F alley,  of  Col.  Danielson's  regiment,  an  armorer  in  the  .Ma— a- 
1-2 


330  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  13, 

chusetts  army,  in  addition  to  the  number  already  ordered,  and  to  con- 
sider what  his  pay  shall  be,  if  it  is  thought  proper  by  this  Congress,  he 
should  be  appointed,  have  attended  that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  re- 
port as  follows,  viz  : 

That,  whereas,  it  has  been  represented  to  your  committee,  that  the 
armorers,  or  many  of  them,  who  are  already  established,  are  very  im- 
perfect in  the  business  they  profess,  and  that  the  above  said  Falley  is  a 
complete  master  of  the  same  ;  in  consideration  of  which,  your  commit- 
tee think  it  of  the  highest  importance,  that  he  (the  said  Falley)  should 
be  employed  in  said  department,  and  be  allowed  and  paid  forty  shil- 
lings per  month,  in  addition  to  his  pay  as  an  ensign,  and  be  under  the 
same  rules  and  regulations  as  the  other  armorers  already  appointed,  or 
to  be  appointed  ;   all  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

Isaac  Lothrop,  per  order. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Col.  Warren,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Sever 
and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  subject  matter  of  a 
late  extraordinary  proclamation  of  general  Gage.1 

(1)  The  celebrated  proclamation  of  general  Gage  was  promulgated  June  12,  1775. 

By  his  excellency,  the  honorable  Tliomas  Gage,  Esq.,  governor  and  commander  in  chief,  in  and  ova-  his 
majesty's  province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  vice  admiral  of  the  same: 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

"  Whereas,  the  infatuated  multitudes,  who  have  long  suffered  themselves  to  be  conducted  by  cer- 
tain well  known  incendiaries  and  traitors,  in  a  fatal  progression  of  crimes  against  the  constitutional 
authority  of  the  state,  have,  at  length,  proceeded  to  avowed  rebellion  ;  and  the  good  effects  which 
were  expected  to  arise  from  the  patience  and  lenity  of  the  king's  government,  have  been  often 
frustrated,  and  are  now  rendered  hopeless,  by  the  influence  of  the  same  evil  counsels  ;  it  only  re- 
mains for  those  who  are  entrusted  with  supreme  rule  as  well  for  the  punishment  of  the  guilty  as 
the  protection  of  the  well  affected,  to  prove  they  do  not  bear  the  sword  in  vain." 

'•  The  infringements  which  have  been  committed  upon  the  most  sacred  rights  of  the  crown  and  the 
people  of  Gnat  Britain,  are  too  many  to  enumerate  on  one  side,  and  arc  all  too  atrocious  to  bo 
palliated  on  the  other.  All  unprejudiced  people  who  have  been  witnesses  of  the  late  transactions 
in  this  and  the  neighboring  provinces,  will  find,  upon  a  transient  review,  marks  of  premeditation 
and  conspiracy  that  would  justify  the  fulness  of  chastisement  :  and  even  those  who  are  least  ac- 
quainted with  fi'-ts,  cannol  rail  to  receive  a  just  impression  of  their  enormity,  in  proportion  as  they 
discover  the  arts  and  assiduity  by  which  they  have  been  falsified  or  concealed.  The  authors  of  the 
present   unnatural   revolt,  never   daring  In  trust   their  cause  or  their  actions  to  the  judgment  of  an 

impartial  public,  or  even  to  the  dispassionate  reflect of  their  followers,  have  uniformly  placed 

their  chief  confidence  in  the  suppression  of  truth  :  and  while  indefatigable  and  shameless  pains  have 
been  taken  to  obstruct  every  appeal  to  the  re;il  in  t  <  rest  of  the  people  of  America,  the  grossest  for- 
geries, calnmnies,  and  absurdities  thai  evei  insulted  human  understanding,  have  been  imposed  upon 
their  credulity-  The  press,  that  distinguished  appendage  of  public  liberty,  and  when  fairly  and  im- 
partially employed,  it-  besl  lupport,  has  been  invariably  prostituted  to  the  most  contrary  purposes  :  the 
animate, 1  language  of  ancient  and  virtuous  times,  calculated  to  vindicate  and  promote  the  just  rights 
and  interest  of  mankind,  has  been  applied  to  countenance  the  most  abandoned  violation  of  those 
■acred  blessing!  .  ind  not  only  from  the  flagitious  prints,  but  from  the  popular  harangues  of  the 
times,  men  have  been  taught  to  depend  upon  activity  in  treason,  for  the  security  of  their  persona 
and  properties  :  till,  to  i  omplete  the  horrid  profanation  of  terms  and  of  ideas,  the  name  of  God  has 
been  introduced  in  the  pulpits,  to  excite  and  justify  devastation  and  massacre." 

»  Tho  minds  of  nun  baring  been  thus  gradually  prepared  for  the  worst  extremities,  a  number  of 


1775.] 


THIRD  IMtOVI.VIAl.  CONGRESS 


Resolved,  Thai   Mr.  Sullivan  have  liberty  t'>  use  the  horse  in  Mr. 
Fowle'a  pasture  in  this  town,  which  was  taken  lately  from  Noddl 
island,  for  liis  journe]  t<»  Ticonderoga. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

.irm  \;>ril  la«t,  and,  from 

behind  walls  and  larking  holi  unenl  of  the  i. 

•  of  [ilir.ii.  leeline  it. 

their  arms  only  in  ili--ir  own  d 

■ 
b  iv  lly    fired    i.  i rm-  ;    h 

I ->    I  t'i  •  hich  the  to  ■  ith 

pro\  I  with  a  rude  of  miliiir.  •  to  hold  the  army 

besieged;  while  part  of  their  body  make  dai  ■')', 

and  with  a  wantonness  of  cruelt)  over  incident  to  lawl  tree* 

-  they  turn  tli  i*  mut 

■t  them  ;  and  the  il  imes  •  from  the 

i  country.  ■  i6rmatioo  of  the  subse- 

■  i     •  r  complicated  calamities,  I  avail  myself  of  the  last  effort  within  the  boonds  of 
my  doty  tii  -i|>  ir--  the  effusion  Ml  do  hereby,  in  bis  w 

l>r<  •:■>  >  —  his  most  gi  ■  Ion  tn  all  persons  who  shall  forthwith  lay  down  th.-ir  arms,  and  r.-turn 

ifpeaceabl  ipting  only  from  the  benefit  of  such  pardon,  San    ei    \    im 

ami  J'in  II  i  n    ick,  whose  offences  are  of  too  il  igitious  a  nature  to  admit  of  any  other 
turn  than  that  of  condign  punishment." 

\  id,  to  the  end,  tb  ion  within  the  limits  of  this  proffered  mercy,  may  pi  nee  of 

tli"  i-uiHequencc  of  refusing  it,  I,  by  tb  nts,  proclaim,  not  only  tb  ted 

ami  excepted,  but  also  all  their  adherenl  imprehend  in  these 

terms,  Ml  an  '  or,  who 

have  appeared  in  arms  against   the  king's  government,  and  shall  not   lay  d  .is  before 

i  I  like*  ise  all  -II  so  lake  arms  d  it'-  hereof,  or  shall,  in  any  w 

pro)  '  Bern  with   money,  pro 

carriagos,  or  any  other  i  -hill  bold  ice 

J,  or  oth  •  anj  trait  is  such  to  be 

•mil  i  in- ■•  of  the  present  unnatural  rebellio  dmin- 

ioo  law  of  the  land,  the  course  whereof  has,  for  i  long  time  p  violently 

impeded,  and  wholly  interrupted,  from  whence  results  •  for  using  and  j  the  law 

marti        I       ve,  therefore,  thought  fit,  by  the  authority  in  me  by  th  barter  to  this 

proi  ince,  to  publish,  and  I  do  hereby  publish,  proclaim  and  order,  the  use  an  I  ei  the  I  iw 

martial,  within  and  throughoul   this  pi  ir  so  long  a  time  is  the  present  unhappy  occasion 

■hall  ily  require  ;  whereof  all  persons  are  I  quired  to  take  n  rn  them- 

selves, is  well  to  maintain  order  and  regularity  among  the  inhabitant*  of  the  provi 

as  to  ieli  and  traitors  above  des  ;ri  lied 

npon  for  thi 

these  inevitable,  but  I  trust  lalol  iry  measures,  il  is  a  far  more    pleasing  \<  *r\  of  mj  di 

add  the  assurani f  protection  and  support,  to  all,  who,  in  so  trying  ill  manifest   their 

allegiance  to  the  king,  and  affection  to  the  pari  10  that  such    p 

i  ntimnl.it.-. I  i.i  quit  their  habitations  in  the  course  of  this  alarm,  maj  return  to  thi 

•nl  stand  distinct  an  te  from  the  parricides  till 

G  re  to  his  creatures  in  this  distractod  land,  that  system  of  b 

from  which  thi  I,  the  relig 

i 

|.         of  Q        '   Hrit  Lin,  I  :    Ir.  I  in. I.  -th. 

mi,  ITT."..  I  IL 'M  V-   ••  I 

■  •  By  his  excellency's  command,  rHOMAfl  I  'LI  CKBR,  Secrrtary." 

.   i 


332  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  14, 

Wednesday,  June  14,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be  and  hereby  is  directed  to 
pay  the  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds  to  the  committee  who  have  been 
appointed  by  this  Congress  to  repair  to  Ticonderoga,  to  be  by  said 
committee  appropriated  as  advance  pay  to  the  men  enlisted  under  Col. 
Benedict  Arnold  :  said  committee  to  be  accountable  therefor. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to 
advance  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds  to  the  committee,  who  have  been 
appointed  by  this  Congress  to  go  to  Ticonderoga,  in  cash,  or  bills  of 
credit,  at  the  option  of  said  committee,  for  their  expenses,  they  to  be 
accountable  therefor. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  Abner  Graves 
and  others,  reported,  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  withdraw  their 
petition.     The  report  was  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Col.  Warren,  Col.  Grout,  Mr.  North 
and  Col.  Otis,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  report  of  Col.  Thomp- 
son and  the  petition  of  Mr.  Parry,  and  report. 

Resolved,  That  the  first  Thursday  in  July  next,  be  appointed  to  be 
observed  as  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  throughout  this  colony,  and 
that  the  Hon.  Col.  Palmer,  Hon.  Mr.  Sever  and  Mr.  Hopkins,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  this  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Robinson,  Mr.  Webster,  Major  Fuller,  Capt. 
Holmes  and  Mr.  Edwards,  be  a  committee  to  consider  some  way  and 
means  of  furnishing  those  who  are  destitute  of  arms  in  the  Massachu- 
setts army. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  were  chosen  to  repair  to  Ticon- 
deroga, be  directed  to  revise  the  papers  that  respect  the  fortress  there, 
and  take  such  as  they  may  think  they  shall  want,  and  that  this  Congress 
will  not  have  occasion  for. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phillips,  Mr.  Jewett  and  Mr.  Hopkins,  be  a 
committee  to  devise  some  means  for  securing  the  library  and  apparatus 
of  Harvard  College. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Parker  and  Mr.  Caldwell,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  request  of  Joseph  Palmer  (quarter  master 
general)  for  providing  tents  ot  barracks  for  the  army  at  Cambridge. 

Ordered,  Thai  three  o'clock  this  afternoon  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  a  second  major  <reneral,  and  the  committees  who  are  now 
out  be  notified  of  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  of  a  report  for  giving  a  currency  to 
the  bills  of  credit  of  the  other  internments,  be  referred  to  four  o'clock 
this  afternoon. 


L775.]  THIRD  l'K<)\  l\<  I  M.  »  0NGRES8 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  <  Shadw  ick,  .Mr.  Lothrop,  <  Sol.  Smith,  Mr.  Stearns 
and  Capt.  Ellis,  be  a  committee  i"  consider  the  propriety  of  supplying 
the  generals  <>i  the  Massachusetts  arm\  at  Cambridge  and  Roxburv. 
with  some  aecessarj  household  furniture. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Coffin,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Mr.  Pickering,  be  a 
committee  t"  disperse  the  resolves  ofCongri  --  relative  to  the  embargo 
laid  upon  the  exportation  of  fish,  &c. 

[A:i.  : :.   i  i.  | 

Upon  a  motion  made,  Col.  Prescotl  was  chosen  to  countersign  the 
notes,  in  tead  of  Col.  Foster,  absent,  \\li"  was  appointed  i"< •  r  thai  pur- 
posi 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  fur. 

Mr.  Lothrop,  Capt.  Cushing  and  Capt.  Dwight,  were  chosen  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  second  major  general,  who  re- 
ported  ih.it   Doct.  Joseph  Warren  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Groul  Col.  Berry  and  Col.  Otis,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  wail  mi  the  Hon.  John  Whitcomb,  Esq.,  and  inform  him  this 
Congress  have  made  choice  of  him  foi  first  major  general  <>f  the  Mas- 
sachusetts army,  and  desire  his  answer  to  this  Congress  of  bis  accep- 
tance of  said  trust;  also,  to  wait  on  the  Hon.  Joseph  Warren,  Esq., 
and  inform  him  thi>  Congress  have  made  choice  of  him  for  second 
major  general  of  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  desire  his  answer  to  this 
Congress  of  bis  acceptance  of  said  trust. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  - •  measures  for  preventing 

the  violation  of  the  sabbath,  reported  .  the  r*  port  was  recommitted. 

The  committee  appointed  t"  devise  -nine  measures  for  securing  the 
lil>rar\  and  apparatus  of  Harvard  College,  reported :  the  report  was  re- 
committed for  amendment. 

Mi.  Smith,  Mr.  Lothrop  and  Major  Brooks,  were  chosen  on  the 
committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  artificers,  which 
may  I"-  oecessarj  ti>r  the  army  in  pay  of  this  colony,  instead  of  Major 
Hawley,  Capt.  Stone  of  Framingham,   and  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  absent 

\l  ijor  1  ►  i v  i  —  [was]  chosen  instead  of  Hon.  Mr.  Spooner,  absent,  on 
the  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  petition  from  Charlestown. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  i>>r  a  day  of  fasting 
and  prayer,  reported  :  the  r<|M >rt  was  recommitted  for  amendment,  viz  : 
that   the  following  things  might  be  mentioned:  blessing  on  the  Conti- 
nental Congress;  unit]  of  the  colonies ;  health;  fruitful  seasons;  & 
& 

Col.  Richmond,  | >.  r  order,  reported  the  following  resolve: 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  <  Songress,  that  it  is  absoluti  l\  n<  i 


334  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  15, 

that  proper  officers  be  put  in  commission  to  command  the  train  of  ar- 
tillery, and  that  it  be  done  without  delay:  Resolved,  that  the  committee 
of  supplies  be  directed  forthwith  to  recommend  such  officers  to  this 
Congress,  as  they  shall  think  proper  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 

The  consideration  of  the  currency  of  the  notes  for  the  payment  of 
soldiers,  [was]  assigned  to  to-morrow  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Mr.  Samuel  Thatcher  was  appointed  to  number  the  notes,  instead  of 
Mr.  Samuel  Phillips,  who  is  otherwise  engaged. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to 
supply  Col.  Robinson  to-morrow,  with  such  money  for  advance  pay  for 
the  soldiers,  as  he  was  to  have  received  this  day. 

Thursday,  June  15,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gridley's  letter  respecting  officers  of  the  train, 
and  artificers,  be  committed  to  the  committee  who  were  appointed  the 
10th  instant,  to  consider  how  many  artificers  were  necessary,  &c. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Barrett,  Capt.  Dwight  and  Capt.  Page,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  what  measures  it  would  be  proper  to  take,  that 
the  army  may  be  supplied  with  no  provisions  but  what  are  good  in 
kind. 

The  resolve  relative  to  securing  the  library  and  apparatus  of  Harvard 
College,  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  it  is  expedient  that  those  apartments  in  Harvard  Hall, 
under  the  immediate  charge  of  the  professor  of  philosophy  and  libra- 
rian of  Harvard  College,  be  evacuated,  Resolved,  that  the  library,  ap- 
paratus, and  other  valuables  of  Harvard  College,  be  removed,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  to  the  town  of  Andover ;  [and]  that  Mr.  Samuel  Phillips,  Mr. 
Daniel  Hopkins,  and  Dummer  Jewett,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  consult 
with  the  reverend,  the  president,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Winthrop  and  the  libra- 
rian, or  such  of  them  as  may  be  conveniently  obtained,  and  with  them 
to  engage  some  suitable  person  or  persons  in  said  town,  to  transport, 
receive,  and  take  the  charge  of  the  above  mentioned  effects  ;  that  said 
committee  join  with  those  gentlemen,  in  employing  proper  persons  for 
packing  said  library,  apparatus,  and  such  other  articles  as  they  shall 
judge  expedient,  and  take  all  due  care  that  it  be  done  with  the  greatest 
safety  and  despatch  :  and  as  the  packages  shall  be  completed,  that  they 
give  notice  to  those  engaged  to  receive  them  :  the  charges  to  be  laid 
before  this,  or  some  future  Congress,  or  house  of  assembly  of  this 
province. 

Ordered,  Thai   the  letters  prepared   for  the  Continental   Congress, 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \I.  (  ONGRE8  335 

New  York,  :uk1  the  Beveral  governments  in  Sen  Engl  ind,  be  authenti- 
!  mi! -int   forward  as  ma)  be.     The)  are  as  follow,  \i/..  : 

Considering  1 1 1 « -  exposed  state  of  the  frontiers  of  Bome  "t"  tin-  . 
mi-,  the  danger  that  the  inhabitants  of  Canada  ma)  possibly  have 
disagreeable  apprehensions  from  the  military  preparations  making  in 
Beveral  of  tin1  other  colonies,  ami  the  rumors  that  thrrr  are  some 
appearances  of  their  getting  themselves  111  readiness  to  ait  in  a  hostile 
way,  thi-  Congress  have  made  application  to  the  lion.  Continental 
Congress,  desiring  them  to  take  such  measures  a-  to  them  shall  appear 
proper,  to  ijiiiet  ami  < ciliate  the  tninds  of  the  Canadians,  and  to  pre- 
vent -m-h  ;il ar in  1 1 1  _r  apprehensions.  We  have  also  had  the  most  disa- 
greeable accounts  of  methods  taken  to  lill  the  minds  of  the  Indian  tribes 
adjacent  to  these  colonies,  with  sentiments  very  injurious  to  us :  par- 
ticular!) we  have  been  informed,  that  Col.  Guy  Johnson  ha-  taken 
gre  it  p  mi-  with  the  Six  Nations,  in  order  to  bring  them  into  a  belief, 
that  it  1-  designed    hv  the  colonic-  to  fall  upon  them,  and  cut  them  oil'. 

We  have  therefore  desired  tin-  lion.  Continental  Congress,  that  the) 

would,   with    all   convenient    speed,   use  their   influence    in    guarding 

against  the  evil   intended  by  this  malevolent   misrepresentation.     Ami 

we  desire  you  to  join  with  us  in  such  application. 

Tot      C    tincntal  Congress,    \  w   York,  and  the  several  governments 

in  \i  //■  England. 

Voted,  To  iccepl  the  r<  porl  foi  directin  omraitti     of  -  f  t\  to 

take  immedi  it'-  c  ire  to  provide  houses  for  the  soldiers  near  the  camp 
in  Cambridge,  if  tent-  cannot  he  hail,  at  the  expense  of  the  colony,     h 

follows,  viz  :     The  committee  appointed  to  take  under  consit 
tion  tiie  petition  of  the  quarter  master  general,  and  committee  of  safe- 
ty, have  attended  that  service,  and  report,  that  the  comm  ttee  of  9afetj 

he  directed  to  take  immediate  care  to  provide    house      for    the    soldiers 

near  the  camp  iruCambridge,  if  tents  cannol  he  had,  at  the  expense  "f 
the  colon) . 

Ordered,  That  to-morrow,  at  three  o'clock    in    the    afternoon,  be 
-mil  11 1  for  tin-  choice  oi'  ion r  brigadier  t    mid-,  two  adjutant  generals. 
and  two  quarter  master  gent  rals. 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  of  Bphraim  Perry,  and  four  others.  111- 
habitants  of  Fox  Island,  he  committed  to  the  committee  app<  ;.it'  d  to 
consid  1  tin-  circumstances  of  the  sea  coasts. 

I".-'/,  To  iccepl  the  report  for  advising  a  number  of  towns  ami 
districts,  a-  per  -1  hedule  annexed  to  the  report,  who  have  lire-arms,  to 
deposit  the  same  with  their  respective  town  or  district  treasurers,  for 
the  use  of  the  armi       It  1-  a-  foll-.w  -.  viz 


336  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  15, 

Whereas,  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  plantations  in  this  colony  not 
incorporated,  and  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring  colonies, 
together  with  a  number  of  the  late  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston, 
have  enlisted  into  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony  ;  therefore,  [are] 
not  provided  with  arms  by  a  resolve  of  Congress,  dated  May  9th,  1775, 
empowering  the  selectmen  to  supply  the  inhabitants  of  their  respective 
towns,  with  arms,  &.c.  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
several  towns  and  districts  in  the  counties  of  Worcester,  Hampshire, 
and  other  counties  specified  in  a  list  hereunto  annexed,  who  may  have 
good  and  sufficient  fire-arms  and  bayonets,  be  advised  hereby,  immedi- 
ately to  deposit  the  same  with  the  respective  town  or  district  treasur- 
ers, to  the  number  at  least  of  so  many  in  each  town  or  district,  as  is 
specified  in  said  list,  for  which  arms  and  bayonets,  or  arms  alone, 
where  bayonets  are  not  to  be  had,  each  owner  shall  receive  so  much  as 
his  arms  and  bayonets  shall  be  valued  [at],  by  the  selectmen  of  the 
town  or  district  in  which  he  dwells,  of  the  treasurer  of  said  town  or 
district,  in  bills  of  credit  of  this  colony,  within  thirty  days  after  the 
arms  are  delivered,  for  which  bills  are  to  be  taken,  in  the  name  of  this 
colony,  attested  by  the  selectmen  aforesaid.  And  the  amount  of  such 
bills,  with  an  order  from  such  treasurer,  the  committee  of  supplies  of 
this  colony  are  hereby  ordered  to  pay,  together  with  the  expense  of 
transporting  said  arms  to  the  store  of  said  committee  in  Watertown. 
And  further,  the  selectmen  and  committees  of  correspondence,  together 
with  the  treasurers  of  the  towns  and  districts  aforesaid,  are  hereby  di- 
rected to  give  their  aid  in  collecting  and  transporting  said  arms  with 
the  greatest  despatch. 

County  of  Worcester. — Worcester,  30 ;  Lancaster,  32;  Mendon, 
24;  Brookfield,  31;  Oxford  11;  Charlton,  11;  Sutton,  31; 
Leicester,  12;  Spencer,  10;  Paxton,  6  ;  Rutland,  15:  Oakham, 
G;  Ilubbardston,  2 ;  New  Braintree,  10;  Southborough,  12; 
Westborough,  12 ;  Nortbborough,  8  ;  Shrewsbury,  22  ;  Lunen- 
burg, 16  ;  Fitchburg,  6;  Uxbridge,  16;  Harvard,  16;  Dudley, 
10;  Hutchinson,  13;  Bolton,  15;  Upton,  6;  Sturbridge,  12  ; 
Leominster,  12;  Hardwick,  1":  Western,  11;  Holden,  8; 
Douglas,  7;  Grafton,  12;  Petersham,  12;  Royalston,  2;  West- 
minster,  III:  Athol,  <', :  Templeton,  8;  Princeton,  8;  Ash- 
burnham,  3;   Winchendon,  3 ;         ....         514 

Hampshire. — Springfield,  22 ;  West  Springfield,  23;  Wilbraham, 
10;  Northampton,  '11.  Southampton,  8;  Hadley,  9;  South 
Iladley,  7;   Amherst,  10:  Granby,  5;    Hatfield,  11  ;  Whateley, 


L775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE8G 

l     Williamsburg,  3 ;  Westfield,  l»;:  Deerfield,  12    Greenfield, 
Shelburne,  I;  Conway,  5;  Sunderland,  7,   Montague,  6 
Northfield,  -     Brimfield,  13;  South  Brimfield,  8 ;   Monson,  6 
Pelham,   12;  Greenwich,  B;   Bl  an  ford,  5 ;   Palmer,  8;   Gran- 
ville,  14 ;  New  Salem,  6;   Belchertown,  8 ;  Colraine,  5;   Ware, 
I    Warwick, 3;  Bernardston,  1    Murrayfield,5;  Charlemont,3; 
lshfield,4;  Worthington,  2 ;  Shutesbury,   1;  Chesterfield,  6 
Southwick,  6;  ......         334 

Suffolk. — Wrentham,  25;  Medway,  10;  Bellingham,  6;  Wal- 
pole,  8;        .....  .49 

Middlesex. — Marlborough,  20;  Littleton,  1<> :  Hopkinton,  10; 
Westford,  10;  Stow,  T :  (Jroton,  s  :  Shirley,  1:  Pepperel,  6; 
Townshend,  •">  :  Dracut,  ':  Holliston,  »>:  Acton,  5;  Dunsta- 
ble^;       .......         102 

Plymouth. — Bridge  water, '.2.5 :   Middlehorough,  16;     .  .  41 

Bristol. — Attleborough,  10;  Rehoboth,  1.5  ;  .  .  .  25 

Worcester,  "»l  I  :  Hampshire,  'Vl\  ;  Suffolk,  49;  Middlesex,  102  ; 
Plymouth,  41;  Bristol,25:  in  all,  ....       1065 

Voted,  To  accept  the  report  fur  providing  a  magazine  of  fire-arms 
f'>r  tin-  chIoiu  :  also,  thai  said  reporl  \>r  printed  in  the  several  news- 
papers, \  iz  : 

Whereas,  il  is  necessary  that  this  colon]  be  provided  with  a  maga- 
zine "t"  arm-  which  are  good  and  sufficient;  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
any  person  or  persons,  who  may  have  Buch  t<>  sell,  -hall  receive  so 
much  for  them,  as  the  selectmen  of  the  town  <>r  district  in  which  he  or 
they  may  dwell,  -hall  appraise  said  arm-  at,  upon  the  deliver]  of  the 
same  to  the  committee  of  supplies  at  Watertown,  and  exhibiting  a  cer- 
tificate  of  said  appraisement,  attested  l>\  said  selectmen,  to  the  com- 
mittee aforesaid ;    provided   said   delivery   be   made    within   one    month 

from  the  date  hereof. 

Afu-in. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Parker,  Col.  Thompson,  and  Mr.  Aiken,  he  a 
committee  t>>  apply  to  the  committee  <>f  supplies,  and  the  generals  <>f 

tli>'  army,  ami  impure    whether    the    arm]    IS    sufficiently    BUpplied    with 
ammunition. 

Ordered?,  Thai   Daniel   Davis,  Esq.,  be  on  the  committee  appointed 

to  take  care  of  the  estates  of  the  refugees,  in  the  room  of  Mr    Partridge, 

w  bo  i-  absent. 

13 


338  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  15, 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  and  consider  two  accounts 
exhibited  to  this  Congress  by  Mr.  John  Brown,  reported  :  The  report 
on  each  of  them,  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz :  The  committee 
appointed  to  examine  the  within  account,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the 
same  be  laid  on  the  table  till  Mr.  Brown  exhibits  an  account  of  particu- 
lars with  his  journal.  John  Hale,  per  order. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  within  account,  beg  leave 
to  report,  that  it  does  not  appear  to  them  that  the  within  mentioned 
services  were  rendered  in  consequence  of  an  application  by  any  person 
employed  by  this  colony.  John  Hale,  per  order. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Sever,  and  Col.  Otis,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  the  application  of  the  Reverend  Dr.  Langdon,  pres- 
ident of  Harvard  College,  and  report  thereon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  claims  and  pretensions  of 
several  colonels  in  the  army,  reported  :  which  report  was  accepted  : 
whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Col's.  Glover,  David  Brewer,  Woodbridge, 
Little,  and  Jonathan  Brewer,  be  commissioned  as  colonels  in  the 
Massachusetts  army,  and  that  [Joseph]  Haven,  Esq.,  administer  the 
oath  prescribed  by  Congress.     The  report  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  claims  and  pretensions  of 
the  several  gentlemen  hereafter  named,  who  suppose  that  they  have 
just  grounds  to  expect  of  this  honorable  Congress,  that  they  should  re- 
ceive commissions  appointing  them  severally  to  be  chief  colonels  in 
the  Massachusetts  army,  now  raising  for  the  defence  of  the  rights  of 
this  and  the  neighboring  colonies,  namely  :  Col.  Glover,  Gen.  Heath, 
Col.  David  Brewer,  Col.  Robinson,  Col.  Woodbridge,  Col.  Little,  Col. 
Henshaw,  and  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  beg  leave  to  report  the  following 
state  of  facts  to  this  Congress,  viz  :  That  the  colonels  Glover,  David 
Brewer,  Woodbridge,  Little,  Henshaw,  and  Jonathan  Brewer,  have 
exhibited  their  claims  to  your  committee,  and  according  to  the  returns 
which  the  said  gentlemen  have  respectively  made  to  us,  the  said  Col. 
Glover  has  levied  ten  companies,  making  in  the  whole  505  men,  inclu- 
sive of  officers  ,  and  about  three  quarters  of  the  said  number  armed  with 
effective  firelocks;  who  are  willing  and  choose  to  serve  in  the  said 
army,  under  him  the  snid  Glover;   all  now  at  Marblehead  : 

That  the  said  David  Brewer  has  levied  nine  companies,  amounting, 
inclusive  of  officers,  to  the  number  of  465  men,  who  choose  to  serve 
under  him  as  their  colonel ;  and  that  307  of  the  said  men  are  armed 
with  effective  fire-arms;  and  that  said  companies,  excepting  34  men 
who  are  on  their  way  to  head  quarters,  are  posted  at  Roxbury,  Dor- 
chester, and  Watertown  : 

That  the  said  Woodbridge  has  levied  eight  companies,  amount inir. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  VI.  CONGRE8I 

mrlii-i\ .■  of  officers,  to  the  number  of  :'>  ~>l   nun,  who  ehoo 
under  him  a-  their  chief  colonel,  and  that  2~:{  of  the  said   men,  are 
armed  with  good  effective  firelocks,  and  that  all  tin-  said  men,  except- 
ing seven,  are  now  in  tin-  camp  at  Cambridge;  the  said  Beven  men  are 
mi  tli.-  road  hither 

Ami   that   the  said  Little  has  raised  eight    companies,  according  i" 

Genera]  Ward ">  return,  ai mting,  inclusive  of  officers,  t<>  the  number 

of  509  men,  who  choose  to  serve  under  him  as  their  chief  colonel ;  and 
all  the  said  men  arc  armed  with  ir<  »<  »«J  effective  firelocks,  and  382  of 
them  with  good  bayonets,  fitted  to  their  firelocks;  and  thai  seven  of 
the  said  companies  are  at  the  camp  in  Cambridge,  and  one  company  at 
I     pe  Ann,  by  order  of  the  committee  ofsafet)  : 

And  that  the  said  Jonathan  Brewer  has  levied  eight  companies, 
amounting,  inclusive  of  officers,  to  the  number  of  397  men,  who  choose 
rve  under  him,  the  said  Jonathan,  as  their  chief  colonel ;  and  that 
302  of  the  said  men  arc  armed  with  good  firelocks;  and  that  all  the 
said  men,  excepting  "2"  who  are  on  the  road  hither,  arc  posted  at  Cam- 
bridge and  Brookline  ;  and  the  said  Brewer  supposes,  from  accounts 
he  has  received,  thai  one  Cap!  Murray  is  on  the  road  from  Hatfield 
hither  with  a  full  company  : 

And  thai  the  said  Col.  Henshaw  has  returned  to  us,  thai  he  h 
prospect  of  several  companies  arriving  shortly  hen',  who,  he  suppo 
would  be  inclined  to  serve  under  him  as  their  chief  colonel  : 

\imI  that  general  Heath,  and  Col.  Robinson,  have  made  no  returns 
to  us,  your  committee,  of  their  levies,  or  whether  thej  are  willing  to 
Berve  in  the  said  arm)  as  colonels 

And  upon  these  facts,  your  committee  are  clear!]  of  opinion,  that 
the  safety  of  the  country,  and  the  promoting  the  public  service,  make 
it  high])  necessary  and  expedient,  thai  the  said  colonel-  (Hover,  David 
Brewer,  Woodbridge,  Little,  and  Jonathan  Brewer,  be,  without  any 
delay,  commissioned  as  chief  colonels  in  the  army  aforesaid  :  and  that 
their  field  officers,  captains,  ami  subalterns,  be  also  commissioned,  as 
soon  as  a  lisl  of  them  can  be  -ettled,  inasmuch  as  your  committee  are 
l*i 1 11  \  satisfied  from  good  documents,  thai  all  the  men  contained  in  the 
19  regiments  already  organized,  together  with  all  the  men  levied  by 
the  said  Colonels  ('lover,  D.  Brewer,  W Ibridge,  Little,  and  Jona- 
than Brewer,  together  with  an  allowance  of  150  men.  which  may 
have  been  enlisted  l>v  general  Heath,  and  the  like  number  bj  I 
Robinson,  will  fall  considerably  short  of  amounting  to  13,600  men; 
ami  also,  because  your  committee  apprehend  thai  this  Congress  may, 
without  any  injustice  to  the  field  officers  alreadj  commissioned,  or  am 
other,  make  such  orders,  that  the   amount  of  the  pay  of  the  whole 


340  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  16, 

army  may  not  be  unreasonably  enbanced  by  a  greater  number  of  regi- 
ments, than,  by  the  last  establishment  it  was  intended  the  army  should 
consist  of;  all  which  is  most  humbly  submitted  by  your  committee. 

Joseph  Hawley,  per  order. 
Adjourned  to  Friday  morning,  8  o'clock. 

Friday,  June  16,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  take  into  consideration  a  resolve 
offered  to  the  Congress  by  the  committee  of  supplies,  through  the  hands 
of  Major  Fuller,  relative  to  supplying  the  soldiers  with  rum. 

The  resolve  was  accordingly  considered  and  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz  : 

Whereas,  by  a  resolve  of  Congress,  relative  to  the  allowance  of  sol- 
diers, no  provision  is  made  for  the  delivery  of  rum,  or  spirituous  liquors, 
upon  extraordinary  occasions :  Resolved,  That  the  commanding  offi- 
cer of  the  army,  the  lieutenant  general,  the  major  generals,  and  the 
brigadier  generals,  be,  and  hereby  are  respectively  empowered,  to  draw 
on  the  commissary  for  spirituous  liquors,  for  such  soldiers,  as  from 
time  to  time,  they  may  think  necessary  to  supply  therewith  ;  provided 
always,  that  the  said  general  officers  shall  not  allow  any  soldiers  spirit- 
uous liquors  as  aforesaid,  unless  upon  extraordinary  duty,  or  other- 
wise particularly  circumstanced. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Hon.  Col.  Gerrish,  Hon. 
Col.  Warren,  Col.  Prescott,  Col.  Farley,  Mr.  Aiken,  and  Doct.  Hall, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  relative  to  an 
augmentation  of  the  army,  a  supply  of  arms  to  the  soldiery,  &lc,  and  re- 
port thereon. 

[The]  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for,  for  further  considering  the 
report  of  the  committee,  respecting  the  expediency  of  fitting  out  some 
armed  vessels  :  Voted,  that  there  be  a  further  assignment  thereof,  viz  : 
to  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Ordered,  That  John  Row,  captain;  Mark  Pool,  lieutenant;  Ebene- 
zer  Cleveland,  ensign  ;    be  commissioned  in  Col.  Bridge's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Richmond,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Partridge,  be 
a  committee  to  draw  a  complaisant  letter  to  Gen.  Whitcomb,  to  desire 
a  more  explicit  answer  respecting  his  acceptance  of  the  post  of  first 
major  general,  [who  reported  the  following:] 

Watertown,  June  16,  1775. 

Sir  : — Your  letter  wherein  you  express  yourself  willing  to  continue 
in  the  service  of  this  colony,  until  the  army  is  regulated  and  properly 
encamped,  and  then  rely  on  a  discharge,  was  read  with  much  concern 


I77.V]  Till  HI)  l'K<>\  iviAL  CONGRESS  34] 

by  tin-  Congress,  w  ho  earnestlj  hope  you  will  continue  in  office  till  the 
conclusion   of  the  campaign,  and  must  beg  your  further  and  mon 
plicil  answer. 

Col.  Jonathan  Brewer  [was]  sworn  and  commissioned 

Col.  David  Brewer  [was]  Bworn  and  commissioned. 

Col.  Glover  [was]  sworn  and  commissioned. 

The  committee  on  Col.  Henshaw'a  petition  for  an  allowance  for  his 
jonrnej  to  Connecticut,  reported :  [which  report  was]  amended  and 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz : 

The  committee  appointed  t"  consider  the  within  account,  beg  leave 
to  report  that  thej  think  il  reasonable  to  allow  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw, 
tiir  In-  expenses,  I  I  7-.:  horse  travel  for  him  and  servant,  t'\  5 
time,  62  16s. —  68  8  ;  deduct  2s.  per  day  from  the  sum  charged  for 
the  time  of  Col.  Henshaw  and  his  Bervant,  II.-. —  L'~  11.-.  Receiver 
general  directed  to  pay  it.  Samuel   Harding,  Chairman. 

|)u<-t.  Hall  and  Doct.  .1 is  were  ;<lded  to  the  committee  to  exam- 
ine surgeons  for  the  army.  Resolved,  thatany  three  of  said  committee 
shall  be  a  quorum. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  !><•  delivered  to  two  companies  in  Col. 
Nixon's  regiment,  agreeably  to  his  list  exhibited. 

[  \acrnooii.] 

Ordered,  That  Col.  <  >tis  and  Mr.  Johnson  1"'  added  to  the  commit- 
tee who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  late  extraordinary  proclamation 
of  genera]  Gage. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Benjamin  Ely,  be  appointed  to  obtain  of  the  com- 
mittee ot"  saii-tv.  as  soon  as  po--ible,  a  lisl  of  such  gentlemen  as  they 
can  recommend  to  be  commissioned  as  officers  of  the  tram. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  herebj  is  directed  to 
pay  to  Col.  Joseph  Henshaw,  the  Bum  of  -even  pound-,  fourteen  shil- 
lings, in  full  for  his  account  reported  and  accepted  bj  the  Congr<  - 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  the  following  officers  of 
Col.  Nixon's  regiment,  viz:  ('apt.  Ebenezei  Winship,  Lieut.  William 
Warren,  Ensign  Richard  Buckminster. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Orne,  Mr.  Glover,  and  Major  Brooks,  bea  com- 
mittee to  consider  what  may  be  done  with  respect  to  such  vessels  as 
are  now  read]  to  Bail,  with  ti>h  on  board,  there  being  a  resolve  of  this 
Congress  against  the  exportation  of  fish,  &c;  and  in  particular  the  cases 
of  Mr.  Ellis  Graj  and  Richard    Hinckley  which  has  been  laid  before 

till-    <  'o||Lrr. 


342  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  16, 

The  committee  on  the  violation  of  the  Sabhath  reported  ;   [which  re- 
port was]  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz  : 

As  it  has  pleased  Almighty  God  in  his  providence,  to  suffer  the  ca- 
lamities of  an  unnatural  war  to  take  place  among  us,  in  consequence 
of  our  sinful  declensions  from  him,  and  our  great  abuse  of  those  inval- 
uable blessings  bestowed  upon  us :   and  as  we  have  reason  to  fear,  that 
unless  we  become  a  penitent  and  reformed  people,  we  shall  feel  still  se- 
verer tokens  of  the  divine  displeasure  :   and  as  the  most  effectual  way 
to  escape  those  desolating  judgments  which  so  evidently  hang  over  us, 
and  if  it  may  be,  obtain  the  restoration  of  our  former  tranquillity,  will 
be,  that  we  repent  and  return,  every  one  from  his  iniquities,  unto  Him 
that  correcteth  us  ;   which,  if  we  do  in  sincerity  and  truth,  we  have  no 
reason  to  doubt  but  he  will  remove  his  judgments,  cause  our  enemies 
to  be  at  peace  with  us,  and  prosper  the  work  of  our   hands  :   and  as, 
among   the   prevailing  sins  of  this  day,  which  threaten  the  destruction 
of  this   land,  we  have   reason  to   lament  the  frequent  profanations  of 
the  Lord's  day  or  the  Christian  Sabbath ;  many  spending  their  time  in 
idleness  or  sloth,  others  in  diversions,  and  others  in  journeying,  or  bu- 
siness, which  is  not  necessary  on  said  day  :   and  as  we  earnestly  desire 
that  a  stop  might  be  put  to  this  great  and  prevailing  evil,  it  is  therefore 
Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  by  this  Congress  to  the  people  of  all 
ranks  and  denominations  throughout  this  colony,  that  they  not  only  pay 
a  religious  regard  to  that  day,  and  to  the  public  worship  of  God  thereon, 
but  that  they  also  use  their  influence  to  discountenance  and  suppress 
any  profanation  thereof  in  others  :   and  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  it  be 
recommended  to  the  ministers  of  the  gospel,  to  read  this  resolve  to  their 
several   congregations,   accompanied   with  such  exhortations   as  they 
shall  think  proper  :   and  whereas,  there  is  great  danger  that  the  profa- 
nation of  the  Lord's  day  will  prevail   in  the  camp,  we  earnestly  recom- 
mend to  all  the  officers,  not  only  to  set  good   examples,  but  that  they 
strictly  require  of  their  soldiers  to  keep  up  a  religious  regard  to  that 
day,  and  attend  upon  the  public  worship  of  God  thereon,  so  far  as  may 
be  consistent  with  other  duties. 

Ordered,  Th.it  the  foregoing  resolve  be  printed  in  hand  bills,  and 
sent  to  the  several  ministers  in  each  town  and  district  in  the  colony. 

General  Heath  and  Col.  Robinson  returned  a  list  of  their  companies, 
and  whereas  there  are  several  of  the  same  companies  returned  in  each, 
Orel, rid.  that  Mr.  Batchelder,  Air.  Durfee,  Major  Perley,  Major  Fuller 
of  Middleton,  Major  Bliss,  be  a  committee  to  consider  of  the  same, 
and  report. 

A  further  time  was   assigned   to  make  choice  of  brigadier  generals. 


1775.]  THIRD   !'K<  »\  INC1AI.  <  ■■   NGRE88  :i; 

nuariir  masters  general,  and  adjutant-  general,  m/.  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, eleven  o'clock. 

I  ■  ..  Coffin,  Mr.  Stephen  Hall  ami  Col.  Davis,  were  chosen  a  com- 
mittee t<>  consider  the  petition  of  James  Kirkwood. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Ellis  Graj  ami  Richard  Hinckley, 
vV.-.,  reported  :  tin-  two  reports  were  accepted,  and  are  a-  follow  : 

'I'll.-  committee  appointed  to  take  under  consideration  tin-  petition  "f 
Messrs.  Ellis  Gray  ami  Richard  Hinckley,  relative  to  eight)  bogshi 
of  Jamaic  i  cod  fish,  laden  on  two  vessels  hound  t'>  tin-  West  Indies  ;  the 
one  "f  which  would  have  sailed  before  the  resolve  of  tin-  In » 1 1 < ■  r . 1 1  > I < • 
( tongress  forbidding  the  exportation  of  fish  was  published,  bad  -h<-  not 
been  detained  In  the  elopement  of  her  hand-,  beg  leave  to  report  :  that 
being  full)  convinced,  from   t>  given   us   b)    Mi    Gra)  ami 

Mi  Hinckley,  thai  the  fish  those  gentlemen  were  about  to  export,  is 
of  such  a  kind,  being  "Id  Jamaica  fish,  a-,  if  d(  tained,  cannot  possibly 
be  of  any  advantage  to  tin-  colony,  bu1  must  perish,  tin-  colon)  being 
plentifully  supplied  with  new  fish,  thai  permission  be  given  by  this 
Congress,  n>  the  owners  "f  Baid  vessels,  for  their  proceeding  on  their 
voyages;  provided,  there,  is  no  other  kind  of  provision  <>n  hoard,  ex- 
cepl  whal  i-  for  the  ship's  use;  ami  further,  that  toleration  be  :riwn  to 
all  other  owner.-  of  vessels,  for  their  departure,  who  -hall  convince  this 
Congress,  or  a  committee  thereof,  that  their  vessels  ami  ca  re  in 

the  same  predicament,  a-  no  possible  advantage  can  accrue  from  their 
detention.  J.  Ornb,  per  order. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  hearer  <>i  a  certificate  from 
Newburyport, setting  forth,  thai  Jonathan  Titcomb  and  Stephen  Hoop- 
er,  Esq.,  "f  Newburyport,   have   shipped   on  hoard  two  vessels,    130 

head-  of   .lam  ilea    fish,  which    i-    said   n>  he  old    fish,  beg    leave    to 

report:  that  they  are  full)  convinced,  the  fish  above  mentioned  is  of 
Buch  a  kind  a-  i-  expressed  m  the  certificate,  and  that  ;he  vessels  who 
have  laden  n,  have  no  other  provisions  hut  a  suppl)  for  the  ship's  use; 
ami,  a-  -mli.  air  of  opinion  that  the  owners  of  said  vessels  be  tolerated 
to  despatch  them  on  their  voyages,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  tin-  Con- 
gress jusl  now  past,  granting  indulgence  to  the  owners  of  vessels  in 
such  predicament  lor  bo  doing.  .1.  Orni  .  per  order. 

'I'he  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  late  extraordinary  proclama- 
tion, Bigned,  Thomas  Gage,  reported  [as  follows:] 

[In  Provincial  Congress,  WaUrtoum,  Jun<   16,  I" 
/.'  -.-//•-//,  Thai  the  following  proclamation  be  Bigned  by  the  presi- 
denl   printed  ami  published  throughout  tin-  colony.] 


344  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  16, 

[By  the  Provincial  Congress.] 

[The  confidence  which  our  countrymen  have  reposed  in  us,  lays  us 
under  the  strongest  obligation  to  watch  and  guard  against  all  the  ma- 
lignant designs  of  their  inveterate  enemies.] 

[That  the  British  administration  have  formed,  and  have  been  for  sev- 
eral years  executing,  a  plan  to  enslave  this  and  the  other  American 
colonies,  is  a  proposition  so  evident,  that  it  would  be  an  affront  to  the 
understanding  of  mankind  to  adduce  proofs  in  support  of  it.  We  shall 
therefore  only  advert  to  those  unhappy  circumstances,  which  have  been 
the  immediate  causes  of  plunging  this  people  into  the  horrors  of  war 
and  desolation.  When  a  fleet  and  army  were  sent  forth  to  deprive  us 
of  every  thing  that  man  holds  dear  :  when  the  capital  of  this  colony 
became  a  garrison,  and  fortifications  were  erected  upon  the  only  land 
entrance  into  the  metropolis :  when  the  commander  of  the  army  so  far 
manifested  his  designs  against  us,  as  to  send  out  his  soldiers  in  the 
night,  to  remove  the  public  magazines  of  the  colony  from  their  safe 
lodgment  in  the  country,  and  place  them  under  the  command  of  a  for- 
eign army  :  when  he  evidenced  his  enmity  to  the  liberties  of  this  coun- 
try, by  sending  a  detachment  from  that  army  against  the  peaceable 
inhabitants  of  one  of  our  principal  towns,  only  because  they  were 
assembled,  quietly  to  concert  measures  to  save  themselves  from  ruin  : 
when  we  were  totally  deprived  of  the  benefit  of  a  legislative  body  : 
when  the  whole  system  of  distributive  justice  was  so  mutilated,  that 
there  could  be  no  reason  to  hope  for  any  advantages  from  it :  when  an 
act  of  parliament  was  passed,  which  the  general  of  the  army  resolved 
to  execute,  by  which  our  countrymen  were  given  up  as  a  prey  to  a 
lawless  soldiery,  who  were  screened  from  punishment  here,  for  the  mur- 
ders they  might  commit :  in  fine,  when  the  army  and  navy  breathed 
nothing  but  blood  and  slaughter,  and  all  our  accounts  from  England 
but  too  strongly  proved  the  inhuman  intentions  of  those  in  power  ;  it 
became  us  as  men,  as  freemen  and  as  christians,  to  take  some  steps  to 
preserve  our  own  lives  and  properties,  as  well  as  to  secure  the  inheri- 
tance, purchased  at  no  less  a  price  than  the  blood  of  many  thousand 
of  our  bravo  ancestors,  entire  and  undiminished  for  succeeding  genera- 
tions. The  Congress,  whom  this  people  then  chose,  recommended  it 
to  them,  to  provide  themselves  with  such  articles  for  their  defence  as 
the  law  of  the  land  required,  and  further  recommended  it  to  them,  to 
appropriate  some  part  of  their  property  for  the  purchasing  such  stores, 
to  be  laid  up  in  public  magazines,  as  might  be  useful  for  the  general 
defence,  in  case  an  attack  should  be  made  upon  us  by  the  army.  The 
recommendation  was   cheerfully   complied  with,  and   stores  were   pro- 


it;  third  provinc]  \i.  i  i  ingress 

cured,  in  the  m>>-t  peaceable  and  quiet  manner,  and  deposited  in  m 
azines,  where  the)  «  continued  without  the  least  injury  -ir 

disturbance  to    in)    one,  unless  drawn   out    bj  necessity,  to  :li<- 

country  from  destrucl lint  the  possibility  of  our  making  resistai 

Id  the  bloody  schemes  ■>!'  "ur  adversaries  was  th<-  source  "i  continual 
terror  to  the  traitors,  whose  aim  was  t"  enslave  this  country,  ai 
i.       .  after   many  little  pill  everal   humiliating  di 

intments  in  his  attempts  to  rob  the  people,  al  length  determined  to 
destro)  the  magazines  al  Concord  ;  he  sent  the  grenadiers  and  detach- 
ments of  lighl  infantrj  iment,  about  one  thousand  in 
number,  s  ,  b)  night,  over  Charles  rivei  <m  their  waj 
of  th  captured,  and  otherwise  infamousl)  abused  several 
of  the  inhabitants,  and,  when  the  body  arrived  at  Lexington  meeting- 
house, which  was  ver)  early  in  the  morning  of  the  evei  memorable 
nineteeth  <>f  April,  they,  in  a  most  barbarous  and  infamous  manner, 
fired  upon  :i  small  number  of  tin-  inhabitants,  and  cruelly  murdered 
hi  men.  The  tire  was  returned  by  some  of  the  survivors,  l»ut 
their  number  \\;i~  too  inconsiderable  to  annoy  the  regular  troops,  who 
proceeded  on  1 1 1< -i r  errand,  and,  upon  coming  up  to  Concord,  began 
to  destroy,  l>v  fire  and  water,  the  stores  and  magazines,  until  a  part) 
of  them  aorain  fired  upon  and  killed  two  more  of  the  inhabitants. 
The  native  bravery  of  "ur  countrymen  could  now  no  long  re- 
strained; a  small  party,  consisting  of  about  two  <>r  three  hundred  men, 
attacked  them  with  <u<-li  spirit  and  resolution  as  compelled  them  soon 
to  retn    I       V  Lexington,  the)  met  a  reenforcement  of  regular  < 

isisting  of  about   eight    hundred,  with  two  field  pi<  immandcd 

1>\  Lord  Percy;  this,  however,  did  not  encourage  them  to  keep  their 
■  uinl  :  but  the)  continued  their  route  towards  Charlestown,  marking 
their  way  with  ever)  speci(  -  ofdesolation  and  cruelt)  which  their  haste 
would  permit.  The  burning  and  robbing  of  houses,  the  abuses  and 
barbarities  offered  to  defenceless  women  and  children,  the  wanton 
slaughter  of  the  aged  and  helpless,  will  be  perpetual  memorials  of 
the  base  -pirit  which  actuated  the  perpetrators.  I  pon  iln-ir  arrival  at 
Charlestown,  our  countrymen  quitted  the  pursuit,  and  the  next  d 
suffered   them,  without    annoyance,  to  cross   the   river,  and  return   to 

Boston.     Tin-  action  of  the  troops  destroyed  every  hope  of  c ing  t" 

any  accommodation  with  them;   we,  therefore,  were  compelled  to 
an  army  to  prevent  such  bloody  excursions  in  future;  an  arm)  is,  the] 
fore,  raised  .mil  appointed  for  that  purpose,  and  we  are,  with  the  gi 
reluctance,  obliged  to  declare,  that  w«'  have  now  nothing  to  depend  upon, 
under  <i'>il,  t"  preserve  Vmerica  from  slavery  and  destruction  ■m- 

M 


346  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  16, 

own  arms.  To  these  we  have  been  forced  to  make  our  appeal,  and  by 
these  we  are  determined  to  maintain  our  rights:  and  we  are  obliged  to 
declare,  and  do  now  publicly  declare,  all  persons,  who  shall  afford 
any  aid,  assistance,  or  relief,  or  hold  any  manner  of  communication  of 
any  kind  whatsoever,  with  general  Gage,  admiral  Graves,  or  the  army, 
or  navy,  or  any  one  of  those  now  under  their  command,  who  are  sta- 
tioned in  our  metropolis  and  the  harbor  of  Boston,  or  elsewhere,  or  any 
persons  who  are  known,  or  shall  hereafter  be  known,  to  have  affoided 
such  aid,  or  to  have  had  such  communication  with  them,  or  either  of 
them,  to  be  enemies  and  traitors  to  their  country,  and  they  shall  be 
proceeded  against  and  treated  as  such;  excepting  only,  such  of  the  un- 
happy inhabitants  of  Boston,  as  have,  by  a  treacherous  and  most  infa- 
mous breach  of  faith  in  general  Gage,  been  prevented  from  removing 
out  of  the  town  of  Boston,  whose  peculiar  circumstances  this  Congress 
will,  at  all  times,  make  due  allowance  for,  so  long  as  they  shall  avoid 
doing  any  thing  to  obstruct  or  counteract  such  steps  as  this  Congress 
shall  think  fit  to  take  ;  but  the  said  inhabitants  are  strictly  forbidden, 
whatever  may  be  the  consequence  of  their  refusal,  to  be  in  any,  the 
least  degree,  instrumental  in  assisting  the  enemy,  or  opposing  the 
country,  as  they  would  avoid  the  penalties  due  to  the  enemies  thereof. 
From  a  real  tenderness  to  our  fellow  men,  we  most  sincerely  regret  the 
unhappy  situation  of  the  soldiery  and  sailors  in  the  army  and  navy  now 
stationed  in  the  town  and  harbor  of  Boston,  and  assure  them,  upon 
that  faith,  which  never  has  been,  and  we  trust  never  will  be  violated, 
that,  upon  their  quitting  the  infamous  service  in  which  they  are,  as 
we  must  in  charity  suppose,  contrary  to  their  own  inclinations  and 
principles  engaged;  we  will  receive  them  as  brethren  and  fellow  sub- 
jects, and  protect  them  against  every  attempt  that  may  be  made  by  our 
enemies  to  force  them  again  into  the  disgraceful  and  inhuman  service, 
in  which  they  are  now  employed.] 

[And,  that  our  earnest  desire  to  discover  our  tender  regard  to  our 
few  misguided  fellow  countrymen,  and  our  readiness  to  forgive  even 
those  who  have  knowingl]  offended,  we  do  promise  and  engage  a  full 
and  l'ree  pardon  to  nil  persons  who  have  tied  to  the  town  of  Boston  for 
refuge,  and  to  other  public  offenders  against  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
this  country,  of  whal  kind  or  denomination  soever ;  excepting  only 
from  the  benefit  of  such  pardon,  Thomas  Gage,  Samuel  Graves;  those 
counsellors  who  wcii'  appointed  by  mandamus  and  have  not  signified 
their  resignation,  u/.,  Jonathan  Sew  all,  Charles  Paxton,  Benjamin 
1 1  ;il  loud  I ;  ami  all  the  natives  of  America,  not  belonging  to  the  navy  or 
armv,  who  wenl  out  with  the  regular  troops  on  the  nineteenth  of  April 


ITS  THIRD  PRO\  [NCI  \l.  <  I  INGRES  :i: 

mil  were  countenancing,  aiding,  and  assisting  them  in  th< 
nd  murders  then  committed ;  whose  offences  are  of  too  il  ■_ 
natu  Imil  of  any  other  consideration  than  th  pun- 

ishment: provided,  the)  take  the  benefit  hereof,  b)  making  a  surren- 
der of  themselves  to  neral  officer  belonging  t<>  the  Massachusetts 
army,  and  subscribe  a  declaration  of  their  readiness  to  comply  with, 
support,  and  abide  by,  ;ill  the  resolutions  and  determinations  which 
alreadj  made  l>\  this  or  an)  former  Congress,  or  thai  shall  hereafter  be 
made  by  this  or  an)  future  Congress,  or  house  of  representatives  of  this 
colony,  within  thirt)  days  from  the  date  hereof.  And  it  is  earn< 
enjoined  upon  the  selectmen,  committees  of  correspondence,  coromit- 

>f  safety,  and  all  other  oilier-,  of  ever)  town  in  this  colony,  that 
their   utmost   diligence  to   discover  and  make  known  to  this 
I  ti)  person  or  persons,  who  shall,  in  any  respect,  attempt  to 

do   any  thing   tending  to  render  ineffectual   their  designs  and  doii 
and  we  trust,  that  the  God  of  armies,  on  whom  we  rely  for  a  blessing 
upon  our  arms,  which  we  have   taken  up  in  support  of  the   great   and 
fundamental  principles  of  natural  justice  and  the  common  and  ind< 
Bible  rights  of  mankind,  will  guide  and  direct  us  in  oui  designs  ;   and 
at  last,  in  infinit  i  this   his   injured   people,  restore  p 

and  tiifd. mi  to  the  American  world. J 

Voted,  That  Tuesda)  next,  ten  o'clock  before  noon,  I  jned  for 

the  further  consideration  thereof. 

Ordered,  That    Mr.  Lothrop,  Col.  Grout  and   Mr.  Crane,  be  a  i i- 

mittee  to  till  commissions  for  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment  of  artil- 
lery, as  recommended  by  the  committee  of  safety. 

/.'     •  '•■       That    i  con ssion  be  made  out  for  Mr   Hi  ith,  as  colonel 

regiment  of  the  Mass  ichusetts  army. 

/'  olved,  That  Deacon  Plympton  be  appointed  to  countersign  the 
Bmall  notes,  instead  of  <  !ol.  K  ichmond. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  application  of  president 
I        don,  reported;  which  reporl  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

/,'.  lived,  That  it  be  and  hereb)  is  recommended  to  as  man)  of  the 
overseers  of  Harvard  College  as  can  be  called  together,  under  the  pres- 
ent circumstances  of  the  college  and  the  country,to  meet  and  join  with 
the  corporation  of  said  college,  in  conferring  academical  di  I  the 

approaching  -    ison  of  the  animal  commence nt,  on  such  candid 

as  ma)  offer  themselves  and    be  judged  qualified   for  the  Bame ;  and  ti> 
transact   an)  other   important    matters   relative   to  thai   society,  in  the 


348  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  17, 

same  manner,  and  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  the  whole  body  of 
the  overseers  might  do,  if  present. 

Voted,  That  the  receiver  general,  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  as  also 
Deacon  PI  ympton,  have  leave  of  absence  from  to-morrow  afternoon  un- 
til Mondav  morning. 

Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  June  17,  1775. 

The  committee  on  account  of  Mrs.  Coolidge,  reported :  the  report 
was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  till  the  president  came  into  Congress. 

The  Congress  granted  leave  of  absence  to  Mr.  J.  Orne,  being  bound 
on  a  journey  to  Philadelphia. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  property  of 
some  persons,  who  have  left  their  habitations  in  sundry  towns  in  this 
colony,  and  also  have  discovered  themselves  to  be  enemies  to  the  rights 
of  this  colony  and  the  continent,  &c,  reported. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edwards,  Col.  Thompson  and  Col.  Glover,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  upon  the  expediency  and  means  of  procuring 
fire  arms  and  powder  from  Philadelphia,  and  elsewhere  :  which  com- 
mittee reported  :  the  report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  upon  the  expediency  and 
means  of  procuring  fire  arms  and  powder  from  Philadelphia  and  else- 
where, and  to  report  in  the  form  of  a  resolve,  report  accordingly  : 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  employ  Mr. 
Joshua  Orne,  a  member  of  this  Congress,  for  this  end,  and  that  they, 
by  letter,  desire  that  the  honorable  Continental  Congress  would  be 
pleased  to  grant  to  Mr.  Orne  their  aid  in  the  premises. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  resolve  of 
the  committee  of  safety,  respecting  the  augmentation  of  the  army,  and 
supplying  the  army  with  anus,  &c,  reported  in  part;  the  report  was 
considered  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  the  hostile  incursions  this  country  is  exposed  to,  and  the 
frequent  alarms  we  may  expect  from  the  military  operations  of  our  en- 
emies, make  it  necessarj  that  the  good  people  of  this  colony  be  on 
their  guard,  and  prepared  at  all  times  to  resisl  their  attacks,  and  to  aid 
and  assist  their  brethren  :  therefore.  Resolved,  that  it  be,  and  hereby  is 
recommended  to  the  militia,  in  all  parts  of  this  colony,  to  hold  them- 
selves in  readme--  to  march  at  a  minute's  warning,  to  the  relief  of  any 
place  that  may  be  attacked,  or  to  the  support  of  our  army,  with  at  least 
twenty  cartridges,  or  rounds  of  powder   and    ball  :   and,  to  prevent  all 


L775.]  TfflRD  PROT  [NCIAL  CONGRESS  (49 

confusion   <>r  delay,  it   i-  further  recommended  t"  the  inhab 
tin-  colony  living  on   the  sea  coasts,  or  within  twenty  miles  of  them, 
thai  they  carry  their  arras  and  ammunition  with  them  to  meeting 
the  sabbath,  and  other  days  when  the)  meel  for  public  worship. 

/,'■  olved,  That  all  paean  sioned  by  the  offh  rag  into 
the  army,  <>r  otherwise,  in  the  several  regiments  ■  >("  militia,  be  immedi- 
ately filled  up:  and  it  is  recommended  t..  the  regi it-,  where  Buch 

re,  to   supply  tlimi.  in  mannei    ind   form  as  pr<  ed  by 

the  resolutions  of  < 

Ordered,  Thai  the  resolve  before  mentioned,  brought  in  by  said 
committee  last  mentioned,  be  immediately  printed  in  handbills,  and 
thai  the  number  be  three  hundred. 

Voi  I  i  it  G  !n  in.  Mi.  Brown,  and  M  joi  Bliss,  be  and 
hereby  are  appointed  a  comra  id  three  hundred  handbills 

printed,  and  distribute  the  same  t"  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 
tin-  colony . 

Resolved,  Thai  Doct.  Moses  Gunn,  be  and  hereby  is  appointed  ti> 
countersign  the  large  notes,  instead  of  the   Hon.  Joseph  Warn  n,  I 

Col.  Jonathan  Brewer's  list  of  officers  in  his  regiment,  was  pr< 
Ordered,  thai  a  commission  be  delivered   to  each  of  the  said   * » 1 1 ": ■ 
except  i"  Joseph  Stebbins,  who  has  bul  ".'I  nun  in  \\\<  company. 

1  ■!.  David  Brewer's  lisl  of  officers  in  his  regiment,  was  presented  : 
Ordered,  thai  a  commission  be  delivered  t<>  each  of  said  officers, 

R  !         Capt.  Holmes,  Major  Brooks,  and  Capt.  Smith,  be  a 

committee  \>>  confer  with  the  printer-,  Edes,  Hall,  and  Thomas,  and 
know  of  them  respectively,  upon  what  terms  thej  will  print  handbills, 
and  also  -in  h  pieces  as  may  be  desired  l>\  this  Congress  t<>  be  put  in 
the  weekly  papers,  and  make  report  t"  this  Congn  --  in  writing,  with 
all  eun\ enient  speed. 

The  petition  of  undry  persons  from  Egamagon  Reach  was  read,  and 
committed  to  the  committee  on  the  state  ■>!'  the  sea  coasts,  [who  re- 
ported as  follow 

<  m  thepetiin.il  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of  Egamagon  Reach, 
N      I  ,    "  called,  praying  t"«  >r  a  small  supply  ofprovisioi 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  by  this  Congress  to  the  com- 
raitti  fety  of  the  town  of  Salem,  or  t<>  the  like  committee  or  com- 
mittees "t'  correspondence  <>f  any  other  towns  within  this  province,  n> 
Bupply  Mi  <-  Robert  Byard  and  Alexander  Greenlaw,  of  said  I 
Ri  ch,  No  I  ,  for  the  presenl  relief  of  the  said  inhabil 
m  ith  the  following  article-,  \  iz. :  forty  bushels  of  Indian  corn,  and  ii\<- 
barrels  <>i"  pork  ;   and  take  in  return  i"r  the  -  ime,  i  ord  u I,  oi   such 


350  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  17, 

other  payment  as  the  said  Robert  Byard,  and  Alexander  Greenlaw, 
may  be  able  to  make  ;  and  in  case  they,  the  said  Bayard  and  Green- 
law, should  not  make  satisfaction  for  the  same,  in  a  reasonable  time,  it 
shall  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  province, 
and  the  said  Byard  and  Greenlaw  shall  refund  the  same  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

Several  of  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  state 
and  circumstances  of  the  sea-coasts,  viz.  :  Hon.  Mr.  Sever,  Hon.  Mr. 
Spooner,  Col.  Cutt,  and  Capt.  Maynard,  being  absent,  Ordered,  that 
Major  Hall,  Mr.  Aiken,  Capt.  Morton,  and  Capt.  King,  be  appointed 
in  their  stead. 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  for  choosing  brigadier  generals  from  the 
colonels  who  have  been  commissioned  by  this  Congress,  be  so  far  re- 
considered, as  that  Col.  Heath,  though  he  has  not  yet  received  his  com- 
mission, may  be  eligible  to  that  office. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  resolutions  of  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  reported  the  following  resolve  and  schedule,  which  were 
accepted . 

Whereas,  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  new  plantations  in  this  col- 
ony, not  incorporated,  and  some  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighboring 
colonies,  together  with  a  number  of  the  late  inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Boston,  have  enlisted  into  the  army  now  raising  in  this  colony,  to  whom 
the  resolve  of  Congress,  dated  May  9,  17  75,  empowering  the  selectmen 
to  supply  the  inhabitants  of  their  respective  towns  with  arms,  &c.,did 
not  extend  ;  and,  by  that  means,  many  of  such  men  are  not  provided 
with  sufficient  arms  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the 
several  towns  and  districts  in  the  counties  specified  in  a  list  hereunto 
annexed,  who  may  have  good  and  sufficient  firelocks,  be  and  hereby  are 
most  earnestly  advised,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  provide  and  deliver  to 
such  person  or  persons  as  are  to  be  now  appointed  by  this  Congress  to 
receive  the  same,  the  full  number  of  good,  effective  firelocks,  specified 
in  the  said  list  for  each  town  and  district  to  supply,  for  which  firelocks 
every  owner  thereof  shall  receive  such  sum,  in  the  bills  of  credit  of  this 
colony,  as  the  person  or  persons  now  to  be  appointed  by  this  Congress 
to  receive  such  firelock,  and  the  owner  thereof,  shall  agree  to  be  the 
value  of  the  same,  within  forty  days  alter  the  delivery  of  such  firelock. 
For  all  which  firelocks  delivered  as  aforesaid,  the  person  to  be  ap- 
pointed b)  this  Congress  to  receive  the  same,  shall  give  his  receipt 
therefor  in  the  form  following 


1775  THIRD  PROA  [NCI  \l.  I  ONGRE&  351 

/  day  of  i: 

eived  of  \    B  firelock  ,  to  the  use  of  the  colony  of  th<    M 

husetts  15a,  of  the  value  of  ;  which  Bum  the  receiver 

of  the  said  colony  is  directed,  in  fortj  days  alter  the  date  hereof,  to 
i"  the  said  A.  B.  <>r  order,  in  bills  ofcredil  of  this  colony. 

Ami  ill-'  said  receivi  1  I,  upon  Buch  receipl  being  produced  to 

him,  1-  empowered  and  required  to  pay,  ou(  of  the  treasurj  ofthie 
ony,  tin-  sum  specified  in  such  receipt,  in  the  bills  of  credit   aforesaid, 
t"  the   person    named  therein,  or  his  order ;  and,  furthermore,  th< 
lectmen  and  committees  of  correspondence  of  the    Beveral  towns  and 
districts  id,  are  hereby  mos  -th  requested  to  afford  all  pos- 

aid  and  assistance  to  the  persons  to  be   appointed   l>\  this  Con- 
-.  to  procure  the  said  tin  luck-  ;   thai  d  arms  1  -n|>- 

plied  to  our  army  with  th<  tlition.     -\m\  the  persons  to  be 

appointed  to  procure  said  firelocks,  arc  hi  Jly  empowered  and 

directed  to  employ  such  wagoners  and  ti  shall  be  ni 

with  great  despatch,  to  convej  the  same  to  the  »rder  the 

rcci  .  ieral  of  this  colon)  t"  pay,  out  of  the  treasury  of  the  same, 

in  bills  of  credit  as   aforesaid,  such  sums  as  they   shall  agree  "n   and 
draw  fur  :  and  the  said  receivi  ral  is   hereby  auth  irized    and  di- 

rected to  paj  the  order-  so  drawn. 

!l  •    'C     .it i/. — Worcester,  30 ;  Lan  Mendon, 

Brookfield,  31  ;  Oxford,  11  ;  Charll        1  I  .  Sutton,  31      I 

12;   S  r,  10;   Paxton,  6 ;    Ru      nd,   l~>:    Oakham,  I 

I  lubbardston,  2  Mi  w  Braintree,  1"  :  Southborough,  12  ;  West- 
borough,  12;  Northborough,  8;  Lunenburg,  16;  Fitchbui 
(i:  I  \t.rid_e.  II  Vorthbridge,  5 ;  Harvard,  Hi:  Dudley,  ! 
Hutchinson,  13 ;  Bolton, 15;  Upton, 6;  Shrewsbury,  '  Stur- 
bridge,  12;  Leominster,  12 ;  Hardwick,  \'>  ;  Western,  II  ;  II ol- 
den, S;  Douglass,  i  ;  Grafton,  I".'.  Petersham,  12;  Etoyal- 
Bton,2;  Westminster,  10;  Athol,  6;  Templeton,8;   Princeti 

\-liltiiriili;mi.  3 ;   Winchendon,  3  ;       .  .  .  51  I 

pshire. — Springfield,  20  ;  Wesl  Springfield,  25 ;  Wilbraham, 
II:  Northampton,  25 ;  Southampton,  I":  Hadley,  II  South 
Hadley,  9  Imherst,  12  Granby,  7  ;  Hatfield, 14;  Westfield, 
19;  Deerfield,  15;  Greenfield,  10;  Sunderland,  9;  Montague, 
8;  Northfield,  10;  Brimfield,  15;  South  Brimfield,  H> :  Mon- 
Bon,  -     Pelham,  I  I  ;   Blandford,9;   Palmer,  I  nville,  l< 

Salem,9;   Warwick,.-.      Uhfield,8;  Southwick 


352  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  17, 

Suffolk. — Wrentham,  25  ;  Medway,  10  ;  Bellingham,  6 ;  Walpole, 
4;  Medfield,  4;     ......  49 

Middlesex. — Marlborough,  20  ;  Littleton,  6;  Hopkinton,  9  ;  West- 
ford,  6;  Groton,  7;  Shirley,  2;  Pepperell,  4;  Townsend,  4; 
Dracut,  5  :  Acton,  5  ;  Dunstable,  5  ;  Tewksbury,  4  ;  Chelms- 
ford, 7  ;  Billerica,  7  ;  Stow,  4  ;  Framingham,  3  ;  Wilming- 
ton, 4  ;     102 

Plymouth. — Bridgewater,  25  ;   Middleborough,  16  ;  .  41 

Bristol. — Attleborough,  10;  Rehoboth,  15;  .  .  25 

Worcester,  514;  Hampshire,  334  ;  Suffolk,  49  ;  Middlesex,  102  ; 
Plymouth,  41  ;  Bristol,  25 ;   total,  .  .  .  1065 

Resolved,  That  four  o'clock,  P.  M.  be  assigned  for  choosing  com- 
mittees to  receive  and  purchase  fire  arms  agreeably  to  the  foregoing  re- 
solve. 

Afternoon. 

A  letter  from  the  president  of  the  Continental  Congress,  and  a  re- 
solve containing  several  recommendations  to  this  and  the  other  colo- 
nies, and  two  letters,  one  to  the  Lieut.  Gov.  of  Rhode  Island,  and  one 
to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  brought  express  by  Mr. 
Fessenden,  were  read;  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Capt.  Morton  take 
charge  of  the  letter  to  New  Hampshire,  and  Mr.  Slead  that  to  Rhode 
Island,  to  deliver  them  immediately,  and  return  to  the  Congress  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  Col.  Warren,  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Hon. 
Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Prescott,  Deacon  Cheever,  Capt.  Brown, 
and  Capt.  Robinson,  and  the  secretary  of  the  Congress,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  notify  and  call  together  the  members  of  this  Congress  in  any 
extraordinary  emergency,  at  any  other  time,  or  to  any  other  place, 
than  [that]  to  which  it  may  stand  adjourned. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for  : 

Whereupon,  committees  were  chosen  to  purchase  arms  agreeably  to 
the  resolve  passed  in  the  forenoon  :  the  names  of  the  committees  cho- 
sen are  expressed  in  the  following  resolve,  viz.  : 

For  the  county  of  Worcester:  Capt.  William  Page  of  Hardwick, 
Capt.  Abiel  Saddler  of  Upton,  Mr.  Heinmenway  of  Shrewsbury  : — For 
the  county  of  Hampshire:  Major   Benjamin    S.  Ely  of  West  Spring- 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  :{.,:? 

field,  Major  John  Bliss  of  Hadley  : — For  the  round/  of  Suffolk  :  Capt. 
Lemuel  Kollock  of  Wrenthara  : — For  the  county  of  Middlesex:  Col. 
Simeon  Spaulding  of  Chelmsford,  Capt.  Josiah  Stone  of  Framiagham : 
— For  the  count)/  of  Plymouth  :  Major  Ebenezer  White  of  Rochester  : 
— For  the  county  of  Bristol:  Col.  George  Williams  of  Taunton. 
Adjourned  to  Sunday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Sunday,  June  18,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  records  and  papers  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
be  secured  and  taken  care  of,  at  the  discretion  of  the  secretary;  and 
that  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  hereby  are  directed,  to  procure 
a  horse  for  the  secretary,  that  he  may  have  one  ready  for  that  purpose 
on  any  emergency. 

A  petition  from  the  committee  of  Waldoborough  for  powder,  was 
read;  whereupon,  Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  with- 
draw their  petition. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Lothrop  appoint  some  messenger  to  go  to  Doct. 
Church,  for  the  letters  it  is  said  he  has  brought  from  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawlev,  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Kollock,  Mr.  Ed- 
wards, Col.  Gerrish,  Doct.  Church  and  Col.  Otis,  be  a  committee  to 
prepare  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Congress  on  the  late  attack  of  the 
king's  troops  at  Bunker's  hill,  Sec,  and  such  other  matters  as  they 
may  think  proper,  and  report  to  this  Congress  :  and  also  that  they  take 
into  consideration  a  letter  from  the  president  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, and  several  recommendations  of  the  said  Continental  Congress 
therein  enclosed,  received  by  Mr.  Fessenden,  and  another  letter  from 
the  said  president,  with  a  resolve  enclosed  relative  to  a  mode  of  gov- 
ernment for  this  colony  ;  and  also  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, what  steps  they  have  taken  to  procure  powder  from  the  other 
governments  of  New  England.1 

(I)  The  letters  of  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  president  of  the  Continental  t'onjress,  with  the  reso- 
lutions enclosed,  except  thai  inserted  in  the  journal,  are  copied  below.  Tho  despatches  for  the 
governments  of  Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire,  covered  transcripts  of  the  same  documents. 

"  PHILADELPHIA,  June  10th,  IT75 

"  GENTLEMEN  : — In  consequence  of  your  application  to  this  Congress  for  advice  respecting  a 
form  of  government  to  he  adopted  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  under  your  present  circumstances,  I 
um  directed  by  the  Congress  to  transmit  you  their  resolution  thereon,  which  is  here  enclosed.  1 
am  also  to  inform  you  that  the  Congress  have  been  so  pressed  with  business,  thai  they  have 
been  prevented  determining  upon  the  other  matters  mentioned  in  your  letters  to  them  :  hut  they 
will  very  soon  come  under  their  consideration,  and  their  resolutions  thereon  shall  he  forwarded 
to  you." 

"  I  also  enclose  you  a  resoh  e  of  I  longress,  lor  furnishing  our  army  with  flour  ;  this  you  will  koep 
•ecu',  at  le  isl  u  far  as  thi  a  iture  of  it  will  admit,  as  the  publication  may  give  an  alarm,  whist) 
may  provent  the  good  effects  of  it." 

"  Last  evening,  Mr.  Fessenden,  vour  express,  arrived,  with  vour  despatches  of  June  4th,  which  I 

45 


354  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  18, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  write  to 
Rhode  Island  and  New  Hampshire,  touching  the  article  of  powder; 
also  to  send  to  each  of  said  governments  a  copy  of  the  recommenda- 
tions of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

shall  this  morning  lay  before  the  Congress,  and,  when  considered  by  Congress,  their  determination 
shall  be  immediately  transmitted  you." 

"  I  am,  with  much  esteem,  gentlemen,  your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 
"  To  the  gentlemen  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  Massachusetts  Bay.'''' 

"  In  Congress,  June  9th,  1775. 

"  Resolved,  That  the  Provincial  Convention  of  New  York  be  requested  to  convey,  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble, to  Providence,  in  Rhode  Island,  or  to  any  port  in  the  government  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  five 
thousand  barrels  of  flour,  for  the  use  of  the  continental  army." 

"  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  at  Providence,  or  in  the  government  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  where  the  said  flour  may  be  carried,  be  desired  to  receive  the  same,  and  to  forward  it  to  the 
camp  before  Boston,  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  to  lodge  such  parts  thereof  as  cannot  immediately  be 
sent  thither,  in  places  of  security." 

"  That  this  Congress  will  make  provision  for  defraying  the  expenses  incurred  for  this  service." 

"  Secret  as  the  nature  of  it  will  admit,  for  fear  of  an  alarm  being  given,  and  a  stop.  J.  H." 

"PHILADELPHIA,  June   10th,  1775. 

"  GENTLEMEN  : — By  order  of  the  Congress,  I  transmit  you  the  inclosed  resolutions,  passed  by 
the  Congress  this  morning.  The  necessity  of  the  present  emergency  requires  a  speedy  compliance 
with  the  first,  and  I  need  not  inform  you  that  the  nature  of  the  service  requires  it  to  be  done  with 
as  much  secrecy  as  possible." 

"  I  am  also  directed  by  the  Congress  to  request  you  will  please  to  transmit  to  them,  as  soon  as 
may  be,  an  estimate  of  the  powder,  arms,  and  ammunition  in  your  colony,  including  private  as  well 
as  public  stocks." 

"  By  Doctor  Church,  this  morning,  I  forwarded  you  the  resolution  of  Congress  respecting  the 
mode  of  government." 

"  I  am  your  most  obedient  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  President." 

'«  The  inclosed   letters  for  the   lieutenant  governor  of  Rhode  Island,  and  the  gentlemen  of  New 
Hampshire,  please  immediately,  on  receipt,  to  send  off  by  express  ;  pray  don't  fail." 
"  To  the  members  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  Massachusetts  Bay." 

"  In  Congress,  June  10,  1775. 

"  The  Congress  earnestly  recommend  to  the  several  colonies  of  New  Hampshire,  Rhode  Island, 
Connecticut,  and  the  internal  towns  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  that  they  immediately  furnish  the 
American  army  before  Boston,  with  as  much  powder,  out  of  their  town  and  other  public  stocks,  as 
they  can  possibly  spare,  keeping  an  exact  account  of  the  quantity  supplied,  that  it  may  be  again  re- 
placed or  paid  for  by  the  continent  :  this  to  be  effected  with  the  utmost  secrecy  and  despatch." 

"  Resolved,  That  it  bo  recommended  to  the  committees  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  of  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  New  Hampshire,  Rhode  Island,  Connecticut,  New  York,  and  the  eastern  division 
of  New  Jersey,  to  collect  all  the  saltpetre  and  brimstone  in  their  several  towns  and  districts,  and 
transmit  the  same,  with  all  possible  despatch,  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York." 

"  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York,  to  have  the  powder  mills  in 
that  colony  put  into  such  a  condition,  as  immediately  to  manufacture  into  powder,  for  the  use  of  the 
continent,  whatever  materials  may  be  procured  in  the  manner  above  directed." 

"  Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  inhabitants  of  the  colonics,  who  are  possessed 
of  saltpetre  and  sulphur  for  their  own  use,  to  dispose  of  them,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing 
gunpowder." 

"  Resolved,  That  the  saltpetre  and  sulphur,  to  be  collected  in  consequence  of  the  resolves  of 
Congress  for  that  purpose,  be  paid  for  out  of  tho  continental  fund." 

»  A  true  copy  fiom  the  minutes.  CHA'S  THOMPSON,  Sec'y." 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

(  Ifternoou  | 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Thurston,  Col.  Parks  and  Doct.  Corbett,  b 
committee  to  consider  a  petition   from    Egamagon    Reach;  and  also  a 
petition  from  Deer  Island,  [for  supplies  of  provisions.] 

Adjourned  to  IVfondaj  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Monday,  June  19,  1775. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Bonney,  Mr.  Foster  and  Col.  Thompson,  be  and 
hereby  arc  appointed  a  committee  to  repair  immediately  to  Cambridge, 
and  inquire  u  li.it  methods  are  taking  to  supply  the  army  at  the  intrench- 
iii  nt-  with  victuals  and  drink,  and  take  effectual  care  that  they  1)0  well 
supplied  without  delay. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Parks,  Deacon  Fairbanks  and  Doct.  Whiting, 
be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a 
letter  from  General  Ward,  respecting  the  supplying  the  soldiers  with 
blankets  and  other  articles  lost  in  battle,  also  for  providing  spears  for 
defence.1 

Doct.  Hall,  Doct.  Jones  and  Mr.  Bigelow,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing  another  hospital  for 
the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  army,  and  ordered  to  sit  forthwith. 

Deacon  Bailey,  ('apt.  Goodman  and  .Mr.  Fisher,  were  appointed  a 
committee,  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  how  far  they  have 
proceeded  to  supply  the  soldiery  with  blankets,  &C,  and   make  report. 

Capt.  Goodrich,  Mr.  Aikin  and  Capt.  Dwight,  were  appointed  to 
consider  a  letter  from  the  Hon.  Jedediah  Preble  and  Hon.  Enoch 
Freeman,  respecting  Col.  Phiney's  regiment  being  commissioned  for 
the  defence  of  the  sea  coasts.2 

I    Two  letters  were  received  from  Gen.  Ward,  on  the  19tli  of  June,  addressed  to  ilx-  president 

of  i  longri  -- ■ 

••<'  IMBRIDGE,  June  19,  1" 

"SIB  :— The  honorable  Congress  arc  hereby  informed,  that,  in  the  late  act ,  many  of  thi   soldiers 

lust  their  blankets  and  clothes;  they  are  now  in  a  very  suffering  condition  on   thai   account,  and 
must,  in  order  to  fit  them  for  duty,  be  immediate!)    supplied,  ospeciall]    with  blankets;  and  m 
that  were  not  in  the  action  aie  destitute  of  blankets  " 

"  It  is  requested,  that  tin-  troops  may  !>•■  supplied  also  with  ■>  I  irge  number  of  spears  >>r  lane 
defending  the  breastworks.     In  the  late  notion,  spear ~  might  bave  saved  the  intrenchment. 

Bj  order  of  the  general.  JOSEPH   u  Mil'.   -    'rjf." 

■  -  in:  \n  .  i i    \i;  rERS,  June  19,  V, 

"SIR:— T  must  earnestly  entn  I  i  furnish  the  train  of  artillery,  with  a  company 

irlificers  immediately,  as  the  arm)  suffers  greatl]  t'"r  want  <>r  them.     This  ought  t->  bi 
of  the  first  establishments,  and  I  hope  t  hi  I  will  not  delay  the  matter  a  daj  long 

1   mi,  sir,  vour  most  obedient,  lium'ile  servant, 

AIM T.M  \S    \\    IRD 

I'he  lettei  from  the  Hon.  Jedediah  Preble  una  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman  foil 

I    \l.\lol    111,  Juno    14,   1775. 
••  HONORED  SIR   —These  wait  on  you  by  Colonel  rhlney,  who  tnformi  u«,  he  has  ordered  the 


356  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  19, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing 
certain  officers  for  taking  care  of  the  ordnance  stores,  viz.,  storekeep- 
er, conductors,  and  clerk  ;  also,  the  establishment  of  a  company  of  ar- 
tificers, &c,  reported  :  the  report  was  amended  and  accepted,  and  is 
as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing 
certain  officers  for  taking  care  of  the  ordnance  stores  :  also  what  arti- 
ficers,  and  the  number,  that  may  be  necessary  for  the  army,  and  in 
what  way  they  shall  be  established,  have  attended  that  service,  and  beg 
leave  to  report  as  follows  :  That,  in  addition  to  the  storekeeper  al- 
ready appointed  by  this  Congress,  there  be  established  four  conduc- 
tors of  stores,  and  two  clerks  for  the  ordnance  department ;  and  a 
company  of  artificers,  to  consist  of  a  master  carpenter  or  overseer, 
with  49  privates;  and  the  committee  of  safety  be  desired  to  recom- 
mend to  this  Congress,  fit  persons  for  the  offices  abovenamed ;  and  if 
any  such  privates,  who  are  now  engaged  in  either  of  the  regiments  of 
the  Massachusetts  army,  are  inclined  to  join  the  abovesaid  company, 
they  may  have  leave  so  to  do,  they  relinquishing  their  pay  as  soldiers, 
from  the  time  they  engage  as  artificers,  and  be  equipt  with  fire  arms, 
and  accoutrements ;  and  the  overseer,  when  appointed,  be  ordered  to 
consult  the  chief  engineer  with  respect  to  the  number  of  each  kind  of 
artificers  that  may  be  necessary,  and  that  he  complete  his  company, 
and  make  return  thereof  to  this  Congress,  with  all  possible  despatch. 
Your  committee,  furthermore,  beg  leave  to  report  an  establishment  for 
the  officers  and  privates  above  mentioned,  viz,: 

The  storekeeper,  .$80  per  month :  four  conductors,  each  $48  do.  : 
one  master  carpenter,  or  overseer,  880  do.  :  two  clerks,  each  848  do.  : 
49  privates,  they  to  find  their  own  tools,  $50  do.  each.  All  which  is 
humbly  submitted.  Elisha  Parks,  per  order. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of  a 
president  of  this  Congress,  in  the  room  of  the  Hon.  Joseph  Warren, 
Esq.,  supposed  to  be  killed  in  the  late  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the   resolve   of 

men  lately  enlisted  in  this  county,  to  guard  the  sea  coasts  and  islands  within  said  county,  to  secure 
the  cattle  and  sheep  from  the  ravages  of  cruisers  from  the  navy  :  but,  as  no  provision  is  made  for 
their  subsistence,  it  cannot  be  expected  they  can  continue  to  do  duty  without.  We  refer  you  to 
Colonel  Phiney  for  particulars.  Four  Indian  chiefs  arrived  here  this  day,  with  Captain  Lane, 
from  the  Penobscot  tribe.  We  hope  their  expectations  will  be  answered,  which  will  lay  a  founda- 
tion for  the  securing  to  our  interest  the  whole  tribe." 

"We  are,  honored  sir,  your  most  obedient,  humble  servants, 

JEDEDIAH  PREBLE, 
ENOCH  FREEMAN." 
Hon.  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  U>  be  communicated. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

the  honorable  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the  method  of  estab- 
lishing civil  government  in  this  colony,  reported:  [The  report  was] 
read  and  debated,  and  Resolved,  that  the  further  consideration  of  Baid 
report  be  put  off  until  Doct.  Church,  who  was  at  Philadelphia  at  the 
time  said  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress  passed,  shall  be  present. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from 
General  Ward,  respecting  supplying  the  soldiers  with  blankets,  &.c, 
lost  in  battle,  and  providing  spears  &c,  reported  :  The  report  was  re- 
committed. 

Col.  Prescott  and  Mr.  Wheeler,  were  added  to  the  committee  cho- 
sen to  fill  up  commissions  for  the  officers  of  the  army. 

Afternoon. 

[The]  order  of  the  day    [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Prescott,  Doct.  Hall,  and  Col.  Otis,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  receive,  sort,  and  count,  the  votes  for  a  President. 

The  committee  having  attended  that  service,  reported,  that  the  Hon. 
James  Warren,  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  nine  o'clock  to-morrow  mornincr,  be  assumed  for  the 
consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  establishing  armed 
vessels. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  supplies, 
what  they  had  done  relative  to  providing  blankets  and  coats,  reported, 
verbally;  that  they  had  conformed  to  the  resolve  of  Congress  relative 
thereto,  and  looked  upon  it  to  be  their  duty,  to  pay  such  orders  as  the 
selectmen  mighl  draw  on  them  for  the  blankets  they  should  purchase, 
but  that  they  had  only  paid  one  town  as  yet. 

Resolved,  That  the  same  committee  report  to  this  Congress,  the 
price  proper  to  be  given  for  blankets  throughout  the  whole  colonv,  and 
that  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  suspend  the  payments  for 
blankets  till  some  further  day,  and  that  the  said  committee  bring  in  a 
resolve  expressive  of  the  reason  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  establishing 
another  hospital  for  the  army,  reported,  that  a  house  belon^in^  to 
Doct.  Spring,  of  this  place,  may  be  had  for  that  purpose,  whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  said  committee  be  directed  to  inquire  at  what  rate. 
per  month,  Doct.  Spring  will  let  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  be  directed  to  subscribe  the  name  of 
the  late  president,  to  all  commissions  that  are  to  be  delivered  out  to 
the  officers  of  the  army,  bearing  date  the  19th  of  M  aj 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  General    Ward's 


Ji58  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  20, 

letter  relative  to  spears,  was  again  read  and  accepted,  and  it  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from 
the  general,  informing  that  a  number  of  the  soldiers  in  the  late  action, 
lost  their  clothes  and  blankets,  and  also  proposing  that  the  soldiers  in 
the  intrenchments  be  furnished  with  lances  and  spears,  have  attended 
that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  repoit  by  way  of  resolve. 

[Resolved,]  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
directed,  to  furnish  those  destitute  soldiers  with  clothes  and  blankets, 
as  soon  as  may  be,  who  shall  produce  from  the  colonel  of  the  regi- 
ment they  belong  to,  certificates  of  their  having  lost  such  clothes  and 
blankets  in  the  late  engagement :  and  that  a  committee  be  chosen, 
immediately  to  procure,  from  such  as  can  most  speedily  and  conveni- 
ently supply  them,  a  sufficient  number  of  good  spears,  not  exceeding 
1500,  either  by  purchase  or  hire  ;  and  that  the  same  be  transmitted  to 
the  army  at  Cambridge  as  soon  as  possible  ;  all  which  is  humbly  sub- 
mitted. Elisha  Parks,  per  order. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Tuesday,  June  20,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  Col.  Phiney, 
reported. 

The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  till  the  matter  respecting 
armed  vessels  is  considered. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Brooks,  Col.  Mitchell,  Mr.  Ellis,  Mr.  Kol- 
lock,  Deacon  Fairbanks,  Mr.  Perry,  and  Major  Fuller,  be  a  committee 
to  purchase  spears,  agreeably  to  a  resolve  which  passed  the  Congress 
yesterday;  said  committee  to  proceed  on  the  business  forthwith;  to 
consult  with  and  receive  directions  from  the  general,  respecting  the 
form,  &c,  of  the  spears;  and  to  engage  payment  for  the  fame,  in  bills 
of  credit  of  this  colony. 

The  committee  on  the  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress  respect- 
ing government,  reported  a  letter  to  the  several  towns  in  the  colony, 
which  was  read  and  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  hand  bills 
with  the  resolve  of  the  Continental  Congress  at  large:  and  Mr.  Whit- 
ney, Col.  Freeman,  Capt.  Stone,  Doct.  Church,  and  Deacon  Cheever, 
were  appointed  a  committee  to  ascertain  the  number  to  be  printed;  to 
get  them  printed,  and  to  disperse  the  same  to  the  several  towns  and 
districts  in  this  colony  :  and  also  to  consider  in  what  manner  the  late 
inhabitants  of  the  towns  of  Boston   and    Charlestown,   should    choose 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  :..:• 

members  to  represent  them.     The  resolve  of  the  ( lontinental  ( longrt  se 

and  tlie  letter  to  the  towns,  fol  OW,  viz.  : 

In  Congress,  Friday,  June  9,  17  7:.. 

Resolved,  That  no  obedience  bein<_r  due  to  the  act  of  parliament  for 
altering  the  charter  of  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  nor  to  a  gov- 
ernor and  lieutenant  governor,  who  will  not  observe  the  directions  of, 
but  endeavor  to  subvert  that  charter;  the  governor  and  lieutenant  gov- 
ernor are  to  be  considered  as  absent,  and  their  offices  vacant.  And  as 
there  is  no  council  there,  and  the  inconveniences  arising  from  the  sus- 
pension of  the  power-  of  government  are  intolerable,  especiall)  t  a 
time  when  general  Gag<  hath  actuallj  levied  war,  and  i-  carrying  on 
hostilities  against  in-  majesty's  peaceful  and  loyal  subjects  of  that  colo- 
ny :  that  in  order  to  conform,  as  near  as  may  he,  to  the  spirit  and  sub- 
stance of  the  charter,  it  he  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congre--, 
to  write  letters  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  places,  which  are  enti- 
tled to  representation  in  assembly,  requesting  them  to  choose  such  rep- 
resentatives ;  and  that  the  assembly,  when  chosen,  should  elect  coun- 
sellors; which  assembly  and  council  should  exercise  the  powers  of 
government,  until  a  irovernor  of  his  majesty's  appointment  will  consent 
to  govern  the  colony  according  to  its  charter. 
A  true  copy  from  the  minutes. 

(  i!  m:i  es  Thompson,  S,  en  fun/. 

By  order  of  the  Congri  John   Hancock,   President. 

Coiow    of   fin.   Massachusetts   Bay. 

In  observance  of  the  foregoing  resolve  of  the  Hon.  Continental  Con- 
gress, now  sitting  at  Philadelphia,  these  are  to  request  you,  forthwith. 
to  cause  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  your  town,  that  have 
an  estate  of  freehold  in  land,  within  this  province  or  territory,  of  fort) 
shillings  per  annum,  at  the  least,  or  other  estate  to  the  value  of  fort) 
pounds  sterling,  to  assemble,  at  such  time  and  place  as  you  shall 
appoint,  then  and  there  to  elect  and  depute  one  or  more  freehold- 
ers, resident  in  the  same  town,  according  to  the  numbers  set  and  limi- 
ted by  an  act,  of  the  general  assembly,  entitled  an  act  for  ascertaining 
the  number  ami  regulating  the  house  of  representatives,  to  serve  tor. 
and  represent  them  in  a  great  and  general  court  or  assembly,  to  be  con- 
vened, held,  and  kept,  for  the  service  of  the  -aid  colony,  until  the  end 

of  the  dav  next  preceding  the  last    Wednesday  of  .May  next,  if  nece--a- 

r\ .  ami  no  longer,  at  the  meeting-house  in   Watertown,  upon   Wedn 
day,  the  19th  da)  of  July  next  ensuing  the  date  hereof,  and  to  warn 


360  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  19, 

the  person  or  persons  so  elected  by  the  major  part  of  the  electors  pres- 
ent at  such  election,  to  be  timely  notified,  by  one  or  more  of  the  con- 
stables of  your  town,  to  attend  the  service  of  this  colony  in  the  said 
general  court  or  assembly,  on  the  day  above  prefixed,  by  nine  o'clock, 
in  the  forenoon,  and  so  from  day  to  day,  during  their  session  and  ses- 
sions. Hereof  we  desire  you  not  to  fail,  and  make  return  of  this  let- 
ter, with  the  name  or  names  of  the  person  or  persons  so  elected  or  de- 
puted, and  of  their  being  notified,  unto  the  said  general  assembly,  at 
the  time  and  place  abovementioned  for  its  meeting. 

Given  under  my  hand,  this  nineteenth  day  of  June,  anno  domini, 
1775.  By  order  of  Congress. 

President. 

To  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of 

Attest,  Secretary. 

Resolved,  That  3  o'clock,  P.  M.  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of  a  ma- 
jor general  in  the  room  of  the  late  Doct.  Warren,  and  also  for  the 
choice  of  one  brigadier  general. 

Several  letters  from  Penobscot,  viz.  ;  from  Mr.  John  Lane,  and  oth- 
ers, were  read  and  committed  to  Capt.  Webster,  Col.  Farley,  Capt. 
Holmes,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Major  Perley.1 

Doct.  Gunn  was  appointed  to  report  a  resolve  on  the  proposal  made 
by  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  the  killed  and  wounded  in  the 
late  battle. 

A  petition  from  the  district  of  Woolwich  2  was  presented  and  read  : 
and  thereupon,  Resolved,  that  the  petitioners  have  leave  to  withdraw 
their  petition. 

Upon  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  that  the  house  of  Mr.  Hunt,  at  Cam- 
bridge, be  hired  for  a  hospital,  and  that  the  committee  appointed  to 
treat  with  Doct.  Spring,  be  a  committee  to  hire  the  same. 

(l)Tiic  substance  of  the  communications  from  Ponobscot,  is  contained  in  a  letter  from  Gen. 
Preble. 

"Falmouth,  June  15,  1775. 

"  Honored  Sir  : — Mr.  Lane  is  returned  here,  with  four  of  the  Penobscot  tribe  ;  we  have  furnished 
them  with  carriages  to  convey  them  to  von,  and  Mr.  Lane  with  money  to  pay  their  expenses.  Oro- 
no,  the  chief  man,  leemi  to  be  sensible,  and  hearty  in  our  cause  :  he  reserves  what  lie  has  chiefly  to 

say,  till  he  comei  to  the  ( longress.  We  gave  them  astaraoeea  that  they  might  depend  upon  being 
provided  for,  while  there,  as  well  as  on  their  return  back  again,  wished  them  a  pleasant  journey, 
and  that  the  event  might  be  happy  to  them  and  us.  We  suppose  Mr.  Lane  will  give  account  of  the 
expense,  therefore  we  have  sent  none." 

"  Wishing  lUCCeea  to  our  righteous  cause,  we  are,  your  honors,  most  obedient  humble  servants, 
the  committee  of  correspondence,  JEDEDIAH  PREBLE,  Chairman." 

"  Hun.  Joseph  Warren,   Pri  ident." 

(2)  This  petition  was  for  n  supply  of  powder. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  Ml 

Ordered,  Thai  Doct.  Church,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Doci    Whiting,  be 

a  committee  t->  consider  what  method  is  proper  t<>  be  taken  t"  Mipply 
the  hospitals  with  Burgeons:  and  thai  the  Bame  gentle d  be  a  com- 
mittee to  provide  me. linn.-,  am!  ;ill  other  necessaries  foi  the  hospitals. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  expediency  of  establishing  arn 
vessels,  was  considered,  and  after  debate,  the  matter  was  ordered  to 
Bubside.1 

The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Do.t.  Spring,  relative  to  the 
use  of  In-  house  for  another  hospital,  reported  :  the  report  was  read  and 
accepted,  and  i-  as  follows,  v  1/ 

Tin'  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  expediency  of  establish- 
ing another  hospital  lor  the  sick  and  wounded   of   the  army,  ha\n 

tended  that  service,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  thej  judge  n  i-  real! 
pedienl  to  have  another  established,  and  the)  judge  that  the  bouse 
of  Doct.  Spring,  in  Watertown,  is  convenient  lor  that   purpose;  ami 

that  he  l-  willing  -aid  house  should   he  improved    by  the    province     for 

that  use,  hnt  that  he  cannot  at  present  ascertain  the  damage  it  may  be 
to  him,  hut  is  willing  to  submit  that  matter  to  the  judgment  of  a  com- 
mit tee  to  be  hereafter  appointed  b\  tin-  honorable  Congress  or  the  boose 
of  assembly.  Bj  or.1  .1.  Hall. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Church,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Pickering,  be  a 
committee  to  considei  the  petition  of  Mr.  Pigeon,  commissary  general. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Wheeler,  Doct.  Whiting,  andCapt.  Pilsbury,  be 
a  committee  to  consider  a  petition  of  Col.  John  Patterson,  [who  re- 
ported as  follow  -  ■  J 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  eon-iderat mil  the  petition  of 
Col.  Patterson,  have    attended    that    service,  and  beg  leave  to  report  by 

w  av  of  resolve. 

[  Hi  -ill  r  i  ./,  j  That  the  com  iii  ii  tee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  give  imme- 
diate orders  for  the  supplying  -aid  destitute  soldiers  with  blankets, 
agreeablj  to  the  -aid  petition. 

The  coi ittee  on  the  petition  of  Mr.  Pigeon,  reported.     The  report 

iccepted,  ami  is  a-  follow  -.  \  iz. : 

"Resolved,  That  Mr.  John  Pigeon,  commissar)  general,  requesting  a 
dismission  from  hi-  said  office,  being  under  a  mistake,  have  bhertv   to 

withdraw    hi-  petit  ion  :    that  the  conduct  of  said  coinnn  neral  in 

hi-  office,  hi-  been  such  a-  to  merit  the  approbation    of  this  <  ongl 

1    T rted  by  the  a nittee,  provided  f..r  fitting  out  .«  numbei 

lo««  iii  lount  from  eight  to  rourii 

the  protection  oftbe  c >rce  and  propertj  of  thi 

latiooi  ui  I  the  province,  :i».i  foi  the  capture  and  deatraei 

4t; 


362  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  19, 

and  of  the  public  in  general  ;  and  that  said  John  Pigeon  be  desired  to 
attend  his  business  as  commissary  general  in  the  service  of  this  prov- 
ince. 

At  the  request  of  Mr.  Pigeon,  the  commissary  general,  Ordered,  that 
Doct.  Holten,  Mr.  Devens,  and  Col.  Palmer,  be  a  committee  to  consult, 
and  with  their  advice,  assist  Mr.  Pigeon  in  such  matters  as  appertain  to 
his  office. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  one  deputy  commissary  appointed  to  each 
regiment,  and  that  Mr.  Pigeon,  the  commissary  general,  be  desired  to 
lay  before  the  Congress  a  list  of  persons  proper  to  be  appointed  for  this 
business,  and  to  propose  an  establishment  for  their  pay. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Edwards,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr. 
Batchelder,  and  Doct.  Church,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  four  In- 
dians, this  day  arrived  from  Penobscot,  under  the  conduct  of  Mr.  John 
Lane,  and  to  provide  proper  entertainment  for  them  while  in  this  place, 
and  for  their  return  home. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr.  Langdon,  and  Col.  Sawyer,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  desire  of  Capt.  George  Dodge  for  liberty  to 
export  a  quantity  of  old  Jamaica  fish. 

On  a  motion  made  in  behalf  of  Capt.  Thomas  Mason  and  Capt. 
George  Dodge,  that  they  might  have  liberty  from  this  Congress  to  ship 
off  for  the  West  Indies,  one  hundred  and  thirty  hogsheads  of  last  year 
Jamaica  cod  fish,  or  a  quantity  not  exceeding  the  same  : 

Resolved,  That  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  the  detention  of  said 
fish  can  be  of  little  or  no  service  to  this  colony,  and  that  they  be  al- 
lowed to  export  the  same :  and  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  town  of 
Salem  is  directed  to  see  that  this  resolve  be  effectually  carried  into  ex- 
ecution, and  that  no  other  provisions,  except  for  the  vessel's  use,  be 
shipped  off  in  the  same. 

Resolved,  That  five  o'clock,  P.  M.,  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of 
some  person  to  preach  an  election  sermon  on  the  9th  of  July  next. 

[Afternoon.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  petition  from  the  committee 
chosen  to  take  care  of  the  poor  at  Charlestown,  reported ;  the  report 
was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

The  committee  chosen  to  take  the  within  petition  into  consideration 
report,  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Charles- 
town  be  provided  for  by  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  to  which 
they  remove,  until  the  further  order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress,  or 
house  of  representatives. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  968 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Cushing,  Major  Perley,  Col.  Prescott,  Col.  Bar- 

rett,  and  I). 'aeon  I'Vhrr,  !>e  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  grounds 
report  which  has  prevailed  in  the  army,  that  there  baa  been  treachery 
in  9ome  of  the  officers;  and  that,  it"  they  liud  thai  Buch  report   i-  with- 
ont  Foundation,  they  bring  in  a  resolve  for  quieting  the  minds  of  the 
people,  in  respecl  thereof. 

Ordered,  That  the  c mittee  appointed  to  consider  the   request  of 

Capt.  George  Dodge,  should  likewise  com    ler  a  request  mad.'  by  Dea- 
con Cheever,  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Russell,  for  a  similar  purpose. 

On  a  motion  made  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Thomas  Elussell,  merchant,  that 
he  might  be  allowed  to  ship  off  from  this  colony,  one  hundred  hogs- 
beads  of  last  year's  Jamaica  fish,  for  the  West  [ndii 

Resolved,  That  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  the  detention  of 
said  fish  can  be  of  little  or  no  service  to  this  colony,  and  that  he  be  al- 
lowed to  export  the  same  ;  and  as  part  of  said  lish  is  now  at  Salem,  and 
part  at  Newburyport,  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  the  said  Russell  be 
allowed  to  send  or  transport  the  fish  which  is  at  Salem  to  Newbury- 
port, in  order  to  be  shipped  off  as  aforesaid :  and  the  respective  com- 
mittees of  safety  of  both  said  towns,  are  directed  to  take  care,  in  their 
own  departments,  that  this  resolve  be  effectually  carried  into  execution, 
and  that  no  other  provisions,  except  for  the  vessel'-  use,  be  shipped  off 
in  the  same. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  tor. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Webster,  Mr.  Wheeler,  ami  Mr.  Fox,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  receive  and  count  the  vote-  for  a  major  general. 

The  committee  having  attended  thai  service,  reported  that  Col.  Heath 
w  a-  chosen. 

Resolved,  Thai  eleven  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning,  be  assigned  for 
the  choice  of  lour  brigadier  generals. 

A  return  of  a  member,  (viz.  :  Mr.  Beriah  Norton.)  from  Edgartown, 
was  read,  and  considered ;  and  the  question  being  put,  whether  Mr. 
Norton  be  regularly  returned  a  member  for  said  town,  it  pa.-sed  in  the 
negative 

()rf/i r<//.  That  the  secretary  transmit  to  Genet al  Heath  a  certificate 
of  his  being  chosen  by  this  Congress  a  major  general  in  the  Massachu- 
setts army,  and  to  desire  his  acceptance,  and  that  he  would  attend  this 
Congre--,  ,i-  Minn  as  may  be,  to  receive  his  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheeler,  Mr.  Lothrop,  and  Mr.  Saver,  be  a 
committee  to  make  out  a  commission  for  Major  Genera]  Heath. 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  freeman,  Mr.  \\'eb>ter,  and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  the  form  of  a  return,  to  be  printed  on  the  back  of 


364  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  20, 

the  letter  to  be  sent  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  for  choosing  rep- 
resentatives. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher,  Capt.  Stone,  and  Capt.  Thatcher,  be 
a  committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety  relative 
to  their  recommendation  of  Mr.  John  Wiley  as  captain  of  a  company 
of  the  train  of  artillery,  and  that  they  notify  the  said  Wiley  to  be  heard 
thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Batchelder,  Mr.  Hopkins,  and  Major  Fuller, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  a  petition  from  Robert  Haskell.1 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  be  of  the  committee,  in  the  room  of 
Major  Hall,  to  agree  with  Mr.  Hunt  for  his  house  in  Watevtown,  to  be 
used  as  a  hospital. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Nichols,  Deacon  Fisher,  and  Mr.  Hinsdale, 
be  a  committee  to  distribute  Doct.  Langdon's  sermons,  one  to  each 
minister  in  the  colony,  and  one  to  each  member  of  the  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  the  form  of  a  return  to  be  printed 
on  the  back  of  the  letters  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  and  dis- 
tricts, &c,  reported.  The  report  was  read,  and  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz.  : 

Pursuant  to  the  letters  within  written,  the  freeholders  and  other  in- 
habitants of  the  town  of  ,  qualified  as  is  therein  directed, 
upon  due  warning  given,  assembled  and  met  together,  the  day 
of  ,  1775,  and  did  then  elect  and  depute  to 
serve  for  and  represent  them,  in  the  session  and  sessions  of  the  great 
and  general  court,  or  assembly,  appointed  to  be  convened,  held,  and 
kept,  at  the  meeting-house  in  Watertown,  upon  Wednesday,  the  nine- 
teenth day  of  July,  1775;  the  said  person  being  chosen  by  the  major 
part  of  the  electors  present  at  said  meeting.  Dated  at 
aforesaid,  the               day  of                   ,  Anno  Domini,  1775. 


: 


Selectmen  of 


The  person  chosen  as  aforesaid  notified  thereof,  and   summoned  to 
attend  accordingly,  by  me, 

Constable  of 

(1)  Robert  Haskell  represented,  that  lie  wn?  a  native  of  Beverly,  where  he  resided  until  1762, 
when  he  removed  to  Yarmouth  in  Nova  Scotia,  and  cultivated  a  small  farm.  Returning  to  Bev- 
erly in  1773,  he  vnsnnfft  in  the  coasting  trade  ;  but  the  wreck  of  his  vessel,  and  the  loss  of  her  cargo, 
had  deprived  him  of  the  meant  of  Support,  i  ml  rendered  hitn  desirous  of  returning  to  his  lands.  Hav- 
ing contracted  for  his  passagi  in  an  old  ship,  the  committee  of  safety  of  Reverly  had  refused  their 
permission  for  his  departure  on  the  contemplated  voyage.  He  prayed  that  Congress  would  give  him 
liberty,  under  the  unfortunate  circumstanced  of  las  condition,  to  revisit  his  home  and  family. 


177.-,.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, reported.     The  reporl  was   read,  paragraph  bj  paragraph, 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  transcribed,  authenticated,  and  Bent  for- 
ward, [  and   is  as  follow  .-.  viz:] 

7n  the  Honorable,  tht  Continental  Congress,  now  sitting  at   Philadel- 
phia : 

Mn ii  it  phase  your  honors: 

Having  been  favored  with  your  resolve  respecting  the  assumption  of 
governmenl  in  this  colony,  we  Beize  the  earliest  opportunity  to  express 
our  grateful  ["sentiments]  for  thai  compassion,  seasonable  exertion,  and 
abundant  wisdom,  evidenced  in  your  recommendation  to  this  people  on 
that  head,  and  for  the  generous  provision  you  have  made  fur  our  sup- 
port, in  our  efforts  for  the  defence  of  the  common  liberty  and  essential 
rights  of  the  whole  continent.  As  we  are  plunged  into  the  accumula- 
ted distresses  of  a  domestic  war,  our  constant  attention  to  the  call-  of 
our  brethren  in  the  field,  will  leave  us  hut  little  time  to  cont<  mplate 
the  acts  of  ordinary  legislation:  hut,  as  we  are  impressed  with  the  in- 
dispensable necessity  of  rescuing  this  people  from  the  danger  they  are 
in,  of  falling  into  a  state  of  anarchy,  and  that  our  public  resolutions  may 
In-  taken  and  executed  with  greater  despatch,  we  -hall  apply  ourselves, 
with  all  diligence,  to  fulfil  your  benevolent  intentions,  ami  establish  the 
form  of  government  recommended  b)  your  honors;  that  so,  or<h  r  and 
rnmenl  may  he  restored  to  tin-  disturbed  community. 

VI  e  think  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  inform  you,  that  reenforcements 
fr>uu  Ireland,  both  of  horse  ami  foot,  being  arrived,  the  number  un- 
known,  and  having  good  intelligence  that  general  Gage  was  about  to 
take  pi. --e--inn  of  the  advantageous  posts  in  Charlestown,  and  on  Dor- 
chester point,  the  committee  of  safety  advised,  that  om  troops  should 
prepossess  them,  if  possible;  accordingly,  on  Fridaj  evening,  the  16th 
instant,  this  was  effected  by  about  twelve  hundred  men.  About  (lav- 
hid  it.  on  Saturday  moning,  their  line  of  ci  renin  v  all  at  ion.  on  a  -mall  lull 
BOuth  of  Bunker's  hill,  in  Charlestown,  was  closed.  At  this  time,  the 
Lively,  man  of  war,  began  to  lire  upon  them.  A  number  of  our  ene- 
mies' -hip-,  tenders,  cutters,  ami  bcows,  or  floating  batteries,  soon  came 
up  :  from  all  which  the  tire  was  general  by  twelve  o'clock.  About  two, 
the  enemy  began  to  land  at  a  point  which  leads  out  towards  Noddies 
island,  and  immediately  marched  up  to  our  intrenchments,  from  which 
th.y  were  twice  repulsed  ;  but,  in  the  third  attack,  forced  them.     Our 

n  [raionloitiitt.] 


366  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  20, 

forces,  which  were  in  the  lines,  as  well  as  those  sent  for  their  support, 
were  greatly  annoyed  on  every  side,  by  balls,  and  bombs,  from  Copp's 
hill,  the  ships,  scows,  &,c.  At  this  time,  the  buildings  in  Charlestown 
appeared  in  flames,  in  almost  every  quarter,  kindled  by  hot  balls,  and 
are  since  laid  in  ashes.  Though  this  scene  was  most  horrible,  and 
altogether  new  to  most  of  our  men,  yet  many  stood  and  received  wounds 
by  swords  and  bayonets,  before  they  quitted  their  lines.  At  five  o'clock, 
the  enemy  were  in  full  possession  of  all  the  posts  within  the  [isthmus.] 
In  the  evening  and  night  following,  General  Ward  extended  his  in- 
trenchments,  before  made  at  the  stone  house,  over  Winter  hill.  About 
six  o'clock,  P.  M.,  of  the  same  day,  the  enemy  began  to  cannonade 
Roxbury,  from  Boston  neck  and  elsewhere,  which  they  continued  twen- 
ty four  hours,  with  little  spirit  and  less  effect. 

The  number  of  killed  and  missing  on  our  side  is  not  known ;  but 
supposed  by  some  to  be  about  sixty  or  seventy,  and  by  some,  consider- 
ably above  that  number.  Our  most  worthy  friend  and  president,  Doct. 
Warren,  lately  elected  a  major  general,  is  among  them.  This  loss  we 
feel  most  sensibly.  Lieut.  Col.  Parker,  and  Major  Moore,  of  this  colo- 
ny, and  Major  McClary,  from  New  Hampshire,  are  also  dead.  Three 
colonels,  and  perhaps  one  hundred  men  are  wounded.  The  loss  of  the 
enemy  is  doubtless  great.  By  an  anonymous  letter  from  Boston,  we 
are  told,  that  they  exult  much  in  having  gained  the  ground,  though 
their  killed  and  wounded  amount  to  about  one  thousand  ;  but  this  ac- 
count exceeds  every  other  estimation.  The  number  they  had  engaged 
is  supposed  to  be  between  three  and  four  thousand.  If  any  error  has 
been  made  on  our  side,  it  was  in  taking  a  post  so  much  exposed. 

As  soon  as  an  estimate  can  be  made  of  public  and  private  stocks  of 
gunpowder  in  this  colony,  it  shall  be  transmitted  without  delay  ;  which, 
we  are  well  assured,  will  be  very  small,  and  by  no  means  adequate  to 
the  exigencies  of  our  case. 

We  apprehend,  that  the  scantiness  of  our  stock  of  that  article  cannot 
fail  to  induce  your  honors  still  to  give  your  utmost  attention  to  ways 
and  means  ofprocuring  full  supplies  of  it.  We  feel  ourselves  infinitely 
obliged  to  you  for  your  past  care  in  this  respect. 

We  beg  leave  humbly  to  suggest,  that,  if  a  commander  in  chief  over 
the  army  of  the  United  Colonies  should  be  appointed,  it  must  be  plain 
to  your  honors,  that  no  part  of  this  continent  can  so  much  require  his 
immediate  presence  and  exertions,  as  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  and  Mr.  Phillips,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  draw  up  a  resolve,  to  be  sent  to  General  Ward,  suggesting  to 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  SOT 

him  the  expediencj  of  drawing  part  <>f  the  forces  Btationed  at  Etoxburj . 
to  the  '-11111)  at  ( lambridge. 

The  said  committee  reported  tin-  following  letter,  which  waa  accept- 
ed, ami  ordered  to  be  sent,  by  -Mr.  Thaxter,  to  the  camp  at  ( lambridgi 
immediately  : 

Sir: — Tin-  Congress,  considering  the  presenl  situation  of  the  ene- 
my, ami  thai  ofthe  division  of  our  army  at  Cambridge,  think  proper  to 
suggest  to  your  serious  consideration,  whether  it  i-  ool  proper  ami  ex- 
pedient, that  there  should  be  an  immediate  draft  of  a  regiment  or  more 
from  the  tXoxburj  camp  to  tint  ;it  Cambridge.  Your  good  sense  will 
undoubtedly  incline  yon  to  consult  Gem  ral  Thomas,  before  you  deter- 
mine absolutely  on  tin-  measure;  but  we  conceive  the  consideration  of 
tin-  matter  ought  not  to  he  delayed  a  moment. 

To  the  llo„.  General  Ward. 

Adjourned  to  Wednesday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

\\  i  dnesdat,  June  21,  177."). 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  of  this  Congress  for  ranking  the  major  >.r,ii- 
erals  agreeably  to  the  order  of  their  choice,  he  reconsidered. 

The  commission  prepared  for  General  Heath,  was  presented  to  Con- 
gress, read,  and  accepted,  and  is  a-  follows  : 

Th  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,tothi  Hon  117/- 
liam  Hi  nth,  /.'-</.  Greeting. 

We,  reposing  especial  trust  and  confidence  in  your  courage,  and 
good  conduct,  do,  by  these  presents,  constitute  ami  appoint  you,  the 
said  William  Heath,  to  lie  a  major  genera]  of  all  the  force-  raised  by 
the  CongTl  --  aforesaid,  for  the  defence  of  tin-  and  the  other  American 
colonii 

You  are,  therefore,  carefully  and  diligently  to  discharge  the  duty  of 
a  major  general,  in  leading,  ordering,  and  exercising  the  -aid  force- 
in  arm-,  both  inferior  officers  and  soldiers,  ami  to  keep  them  m  ifood 
order  and  discipline :  And  thej  are  hereb)  commanded  to  obej  you 
a-  their  major  genera]  :  And  yon  are,  yourself,  to  observe  ami  follow 
such  orders  and  instructions,  as  you  shall,  from  time  to  time,  receive 
from  the  general  and  commander  in  chief  of  -aid  force-,  oi  am  other 
your  superior  officers ;  ami  to  demean  yourself  according  to  military 
rule-  and  discipline  established  bj  -aid  Congress,  in  pur-nance  of  the 
trust  reposed  in  you.     Dated  at  Watertown,  the  21s1  of  June,  i :  :."> 

By  order  of  ( !ongn 

President 


368  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  21, 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Major  Hawley,  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Dur- 
fee,  and  Mr.  Jewett,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  di- 
recting General  Ward,  to  call  Col.  Glover's  regiment,  now  stationed  at 
Marblehead,  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  and  report. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Robert  Haskell,  reported  :  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
Robert  Haskell,  beg  to  report  by  way  of  resolve, 

Resolved,  That  the  petitioner,  Robert  Haskell,  be,  and  he  hereby  is 
permitted  to  proceed  from  Beverly  to  Nova  Scotia,  in  a  fishing  vessel 
about  17  years  old,  that  he  hath  procured  for  that  purpose  ;  also  to  carry 
three  or  four  persons  with  him,  and  the  following  provisions,  viz. : 
one  barrel  of  pork  ;  two  of  bread  ;  sixteen  gallons  of  molasses  ;  sixteen 
gallons  of  rum  ;  a  half  bushel  of  beans  or  peas  ;  and  two  bushels  of  salt ; 
but  no  more  provisions  of  any  kind  whatever  :  and  that  such  proceed- 
ing will  not  be  contrary  to  the  resolve  passed  by  the  Grand  American 
Congress,  the  17th  of  May  last,  or  any  other  resolve  that  honorable 
Congress  have  yet  published. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Phiney,  be  admitted  into  this  house,  to  inform 
the  Congress  of  the  state  of  the  regiment  enlisted  in  the  county  of 
Cumberland. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  directing 
General  Ward,  to  call  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  the  regiment  at 
Marblehead,  reported.     The  report  was  [''accepted]1. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Sayer  wait  on  General  Ward  with  it. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sayer,  draw,  in  the  form  of  a  resolve,  the  report 
of  the  committee  relative  to  the  estates  of  the  refugees. 

Ordered,  That  the  president  sign  the  resolve  relative  to  the  violation 
of  the  sabbath,  which  passed  the  lGth  instant. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Jones,  Capt.  Stone,  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Thomas  Twining. 

Mr.  Sayer  reported  a  resolve  relative  to  the  estates  of  the  refugees, 
which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  Cambridge, 
Watertown,  and  Worcester  papers,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.: 

Whereas,  the  property  of  some  persons  who  have  left  their  habita- 
tions in  sundry  towns  in  this  colony,  and  have  discovered  themselves 
to  be  enemies  to  the  rights  of  this  colony,  and  the  continent  of  Ameri- 

a  [accepted  and  is  a?  follows.] 

(1)  The  resolution,  unfortunately  lost  from  the  journal  and  files,  appears  to  have  directed  the  re- 
moval of  the  regiment  from  the  coast  to  the  camp,  as  soon  as  the  troops  could  abandon  their  post 
with  safety  to  the  inhabitants. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVING]  \\,  I  ONGRES 

ca,  in  general,  and  have  taken  refuge  in  Boston,  and  other  places,  Hu- 
rler the  protecti f  the  enemies  to  said  colon)  and  continent  .  thi 

lore.  Resolved,  thai  il  be  recommended  t<>  the  selectmen  and  commit- 
-  of  correspondence  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  of  this  colony, 
where  any  property  is  to  be  found  belonging  to  an)  of  the  aforesaid  per- 
sons, thai  the)  take  the  si ■  into  their  care,  and  make  the  besl  impro 

menl  thereof  in  their  power;  and  also,  thai  il  be  recommended  to  the 
said  committees  or  selectmen,  to  use  their  endeavor,  thai  no  strip  or 
waste  be  made  on  such   property,  and  to   keep  an   accounl   of  all   t Ik* 

rents  ami  profits  arising   fr the  same,  and  to  be  accountable  for  the 

same,  to  tin-,  <>r  some  other  Congress  or  assembl)  of  this  colony,  when 
thereto  required ;  the)  having  a  reasonable  allowance  made  for  their 
trouble. 

Aflemoi 

Ordered,  That  .Major   Hawley,   Mr.  Gerry  and   Major   Fuller,  be  a 

nmittee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  for  the  purpose  of  calling  the  general 

sembly  at  another  time  than  that  at  which  it  is  to  be  held,  if  the  exi- 
gencies of  the  times  should  make  it  necessary. 

R< solved,  That  another  major  general  be  chosen  by  this  Congress, 
".n  addition  to  the  two  aire  ad)  chosen,  and  thai  six  o'clock,  this  after- 
noon, be  assigned  for  such  choice. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Col.  Farley  and  Mr.  Wheeler,  he  a 
committee  to  inquire  how  and  wh(  re  material-  for  making  good  p  p<  r, 
nroper  for  bills  of  credit,  ma)  be  had.  if  any  such  bills  should  l>e  emit- 
• 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.   Bragdon  and  Col.  Davis,  be  a  committee  to 

apply  to  Mr.  Paul   Revere,  desiring  him  to  take  care,  thai  he  does   not 

e  his  engraving  press  exposed,  when  he  is  absenl  from  it ;  and  said 

committee  are  directed  to  take  the  plates  into  their  hands,  and  deliver 

them  to  this  Congress,  when  the  notes  are  all  struck  oil*. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Indian-,  re- 
ported as  follow  s,  \  i/.  : 

The  committee  appointed  by  the  honorable  colony  Congress,  now  sit- 
ting, to  treat  with  the  chiefs  from  the  Penobscot  tribe,  after  an  intro- 
duction "it  their  pari,  received  from  the  [chief  of  the]  Indian-  the  fol- 
lowing address,  \  iz.  : 

The  representation  he  now  makes,  and  the  engagements  he  enters 
into,  are  in  behalf  of  the  whole  tribe  he  represents. 

Hi-  heart  i-  g I.  honest,  and  upright,  in  all  he  says. 

The  English  ire  a  people  old  and  strong;  bul  the)  are  children  and 
weak.     They  have  a  large  trad    of  land,  which   the)    have  a   righl  to 

47 


370  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  12 

call  their  own,  and  have  possessed,  accordingly,  for  many  years. 
These  lands  have  been  encroached  upon  by  the  English,  who  have,  for 
miles  on  end,  cut  much  of  their  good  timber.  They  ask  that  the  Eng- 
lish would  interpose  and  prevent  such  encroachments  for  the  future  : 
and  they  will  assist  us,  with  all  their  power,  in  the  common  defence  ol 
our  country ;  and  they  hope,  if  the  Almighty  be  on  our  side,  the  ene- 
my will  not  be  able  to  deprive  us  of  our  lands. 

They  request  that  Capt.  Lane  be  an  agent  for  them,  to  settle  all 
matters  relative  to  the  above  difficulties  respecting  their  lands. 

They  desire  a  commissary  may  be  sent  among  them,  of  whom  they 
may  purchase  goods.  They  desire  provisions,  powder,  &c,  may  be 
sent  them,  which  they  will  buy  at  a  reasonable  rate. 

They  say,  they  have  been  much  imposed  upon  by  our  traders,  and 
desire  such  evils  may  be,  by  us,  prevented. 

Ordered,  That  the  request  of  the  Indians,  as  mentioned  in  said  re- 
port, be  considered  by  the  committee  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Haven  administer  the  oaths  to  General  Heath,  as 
colonel,  and  as  major  general  of  the  Massachusetts  army. 

The  president  then  delivered  General  Heath  a  commission  as  colo- 
nel, and  another  as  a  major  general  of  the  Massachusetts  army. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr.  Lothrop  and  Mr.  Pitts,  be  a 
committee  to  deliver  commissions  to  the  following  officers  in  General 
Heath's  regiment,  viz.  :  Jotham  Loring  2d,  major  :  Charles  Cushing, 
captain  :  Elias  Whitton,  lieutenant  :  Benjamin  Beal,  ensign. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col. 
Thompson,  Capt.  Goodman,  Col.  Lincoln  and  Col.  Freeman,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  reason  of  the  present  want  of  discipline 
in  the  Massachusetts  army,  and  to  report  to  this  Congress  what  is  the 
most  proper  way  to  put  said  army  into  a  proper  regulation. 

A  commission  was  delivered  to  Col.  Benjamin  Ruggles  Woodbridge, 
as  colonel  of  a  regiment  in  the  colony  army. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  the  officers  of  Col. 
Woodbridge's  regiment,  agreeably  to  a  list  by  him  exhibited  to  the 
committee  of  safety. 

The  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lincoln,  Mr.  Pitts  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  receive,  sort,  and  count  the  votes  for  another  major  general  : 
which  committee  reported,  that  they  had  attended  that  service,  and  that 
Joseph  Fry,  Esq.,  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phillips  be  appointed,  foithwith  to  wait  on  Col. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  :r,  | 

Fry,  to  inform  him  of  such  choice,  and  to  know  it'  In-  will  accept  that 
trust. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  tin-  Indians, 
now  in  Watertown,  reported  :  the  report  was  accepted,  and  i-  ai  fol- 
lows, viz.  : 

We,  the  delegates  of  the  people  of  this  province,  assembled  in  Con- 
gress, being  appointed  to  transact  the  public  business,  have  no  doubt 
that  any  engagement  we  shall  make,  lor  and  in  behalf  of  our  constitu- 
ents, will,  on  their  part,  be  faithfully  ratified  and  adhered  to.  We  do 
not  doubt  of  the  integritj  and  honest  intentions  of  our  brethren  of  the 
Penobscot  tribe,  and  hope,  on  their  part,  that  the)  entertain  no  jeal- 
ousy of  the  upriLrhtne-s  and  fidelity  of  us,  their  brethren.  The  inhabi- 
tants of  this  colony  disdain  to  make  use  of  unjustifiable  force  or  arti- 
fice, to  rob  their  unsuspecting  hrethren  of  their  rights;  and  are  heartily 
disposed  to  prevent  any  injuries  and  encroachments  upon  their  neigh- 
bors, and  to  restrain  and  chastise  such  invaders  as  have  evidenced  any 
such  unjustifiable  dispositions.  And  we  hereby  strictly  forbid  any 
person  or  persons  whatsoever,  from  trespassing  or  making  waste,  upon 
any  of  the  lands  and  territories,  or  possession-,  beginning  at  the  head 
of  the  tide  on  I'euohscot  river,  extend  in  if  six  miles  on  each  side  of  said 
river,  now  claimed  by  our  hrethren,  the  Indian-  of  the  Penobscot  tribe, 
as  they  would  avoid  the  highest  displeasure  of  this  Congress 

We  think  our  hrethren  of  the  Penobscot  tribe,  for  their  generous 
offer-  of  friendship  and  assistance  in  our  present  war  v,  ith  our  hrethren 
in  Great  Britain,  who  are  endeavoring,  by  murder  and  violence,  to  rob 
us  of  our  lands  ami  property,  and  hereby  engage  to  [support]  their  just 
claims  against  every  invader.  As  soon  as  we  can  take  breath,  from 
our  present  fight,  we  will  take  care  that  our  hrethren,  the  Penobscot 
tribe,  shall  be  furnished  with  a  proper  commissary,  who  shall  be  direct- 
ed to  furnish  them  with  provisions,  ammunition,  and  s_r""ds,  at  a  rea- 
sonable rate  ;  and  proper  and  effectual  measures  shall  then  he  taken. 
to  prevent  any  dishonest  persons  from  carrying  on  a  fraudulent  traffic 
with  them. 

We  accept  of  Capt.  Lane,  as  an  agent,  appointed  by  our  hrethren  of 
the  I'euohscot  tribe,  who  is  hereby  authorized  and  empowered  to  take 
cognizance,  and  make  report  to  this  Congress,  or  any  future  assembly 
of  this  colony,  of  any  molestation  or  depredations,  which  the  Indians 
of  the  Penobscot  tribe  may  hereafter  sustain,  from  anj  person  whatso- 
ever :  so  that  seasonable  ami  effectual  measure-  ma)  be  taken  to  afford 
those,  our  brethren,  such  redress  as  their  circumstances  maj  require. 
To  the  Fountain  of  all  Justice  we  dare  appeal,  that  our   intentions  are 


372  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  21, 

equitable  towards  all  our  neighbors,  and  on  that  Almighty  Being  we 
rely,  that,  while  we  are  struggling  against  rapine  and  tyranny,  we  shall 
be  supported  in  the  conflict,  and  our  just  endeavors  be  finally  crowned 
with  success. 

The   committee   likewise  reported,  verbally,  that  it  is  their  opinion, 
the  said  Indians  should  have,  each  of  them,  two  yards  of  blue  broad- 
cloth, and  one  piece  of  ribbon,  and  have  their  expenses  paid,  out  an 
home  :  which  report  was  accepted,  and  the  committee  of  supplies  di 
rected  to  furnish  said  Indians  with  the  said  ribbon  and  cloth. 

A  copy  of  a  letter  from  the  president  of  the  New  York  Congress  1 
Major  General  Wooster,  at  Greenwich,  forwarded  to  head  quarters  a 
Cambridge,  was  read,  and  committed  to  the  committee  just  now  ap 
pointed  to  consider  some  methods  for  regulating  the  army  immediately. 

(I)  The  letter  of  the  New  York  Congress  was  forwarded  by  Gov.  Trumbull,  with  the  communi- 
cations which  follow  : 

"  LEBANON,  June  19,  1775,  A.  M.,  7  o'clock. 
"  SIR  : — Inclosed  are  copies  of  notes  taken  by  the  Provincial  Congress  at  New  York,  of  the  in- 
telligence brought  bv  Capt.  Thompson,  of  the  embarkation  of  four  regiments  from  Ireland  for  New 
York,  in  consequence  whereof  .Major  General  Wooster  is  requested  by  that  Congress  to  march  imme- 
diately within  five  miles  of  the  city  ;  and  the  latter  informs  me,  that  Capt.  Sears  informed  him,  that 
the  people  of  New  York  intend  to  quarter  our  troops  in  the  city.  The  military  stores,  which  were 
at  Turtle  Bay,  have  fallen  into  the  hands  of  General  Wooster,  consisting  of  too  many  articles  to  be 
enumerated  ;  among  which  are,  about  five  hundred  good  horse  harnesses,  a  very  considerable  nuru 
her  of  13  and  10  inch  carcasses,  [shells  and  pots,]  all  well  charged,  a  very  great  plenty  of  grape  shot, 
cannon  balls  from  24  pounders  down  to  3,  &c,  &c." 

"  The  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York  forwarded,  for  the  use  of  your  camp  at  Cambridge,  655 
lbs.  of  powder,  which  came  as  far  as  Stanford.  They  desired  the  same  quantity  might  be  forwarded 
from  our  eastern  magazines.  The  governor,  with  his  council  here,  agreed,  on  Saturday  last,  to  send 
forward  ten  barrels  of  powder,  containing  1 100  lbs.,  from  Norwich.  Immediately  after  receiving  the 
letter  of  Mr.  Gerry,  of  17 ih  June,  at 7  and  8  o'clock,  P.  M..  I  sent  to  Norwich  directions  to  fjrward 
the  same,  night  and  day.  The  remainder  of  Col.  Parson's  regiment  were  ordered  to  march,  forth- 
with, to  join  the  rest  at  camp,  with  one  pound  powder,  three  do.  ball,  and  six  flints  each.  I  have 
sent  to  hasten  them  on.  I  have,  this  moment,  received  advice  from  Col.  Arnold  at  Crown  Point, 
of  13th  instant,  that  the  Indians  of  the  Cagnawaga  tribe  are  determined  not  to  assist  the  king's 
troops,  and  have  passed  a  law,  that  the  first  of  their  tribe,  who  takes  uparms  against  us,  shall  be  put 
to  death  ;  which  he  says,  is  confirmed  by  five  chiefs  of  that  tribe  there  with  their  families,  and  they 
press  hard  for  our  army  to  march  into  Canada,  as  they  are  much  disgusted  with  the  regular  troops. 
Three  Indians,  sent  by  him  to  Canada,  it  seems,  have  been  much  abused  by  the  regulars,  and  are 
returned,  and  confirm  that  account  :  it  is  also  confirmed,  he  says,  by  a  gentleman  of  probity  at 
Montreal  ;  and  that  number!  of  the  Canadians  have  expected  our  army  there,  and  are  impatient  of 
our  delay,  being  determined  to  join  us  as  soon  as  sufficient  force  appears  to  support  ihein  :  that 
Gov.  Carlton,  by  every  art,  can  raise  no  more  than  twenty  Canadians  of  the  noblesse  :  that  he 
threatens  to  burn  .Montreal,  if  the  men  bants  won't  defend  the  city,  incase  of  an  attack:  that  he  has 
only  550  effective  men,  and  thinks  it  would  be  very  easy  to  possess  ourselves  of  the  whole  country." 
'•  Col.  Hinman  writes,  that  he  is  in  quiet  possession  of  Ticonderoga,  and  does  not  rind  that  there 
are  any  enemit  B  about  him." 

«<  I  am,  with  great  troth  and  regard, gentlemen,  your  obedient,  humble  Bervant, 

JONA.  TRUMBULL." 
"Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  President  of  the  Massachusetts  Congress,  and  Elbridge  Gerry,  Esq., chairman 
of  the  committee  of  supplies  at  Massachusetts." 


1775.]  THIRD   PROA  [NCIAL  <  0NGRES8.  373 

Ordered,  Thai   commissions  for   the  several  officers  of  the  train  of 
artillerj  hereafter  mentioned,  be  prepared  and  delivered,  viz.      I     I 
Richard  Gridley,  colonel :   Mr.  William   Burbeck,  lieutenant   colonel. 
.Mr.  David  Mason,  1st  major  :   Mr.  Scarborough  Gridli  \.  2d  major. 

Resolved,  That  commissions  be  delivered  \<>  I  i  eral  officers  of 
the  train  of  artiller) .  agreeably  \>>  the  list  exhibited  bj  the  committee 
of  safety,  except   t"   Mr.  John    Wiley's   company:  and  thai   the  >aiil 

committee  be  desired  i"  recommend   -■> persons   for  that  compan\ 

w. 

/,  That    Mr.  Lothrop,    Mr.  Pickering  ami  Col.  Sawyer,  lo-  a 
committee  to  prepare  i  ommissions  lor  the  sevi  ral  officers  of  the  train. 
eably  t<>  tin-  foregoing  resoh  e  of  <  !ongi  i 

.\  Intelligence  brought  by  Caj    . 

"  Qapt.  Thompson  arrix  •    n   York,  Ti  3th  June,  1775  ;  left  Cork,  in  Ireland,  on  the 

6th.      •  st,  and  informs,  that  six  regiinei  rnnsports,  for  Bn  regiment 

of  horse  included,  which  Bailed  30lh  April.     ' J " ( . r .  mbarked,  and  the  fourth  em- 

bark! I  foi   New  York,  with  the  first  fair  wind.     The  regiments  were  all  full,  *  ich, 

filled  by  drafts  from  the   i  in.     Their  places  were  to  be  filled   bj  new  recruits, 

eral  report  was,  that  these   lour  regiments  were  coming  t..  New  York,  am!  some  captains, 
and  other  officers  belonging  to  1 1 1 . -  troops,  told  Capt.  Thompson  in 

0  rrived  at  Cork,  from  Kilk  lay  Capt.  Thompson  sailed,  wh 

was  the   lis]    regiment  to  embark   lor  New   York.     Ho  saw  12  large   Iran-  nod   lor   N 

York  :  ho  heard  that  16  v  imo  to  Ni  »   York." 

••  'l'ii    ■  Yorknre  to 

oil  was,  thnt  tin  Tor  In  persons  here.     Thi 

,1,-1  out:  no  ships  of  war  wcro  coming  with  the  transports : 

a  report   prevailed   in   Ireland,  that  nin  i!  i.ODO 

rning.     The  people  of  Ireland,  In   general,  an 
toll       '.  \  by  the  parliament  of  Great  Bril 

■     MM,  -     pt.  Thompson    lor  Phil  idelphi 

to   Ymerii 

•-  Pro\  iv         I  fern  York,  17th  Jut 

••  SIR  :  —  lo  oil'  will  informed  thul   four  regiments,  containing  m'.ir  three  tliousnnd  effective  men, 
iled,  in  ir  ,  wi   look  the  liberty  lo  request  the 

sons  of  freedom  who  air  under  your  command.     U       in  .  ilii*   instant,  furthei   informed,  thai  the 
Mercury,  ship  of  war,  was  cruising  upon  oui  to  order  thot 

I     B     Ion  immediately,  and  did,  on  Tuesduj  last,  thirty  leagues  to  the  southeast  of  the  M 
deliver  her  orders  to  the  old   S|n,  man  of  war,  now  a  transport,  with  part   of  i1 

men)  on  board,  which  im diutely  altered  her  course.     Prom  hi  onclude.  th 

tnl  stroke  is  medil   I  st  our  brethren  of  the    Massachusetts    B  \ 

sir,  whether  il  ion,  for  the   forces  under  your  command  to  march  wesl 

but  we         I  'I  to  believe,  thai  ii  i>  nfmore  important  • sequence  to  secure  tin  with 

which   i  ously  fortifiod  the  eastern  country,  th 

war  should  prove  ratal  to  us,  in  the  tirst  contest,  the  enemy  may,  by  bucIi  r. 

v>  insmil  ibis  intolligen 

uti  Wo  nro,  -if,  your  most  humble  sen 

ler  of  tin  I  ER  V.  B.  LI\  .     / 

"  Tii  ■  tei  just  received  from  the  I  ^ 

and  now  forwarded  bj  i 

Ity  ...  I      leral  WoosUi  IAME9  I  .  -v." 


374  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  22, 

Ordered,  That  Major  Whittemore  wait  upon  Col.  Gridley,  to  desire 
him  to  attend  this  Congress,  to-morrow,  to  receive  his  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Nichols,  Mr.  Bent  and  Deacon  Fisher,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Capt.  Briant  Morton. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gridley's  list  of  staff  officers  be  committed  to 
the  committee  just  now  appointed  to  prepare  commissions  for  the  offi- 
cers of  the  train. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  morning,  nine  o'clock. 

Thursday,  June  22,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary,  Col.  Cushing  and  Mr.  Wheeler,  be  a 
committee  to  make  a  list  of  such  officers  of  the  army,  as  have  been 
commissioned,  and  also  to  inquire  who  have  not  yet  received  their 
commissions. 

Ordered,  That  an  ensign's  commission  be  delivered  to  Mr.  Stephen 
Frost,  of  Capt.  Locke's  company,  in  Col.  Gardner's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Ashby,  be  directed  to 
deliver  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Townshend  one  half  barrel  of 
powder,  provided  they  have  two  half  barrels,  the  selectmen  of  Towns- 
end  giving  a  receipt  for  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  of  Col.  Paul  Dudley  Sergent  be  commit- 
ted to  Col.  Parks,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  and  Mr.  Nye. 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  from  Penobscot  [for  ammunition  and 
provisions]  be  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Francis  Kittridge  be  desired  to  attend  the  hos- 
pital, as  a  surgeon,  till  the  further  order  of  Congress,  and  that  Mr. 
Kendall  be  desired  to  inform  Doct.  Kittridge  of  his  appointment. 

Ordered,  That  the  colonels  of  the  several  regiments  in  the  Massa- 
chusetts army,  be  directed  to  recommend,  immediately,  suitable  persons 
for  surgeons  and  surgeons'  mates. 

Ordered,  That  a  recommendation  from  the  committee  of  safety,  re- 
specting aids  de  camp,  be  committed  to  Col.  Glover,  Major  Goodwin 
and  Dr.  Whiting. 

Orelered,  That  Major  Whittemore,  Mr.  Davis  and  Deacon  [aGould,] 
be  a  committee  to  distribute  the  handbills  respecting  the  due  observ- 
ance of  the  Lord's  day. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering  be  appointed,  in  the  room  of  Col. 
Coffin,  to  consider  the  petition  of  Mr.  Kirkwood,  keeper  of  the  light- 
house on  Thatcher's  island.1 

a  [Goo!.] 

(1)  James  Kirkwood  represented,  that  he  had  been  di  prived  of  his  salary  for  two  years,  and  had 
Dot  been  remunerated   for   hip   Jisbura.->inon:s  in  maintaining   the   lights  on  Thatcher's   island,  and 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  :;::, 

Ordered,  Thai  .Mr.  Hinsdale,  Col.  Farley  and  Capt.  Batchelder,  be 
a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  petition  from  George  Vincent 
of  Salem. 

Ordered,  Thai  Dock  Whiting  be  appointed  to  draft  a  resolve,  that 
application  be  made  t < »  the  committee  of  safetj  l>v  everj  person  thai  is 
to  he  appointed  a  military  officer. 

Ordered,  That  the  proclamation  for  a  fast  be  recommitted  for 
amendment,  and  that  .Mr.  Webster  and  Deacon  Fisher  be  added  to  the 
committee. 

Ordered,  That  a  hospital  be  provided  for  the  camp  al  Hoxbury,  and 
that  Col.  Davis,  Doct.  Taylor  ami  Doct.  Whiting,  be  a  committee  to 
provide  one  accordingly,  and  to  supplj  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller  of  Newton,  l>e  appointed  to  take  care 
of  the  plates,  until  the  further  order  of  this  Congress,  or  some  future 
house  of  representatives  of  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Ilawlev,  Mr.  Webster  and  Col.  Gerrish,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  Col.  Phinev's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Goodman  be  appointed,  in  the  room  of  Col. 
Grout,  on  the  petition  of  Mr.  Parry. 

\  i'Tnoon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Paul  Revere's  account1  be  committed  to  Col. 
Karl.;.,  Mr.  Hall  and  Mr.  Bailey. 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.  Batchelder,  Major  Goodwin  and  Mr.  ETobart, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  the  propriety  of  commissioning  the  officers 
in  <  !ol.  Gerrish's  regiment. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Pickering  be  appointed,  to  fill  np  commissions 
for  Samuel  Patch,  as  captain,  and  Zachariah  Walker  and  Joshua 
Brown,  as  lieutenants,  in  Col.  William  Prescott's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  be  sent  to  General  Ward,  in  answer  to  his 
letter,  and  that  Col.  Lincoln  be  appointed  for  thai  service. 

Voted,  Thai  a  particular  number  of  men  shall  Lie  settled,  to  entitle 
Col.   Pliinev  to  the  command  of  a  regiment. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Phiney  be  directed  to  bring  up  to  the  camp  four 
hundred  men  with  effective  tire  arms,  and  that  a  time  be  limited  to 
bring  up  one  hundred  more,  at  least,  with  effective  tire  arms,  and  in 
that  case  [he]  to  be  entitled  to  a  colonel's  commission,  and  not  other- 
wise. 

relief  from  the  pecuniary  diffionltiei  he  experienced  bj  reason  of  ttio  postponement  of  the 
paj  in.  oti  due  fbi  hi  and  expeni 

(1)  Col.  Paul  Keren  charged  for  engraving  four  copper  pi  itei  of  the  colon*  n..to»,  nt  CI.  ct.-h. 
•i\l.  ■.  and  tor  printing  14,600  impressions,  at  3/.  Gc.  8d\  the  thousand,  48 


376  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  2'2, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering  be  appointed,  to  make  out  commis- 
sions to  the  officers  in  Col.  Gerrish's  regiment. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  directed,  as  soon  as  pos- 
sible, to  prepare  and  transmit  to  this  Congress,  perfect  lists  of  the 
names  of  such  gentlemen  as  they  judge  fit  and  worthy  to  be  commis- 
sioned in  the  several  regiments  granted  by  this  Congress,  and  for  which 
the  said  committee  have  not  already  transmitted  lists,  that  so  our  army 
may  be  organized  as  soon  as  possible. 

On  the  petition  of  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Townshend,  Re- 
solved, that  it  be  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Ashby, 
to  deliver  to  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Townshend,  one  half  barrel 
of  gunpowder  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  Townshend:  which 
shall  be  replaced  in  the  town  of  Ashby  by  this  Congress,  or  a  house  of 
representatives,  so  soon  as  the  state  of  our  magazines  will  admit;  or 
otherwise,  said  town  of  Ashby  shall  be  fully  paid  for  said  powder,  out 
of  the  public  treasury  :  provided  the  said  town  of  Ashby  have  two  half 
barrels,  as  has  been  represented  to  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  by  what  means  the  army  before 
Boston,  may  be  effectually  and  most  expeditiously  strengthened,  beg 
leave  to  report  in  part,  that  they  judge  it  absolutely  necessary  that  the 
eight  companies  stationed  in  the  county  of  Plymouth,  belonging  partly 
to  General  Thomas's  regiment,  and  partly  to  Col.  Cotton's  regiment, 
be  immediately  ordered  to  join  the  army  as  soon  as  possible,  and  that 
directions  be  immediately  given  to  General  Ward  for  that  purpose. 

Joseph  Haw  ley,  per  order.1 

[The  committee  reported  the  following  letter  to  general  Ward,  which 
was  accepted  :] 

Sir  : — As  it  appears  to  this  Congress  highly  probable,  that  the  army 
of  our  enemies  will  speedily  make  the  utmost  efforts  to  force  your  lines 
and  penetrate  into  the  country,  they  have  judged  it  absolutely  necessary 
for  the  strengthening  of  the  army  before  Boston,  that  the  eight  compa- 
nies now  posted  in  the  county  of  Plymouth,  belonging  partly  to  Gen- 
eral Thomas  regiment,  and  partly  to  Col.  Cotton's  regiment,  should 
immediately  join  the  said  army.  You  are  therefore  directed,  without 
delay,  to  give  the  orders  necessary  for  the  marching  the  said  eight  com- 
panies to  the  said  army  as  soon  as  may  be. 

(1)  In  the  original  journal,  the  resolve  in  relation  to  the  removal  of  the  troops  from  Plymouth,  is 
repeated,  under  the  date  of  June  23. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 

Resoh  /,  That  [a  the  colonels]  in  the   Massachusetts  army,  be  and 
th  ■;■•  ire  h  sreby  dire  it  •  I.  im  n  ■  I.  itelyto  infor  n  th  ■  comra 
by  Con  to  examine   the  surgeons   for  said  a'rmy,  whom  they  re- 

co:n  n  -;i  I  for  tin'  sur  n  I  -  irg    in's  m  ites  of  their  respective  regi- 

ments, and  send  them  to  said  committee  for  examination,  without  de- 
lay; except  such  as  have  been  examined. 

Resolv,  /,   Th  ge  Vincent    be,  and   he  hereb)  is  permitted  to 

export  from  Salem  to  the  West  [ndies,  about  fort)  one  barrels  ol  ale- 
wives,  i  i  i  said  Vincent  is  also  permitted  to  take  on  board  his  vessel, 
provisions  ent   tor  his  vo  to   the  said  West    [ndies,  and  no 

more,  and  the  committee  <>f  safety  of  the  town  of  Salem,  are  hereby  di- 
re      I  to  see  this  res  »lve  strictly  complied  with. 

On  a  p  itition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  settled   on   Penobscot 
river,  the  inhabitants  of  Belfast,  Vlajabigwaduce,  and  Benjamin's  river, 
representing  the  difficulties  and  distress  said  inhabitants  are  under,  in 
respect  to  the  scarcit)  of  corn  and  ammunition,  and  praying  for  some 
relief,   Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  by  this  Congress,  to  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  of  the  town  of  Gloucester,  or  Newburyport,  or  to  the 
like  co  n  nittees  of  s  Lfety,  or  correspondence,  of  any  other  town-  within 
this  colony,  to  supply  Capt.  Jonathan  Buck,  one  of  the  petitioners,  for 
the  use  of  said  inhabitants,  for  their  present  relict',  with  two  hundred 
bushels  of  indian  corn,  <>r  to  that  amount  in  com  and  rye,  and  take,  in 
return  for  the  same,  cord  wood,  or  such  other  payment  as  the  said  Buck 
ma)  be  able  to  make,  on  his   securitj  therefor;  and  in   case   the   said 
15  i  -a  sh  ill  n  it  mi  ike  satisfaction  for  the  same,  in  a  reasonable  time,  it 
•I   ind  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  colony,  and 
the  sai  !  I>  ick  sh  ill  refund  the  same  as  soon  as  m  i)  be  :  and  that  Col. 
<■  I  a. vu  ■  up  all  the  public  arras  and  ammunition  in  his  possess- 

ion, to  itioners,  ot   a  committee  appointed  l>\  them  for  that  pur- 

p  >s  ■  :  and,  as  top  >wd  -r,  the)  shall  be  reasonably  supplied  therewith. 
soon  as  the  state  of  our  magazine  will  admit  thereof. 

1'ian  \v,    June    1  '>,     I  ''■'>■ 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Cushing,  .Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Pickering,  Mr. 
Wheeler,  an  I  Mr.  Lang  Ion,  b  •  a  committee  to  fill  up  commissions,  and 
that  n  .  one  of  said  gentlemen  quit  the  house  without  leave. 

Ordered,  That   the  officers  m  Col.  Glover's  regiment,  be  comn 
I.  ex  '•;■•  < '  ipt.  Lee  and  his  subalterns. 

Ordered,  That  the  pa)  ol  the  ensigns  he  augmented  tothreepout 

a  [ouch  colonel.  J 

4- 


378  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  23, 

ten  shillings,  and  those  that  are  returned  as  ensigns,  be  commissioned 
as  second  lieutenants. 

Ordered,  That  the  petition  of  Bridget  Philips,  be  dismissed ;  that 
directions  be  given  to  General  Ward,  not  to  permit  Bridget  Philips, 
wife  to  an  officer  in  Boston,  to  go  into  Boston,  nor  any  other  person 
whatever,  and  that  Major  Goodwin,  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve 
for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  a  commission  be  given  to  Col.  Gridley,  as  chief  en- 
gineer and  colonel,  with  the  rank  of  major  general,  and  that  the  lieu- 
tenant colonel  of  the  train  have  the  rank  of  colonel,  and  that  the  ma- 
jors have  the  rank  of  lieutenant  colonels;  and  that  the  captains  [have] 
the  rank  of  majors,  captain  lieutenants  and  first  lieutenants  the  rank  of 
captains  :  and  that  the  rank  of  the  other  officers  be  suspended  for  the 
present. 

Ordered,  That  the  report  respecting  Col.  Phiney's  regiment  be  re- 
committed, in  order  to  bring  in  a  resolve  directing  Col.  Phiney,  to 
bring  to  the  camp,  400  men  with  effective  fire  arms,  and  in  that  case 
[he]  to  be  commissioned  as  first  colonel,  with  a  major  under  him  ;  and 
in  case  he  brings  up  500  men,  all  the  officers  to  be  appointed ;  and  in 
case  he  brings  up  but  300  men,  [he]  to  receive  a  commission  as  lieu- 
tenant colonel  ;  also,  that  his  men  be  brought  up  to  camp  at  the  ex- 
pense of  the  government. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  disperse  the  handbills 
respecting  the  due  observance  of  the  Lord's  day,  be  directed  to  make 
a  computation  what  number  are  wanted,  and  order  them  to  be  printed, 
and  that  one  be  struck  off  for  each  parish. 

Ordered,  That  General  Fry  be  commissioned  as  a  major  general, 
and  that  the  president  be  directed  to  administer  the  oath  to  him. 

Oreh rid,  That  the  oath  for  general  officers  be  altered,  and  that  the 
words,  "or  house  of  representatives,  or  legislative  body  of  said  colony," 
be  added. 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Lane's  account  for  bringing  up  the  Indians,  be 
committed  to  Mr.  Langdon,  Capt.  Goodman,  Capt.  Holmes,  Capt. 
Parker,  and  Capt.  Carpenter,  to  take  the  same  into  consideration,  and 
report  thereon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  provide  a  hospital  for  the  camp  in  Rox- 
bury,  reported  as  follows:  That  they  have  appointed  the  house  be- 
longing to  Joshua  Loring,  in  said  Roxbury,  for  a  hospital,  and  for  the 
use  of  said  camp.     The  report  was  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  of  Capt.  Kirkwood,  be  recommitted  to 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGREE 

the  committee  appointed  to  take  that  matter  into  considei  ad 

thai  Major  Whittemorc,  and  Mr.  Glover,  be  added  to  the  commit! 

Ordered,  That  the  consideration  ol  lo'mtmenl  ofquarti  r  i 

generals,  and  adjutant  generals,  be  deferred  to  four  o  clock,  P    M 
and  that  Mr.  Hobart,  be  appointed  to  wait  on   General    Ward,  to 
quest  him  to]  nominate  an  adjutant  general. 

Ordered,  Thai    to-morrow,  eleven  o'clock,  A.    M.,    b  _w<<\  to 

come  i"  the  choice  of  four  brigadier  generals. 

Ordered,  Thai  a  committee  be  appointed  to  draw  up   the   form  of 

warrant-  for  staff  officers,  and  that  the  c mittees  appointed  to  deliver 

out  commiss -  be  appointed  for  that  purpo 

The  committee  appointed  to  take   into  consideration  Col.   Phini 

iment,    reported.      The    report    was  accepted,   and    is   as  follows, 
\  iz.  : 

That  Col.  Edmund  Phiney,  heretofore  authorized  by  the 
committee  of  safet)  to  raise  a  regimenl  for  the  service  of  this  colony, 
but  [who]  has  no1  ye1  effected  it.  be  directed  to  proceed,  with  the 
greatest  diligence  and  despatch  in  thai  business,  and  in  case  he  shall, 
on  or  before  the  fifteenth  day  of  July  next,  join  the  army  of  this  colo- 
ny, now  before  Boston,  with  four  hundred  effective  men,  each  armed 
with  a  good  effective  firelock,  the  said  Phiney,  shall  be  entitled  to  be 
commissioned  as  a  colonel,  <>n  the  pay  established  by  this  Congress  t"> > r 
a  chief  colonel;  and  that  there  shall  be  also  allowed  to  the  s  id  body, 
one  major,  and  no  other  field  officers;  and  in  id   Phiney, 

ill   procure   an   addition  of  one  hundred  effectivi   men,  or  upwards, 

and  each  armed  with  an  effective  firelock,  by  the  last  day  of  Jul)  next, 

that,  in  such  case,  the  said  one   hundred   men  shall   be  joined  to  the 

id  four  hundred  men,  and  both  the  said  numbers  shall  constitute 

one  regiment,  and  then  the  choice  of  field  officers  shall  be  completed, 

I  a  proper  number  of  subordinate  officers,  commission*  <l :  but  in  c 
the   said    Phiney  shall  fail   of  procuring   tour  hundred  effective  men. 
armed  a-  aforesaid,  hut  -hall  [  'procure]  to  he  enlisted,  and   brou 
the  -nd  army,  by  the  said  fifteenth  da)  id"  Jul)    next,  a  number  of  efc 

tive  men,  all   armed  as  aforesaid,  less   than   lour  hundred,  ami   not 
than  three  hundred,  he  -hall  he  entitled  to   he  commissioned   as 
lieutenant  coloml.  ami  that   allowance   shall   hereafter  he  made  of  all 

son  able  expenses  in  marching  said  men  to  the  -aid  army.  \ml  that 
the  >nd  Phiney,  he  specially  instructed  nol  to  march  any  man  to  the 
-ml  camp, who  i-  not  furnished  with  a  ■_:■«„{  effective  firelock,  and  that 
no  man  without  a  firelock,  shall  he  accounted,    or    reckoned, 

a  [prod>: 


380  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  23, 

to  constitute  the  numbers   above  mentioned,  which  shall  entitle  him 
to  either  of  the  aforesaid  commissions  proposed  for  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  be  directed  to  make  out  a  copy  of  the 
resolve  respecting  Col.  Fhiney's  regiment. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  price  of 
blankets,  to  be  given  the  soldiers,  reported  as  follows;  which  [report] 
was  accepted,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  sum  of  twelve  shillings,  lawful  money,  be  the 
stated  price  for  each  blanket  allowed  to  the  soldiers  in  the  Massachu- 
setts army ;  and  such  soldiers  as  have,  or  shall  be  supplied  with  blank- 
ets of  less  value,  as  may  appear  by  the  appraisement  of  the  selectmen, 
shall  have  the  overplus  made  up  to  them  by  those  who  supplied  said 
soldiers,  and  the  abovesaid  twelve  shillings  shall  be  allowed,  out  of  the 
public  treasury,  for  each  blanket. 

Ordered,  That  nine  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning,  be  assigned  to  take 
into  consideration  an  establishment  for  the  brigadier  generals,  and  quar- 
ter master  generals,  and  adjutant  generals. 

Ordered,  That  the  time  assigned  for  the  choice  of  quarter  master 
generals,  and  adjutant  generals,  be  deferred  to  to-morrow  morning,  at 
ten  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hooper  of  Nevvburyport,1  be  re- 
ferred to  the  committee  of  supplies,  they  to  make  report. 

Ordered,  That  Daniel  Noyes,  of  Ipswich,  be  appointed  a  postmaster, 
in  the  room  of  Mr.  James  Foster,  who  has  resigned  that  office. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  be  directed  to  wait  on 
General  Whitcomb,  and  desire  him  to  attend  this  Congress,  and  re- 
ceive his  commission. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  and  Col. 
Thompson,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  regiment  that 
was  moved  from  Marblehead  to  Cambridge,  immediately,  and  that  the 
committee  be  directed  to  go  to  Cambridge,  and  inquire  into  it,  and 
make  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  fill  up  commissions,  be 
directed  to  fill  up  a  commission  for  General  Whitcomb. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Nye,  be  appointed  to  number  the  notes  signed 
by  Deacon  Plympton. 

(1)  Stephen  Hooper,  Esq.  slates,  that  the  committee  of  Portsmouth  had  received  from  Baltimore, 
fifty  barrels  of  flour,  intended  as  a  donation  for  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  :  hut,  as  the  New  Hamp- 
shire troops  needed  supplies,  they  desired  to  purchase  and  retain  the  flour. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  38] 

Ordered,    That  Capt.  Sprague,  Capt.  White  and  Doct.  W  i  ii 
a  committee  to  take   into  consideration  a  petition  from  the   town 
Maid. -u. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Hopkins,  Capt.  Br  Phillip 

committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  circumsl  of  the  I 

end  Doct.  Langdon,  president  of  the  college,  and  reporl  then 

Ordered,  Thai  a  committee   be  appoinl  consider  of  pro 

pedients  to  augment  the  army,  and,  in  particular.  t<»  write  to  the  otl 

w   England  governments  on  the  subject,  and  thai   the)  I 
to  attend  the  service  immediately. 

Ordered.  Thai  Mi.  Nye  be  excused    from  attending  the  service,  in 

- 

numbering  the  n<  I  oed  by  Deacon  Plympton,  and  that  Mr.  Holmes 

be  appointed  in  his  room,  and  be  directed  to  attend  that  - 

diately. 

Ordered,  That  t he  report  of  the  committee,  who  were  ordered  to 
inquire  into  the  misconduct  in  the  late  engagi  tn<  nt,  lie  on  the  table 
till  they  are  ready  to  report  in  lull. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  directed  to  make  out  a 
new  li-t  for  officers  of  the  train  of  artillery,  and  that  no  person  unwor- 
thy of  the  office  be  appointed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take   into  consideration  Capt.  Lan 
account  for  bringing  up  the  Indians  from  Penobscot,  reported,  that  I 
account  lie  allowed,  and  that  the  receivei  general   be  directed  to  p 
said  account  to  Capt.   Lane,  or  order ;  and  likewise,  that   the  sum  of 
nineteen  pounds,  ten  shillings,  eight  pence,  lawful   money,  be  paid  by 
the  receiver  general  to  Capt.  Lam',  to  defray  his  expenses  in  carrying 
the  Indians  hack  to  Penobscot,  and  that  .Air.  Langdon  be  appointed  to 
draft  a  resolve  for  that  purpo 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  a  letter  from 
Mr.  Stephen  Hooper  of  Newburyport,  reported  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  those  of  the  committee  of  donations  of  the  town  of 
Boston,  who  have  left  said  town,  viz.,  Messrs.  Benjamin  Austin,  Na- 
thaniel Barber  and Proctor,  he  advised  to  -ell  the  fifty  barrels  of 

flour  -'ut  from  Baltimore  for  the  use  of  the  po,.r  of  Boston,  now  in 
the  hands  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  Portsmouth,  to  the 
same  committee,  for  the  use  of  the  .New  Hampshire  troop 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  request  from 
the  tow  n  of  Maiden,  reported  a-  follows,  which  was  accepted,  \  i/.     > 

(1)  Tli.'  report  of  tfa                                  ider  what  i                ihould  !>•                                    •  '''• 

am  |                          .  in  reii >  to  the  removal  of  the  troops  from  ■'  in  *!>• 

joumul  of  tlio  proceedings  of  tlm  twenty-second  of  Jane,  and  n  *•  '"on 
omitted. 


382  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  23, 

committee  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Mai- 
den be  [directed]  to  make  the  best  use  of  their  artillery  they  can,  for 
their  defence,  in  case  they  shall  be  attacked  by  the  enemy,  and  that 
they  make  their  application  for  assistance  to  the  general  of  the  army, 
who,  doubtless,  will  furnish  them  with  such  detachments  from  the 
army,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary  and  expedient. 

The  committee  appointed  to  draft  a  resolve  for  the  receiver  general 
to  pay  to  Capt.  Lane  <£19  10s.  Sd.,  for  defraying  the  expense  of  carry- 
ing the  Indians  back  to  Penobscot,  reported  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, to  Mr.  John  Lane,  or  order,  the  sum  of  £19  10s.  8d.,  to  pay  the 
expenses  of  himself,  four  Indian  chiefs,  and  an  interpreter,  from  Wa- 
tertown  to  Penobscot,  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed  to 
pay  the  same  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  the  former  vote  respecting  the  removal  of  the  library, 
apparatus,  and  other  valuable  effects  of  Harvard  College,  be  reconsid- 
ered, and  that  the  following  resolve  be  accepted,  viz.  :  Whereas,  it  is 
expedient  that  those  apartments  in  Harvard  Hall,  under  the  immediate 
charge  of  the  professor  of  philosophy  and  librarian  of  Harvard  College, 
be  evacuated  :  Resolved,  that  the  library,  apparatus,  and  other  valuables 
of  Harvard  College,  be  removed,  as  soon  as  may  be ;  that  Mr.  Samuel 
Phillips,  Mr.  Daniel  Hopkins  and  Dummer  Jewett,  Esq.,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  consult  with  the  reverend,  the  president,  the  Hon.  Mr.  Winthrop 
and  the  librarian,  or  such  of  them  as  may  be  conveniently  obtained, 
and,  with  them,  to  engage  some  suitable  person  or  persons  in  the  town 
of  Andover,  and  such  other  places  as  they  may  think  best,  to  receive 
and  take  the  charge  of  the  above  mentioned  effects  ;  that  said  commit- 
tee join  with  those  gentlemen,  in  employing  proper  persons  for  packing 
said  library,  apparatus,  and  such  other  articles  as  they  shall  judge  ex- 
pedient, and  take  all  due  care,  that  it  be  done  with  the  greatest  safety 
and  despatch;  and,  as  the  packages  shall  be  completed,  that  they  take 
due  care  for  their  transportation  :  the  charges  to  be  laid  before  this,  or 
some  future  Congress,  or  house  of  assembly  of  this  province. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hale,  Capt.  Parker  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  Capt.  Lane's  account  of  his  time  into  consideration,  and 
report  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  Winthrop  Sergeant  of  Gloucester,  merchant,  be  al- 
lowed to  ship  off  for  the  West  Indies,  a  quantity  of  old  Jamaica  fish, 
not  exceeding  forty  hogsheads,  it  appearing  to  this  Congress,  that  the 
said  fish,  if  stopped,  will  be  of  little  or  no  service  to  this  colony  ;  and 
the  committee  of  safety  for  Gloucester  are  directed  to  cause  this  resolve 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  383 

to  be  so  carried  into  execution,  as  that  no  other  \>u>\  isions,  exci  [it  for 
the  vessels1  use,  be  shipped  off  in  the  same. 

Voted,  That  the  receiver  general  be  directed  to  pay  to  the  Reverend 
I)  in.  Langdon,  president  of  the  college,  ol'lOO,  lawful  money,  in  bills 
of*  credit  of  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  by  what  mi 
the  army  before    Boston,  maj    be  effectut  lly   and  most  expeditiouslj 
strengthened,  be  directed  to  write  a  letter  to  General   Ward;  who  re- 
ported a  letter  to  General   Ward,  directing   him  to   call  on  the  eight 
companies  stationed  in  the  county  of  Plymouth.3 
The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 

Robert    Haskell,  beg  leave  to  report  by  way  of  '     olved,  that 

the  petitioner.  rl  Haskell,  be  permitted  to  proceed   from   Beverly 

to  \o\  a  Scotia  in  a  fishing  vessel,  about  seventeen  years  old,  that  he  hath 
procured  for  that  purpose,  also  to  carry  three  or  four  persons  with  him. 
and  the  following  provisions,  viz.  :  one  barrel  of  pork,  two  hundred 
[pounds]  of  bread,  sixteen  gallons  of  rum,  sivi  lions  of  molasses, 

halt'  a  bushel  of  beans  or  peas,  and  two  bushels  of  silt,  but  no  more 
provisions  of  any  kind  whatever:  and  tint  such  proceeding  will  not  be 
contrary  to  the  resolve  passed  !>\  the  grand  American  Congress,  the 
lTthof  May  last,  or  any  other  resolve  that  honorable  Congress  have  yel 
published. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  directed  to  make  out  a 
new  Hm  I'm-  officers  of  the  train  of  artillery,  that  no  person  unworthy 
of  office  be  appointed. 

i  RDAT,   .In lie    "J  I.    17?.". 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Col.  Sawyer  and  Capt.  Batchelder,  be 

a  committee  to  consider  some  method  for  regulating  trade  with  the 
Indians. 

Major  Fuller,  Doct.  Bailey  and  Capt.  Goodman,  [were]  appointed  a 
committee  to  consider  the  expediency  of  part  of  Col.  Phiney's  regi- 
ment being  stationed  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and   Lincoln. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Langdon,  Col.  Sawyer  and  ('apt.  Goodman,  be 
a  committee  to  consider  what  is  further  necessary  to  be  done  respect- 
ing the  bills  of  credit  of  this  colony. 

Voted,  That  then  two  surgeons  and  two  mates  appointed 

t"i  e  ich  hospital,  and  commi  d  accori 

Ordered,   That    the    committee  appointed    to   examine  the  -i: 
be  desired  to  report  an  establishment  foi  si  pitals. 

I'liis  parity 
j«ct  having  been  disposed  of  on  the  preceding  i 


3S4  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  24, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  an  establishment  for  the  sur- 
geons of  hospitals,  reported  :  the  report  was   accepted,  and   is  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  :  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  the  establishment  of  the  chief 
surgeons  should   be   at  the  rate  of  eight  pounds  per  month,  and  each 
mate,  four  pounds,  ten  shillings,  per  month. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Freeman,  Col.  Farley  and  Capt.  Stone,  be  a 
committee  to  get  the  resolve  for  a  fast  printed,  and  one  sent  to  each 
religious  society  in  this  colony  .   [which  is  as  follows,  viz.  :] 

[Whereas,  it  hath  pleased  Almighty  God,  the  wise  and  good  Governor 
of  the  Universe,  in  his  righteous  providence,  for  our  many  sins,  to  suf- 
fer the  sword  of  the  British  troops  to  be  unsheathed  against  the  inhabi- 
tants of  this  colony,  in  such  a  cruel  and  unnatural  manner  as  must  give 
the  world  the  most  indisputable  proofs  of  the  wicked  designs  to  destroy 
or  enslave  this  whole  continent :  as  in  the  unprovoked  and  unnatural 
instances  of  hostilities,  cruelty  and  barbarity,  of  the  ever  memorable 
19th  of  April  last,  whereby  so  many  of  the  brave  and  inoffensive  in- 
habitants of  this  colony  were  murdered  :  and  the  several  attacks  which 
have  since  been  made  by  the  said  troops  on  us  between  that  day  and 
the  17th  instant,  when  our  country  resounded  with  the  roar  of  cannon 
from  the  once  peaceful  shores  and  harbor  near  the  capital,  when  there 
was  scarce  aught  but  smoke,  fire,  and  blood,  to  be  seen  there,  whereby 
the  lives  of  many  of  our  countrymen,  bravely  fighting  in  defence  of  the 
rights  of  America,  were  lost;  together  with  their  laying  the  opulent 
town  of  Charlestown,  in  a  most  savage  manner,  in  ashes  :] 

[And  whereas,  some  more  late  oppressive  acts  of  the  British  parlia- 
ment are  designed  by  them  soon  to  be  enforced  upon  the  Americans; 
and  as  large  rcenforcements  are  arrived  and  arriving  to  join  our  ene- 
mies in  Boston,  which  will  probably  induce  them  to  make  another  trial 
of  military  prowess,  to  penetrate  into  the  country  ;  and  we,  being  taught, 
not  only  by  these  sore  trials,  but  also  by  the  great  mercies  of  our  God, 
who  has  hitherto  so  remarkably  covered  the  heads  of  our  people  in 
the  day  of  battle,  to  be  deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  our  absolute 
dependance  upon  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and  God  of  Armies,  for  success 
in  this  important  war,  into  which  we  are  driven  by  our  enemies,  do  re- 
nounce all  confidence  in  our  own  strength  ;  but,  being  fully  assured  our 
cause  is  just,  and  relying  on  the  mercy  of  God  for  his  divine  protection 
and  assistance  therein  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Thursday,  the  13th 
day  of  July  next,  be  observed  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer, 
throughout  this  colony,  that  wc  may  all,  at  one  time,  sincerely  humble 
ourselves  before  the  searcher  of  hearts  for  all  our  many  sins,  as  a  peo- 
ple, and  as  individuals,  and  humbly  and  earnestly  beseech  his  forgive- 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  i  ONGRESS. 

ness,  and  his  blessing  on  as  :  that  he  would  graciously  afford  his  divine 
direction  and  assistance  in  our  military  operations,  and  speedih  • 
our  enemies  to  be  at  peace  with  us  upon  a  just  and  permanent  founda- 
tion, thai  not  only  a  stop  may  be  put  to  the  wanton  effusion  of  human 
blood,  !>iit   that   Great    Britain  ami  these  colonies  may  again  rejoice  in 
thr  free  and  undisturbed  exercise  of  all  those  rights,  liberties  ami  priv- 
ileges,  civil  ami  religious,  lor  thr  enjoymenl  ol  winch  our  pious  ances- 
tors braved  every  danger,  b)  which  they  hi    e  rendered   their  memory 
dear  to  us,  their  posterity,  and  set   an  example  worthy  the  imitation  "f 
all  succeeding  generations:  that  lie  would  grant  us  health  in  our  armj 
and  in  all  our  habitations,  succeed  as  in  all  our   lawful   employmenl 
give  11-  ram  from  heaven  to  water  the  dry  and  thirst}  earth,  ami  fruitful 
seasons,  and  till  our  hearts  with  food  and  gladness:   that  he  would   be- 

iw  his  blessing  upon  the   various   means  used    lor  the  recovery   ami 
preservation   of  our   just    rights,    particularly   on   the   congr  ml 

houses  of  assembly  <>t"  this  and  the  sister  colonies,  and  especially  on 
the  American  Congress, that  they  may  all  he  inspired  with  that  wisdom 
that  is  necessary  in  this  day  of  difficulty  and  distress:  that  he  would 
smile  on  the  measures  taken  for  the  exercise  of  civil  government  in 
this  colony:  above  all,  that  he  would  sanctify  to  us  the  various  dispen- 
sations of  his  righteous  providence,  that  we  may  he  prepared  tor  wl 
ever  he  may  call  u^  to  do  or  sutler,  he  a  peculiar  people  to  himself,  and 
our  persons   and  services  accepted  of  him   through    Christ   our   R    - 

imer.  And  it  is  hereby  earnestly  recommended  to  each  ami  every 
i  ligious  society,  of  whatever  denomination,  in  this  colony,  strictly  to 
abstain  from  all  servile    labor  and  recreation  on  said   day.  to  mix   their 

ting  with  humble  thankfulness  for  the  many  signal  ami  undeserved 
mercies  ajov,  and  observe  said  day  in  a  religious  manner,  by  turn- 

ing  every  one   from    his  evil  ways  to  (J. id,  that  so  he  may  turn   unto   us 
and  not  for- ike  his  heritage.  ] 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  wages  of 
Capt.  John  Lane  and  .Mr.  Gilmore,  lor  then-  attendance  in  bringing  up 
four  Indians  from  Penobscot,  reported.  [The  report  i-  a-  follow-. 
viz.  :]  The  committee  for  examining  the  account  of  Mr.  John  Lane, 
have  attended  that  service,  [ami]  found  the  said  Lane's  account  well 
supported,  excepting  a  few  inaccuracies  in  casting;  the}  therefore  I' 
leave  to  report  by  wa}  of  resoh  e,  viz.  : 

That  there  he  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, to  Mr.  John  Lane,  the  sum  of  forty-seven  pounds,  eighteen  shil- 
lings, ami  eleven  pence  half  penny,  for  In-  expenses  in  bringing  up  to 
tli  of  the  chiefs  of  the  Penobscot  tribe  of  Indians,  with 


386  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  24, 

an  interpreter  ;  and  the  receiver  general  of  this  colony,  is  hereby  di- 
rected to  pay  the  said  John  Lane,  or  order,  the  aforesaid  sum  of  forty- 
seven  pounds,  eighteen  shillings,  eleven  pence  halfpenny. 

Mr.  Freeman,  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  were  added  to  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  consider  the  expediency  of  stationing  part  of  Col.  Phiney's 
regiment  in  the  county  of  Cumberland. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Lane  be  admitted  on  the  floor  of  the  house,  in 
order  to  answer  such  questions  as  the  Congress  shall  propose  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  supply  the 
four  Indians  brought  up  by  Capt.  Lane,  with  a  pair  of  shoes  each. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Mighill,  Mr.  Hobart,  Capt.  Webster  and  Mr- 
Lothrop,  be  added  to  the  committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  Edward 
Parry. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  circum- 
stances of  the  Rev.  Doct.  Langdon,  president  of  the  college,  reported 
as  follows,  viz.  :  Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the 
public  treasury  of  this  colony,  the  sum  of  ,£1(!0,  lawful  money,  in  bills 
of  credit  of  this  colony,  to  the  Rev.  Doct.  Langdon,  president  of  Har- 
vard College,  in  part  for  his  services  in  that  station,  since  his  appoint- 
ment thereto  :  and  the  treasurer  and  receiver  general  is  hereby  direct- 
ed to  pay  the  said  sum  in  bills  of  credit,  accordingly.1 

Ordered,  That  the  report  of  the  committee  to  consider  Capt.  Lane's 
services  be  recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Gerrish,  Mr.  Wheeler  and  Col.  Farley,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  and  report  what  is  to  be  done  with  the  overplus 
bills. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher  be  appointed  in  the  place  of  Capt. 
Bragdon,  to  consider  the  services  of  Capt.  Lane,  in  bringing  up  four 
Indian  chiefs. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of 
James  Kirkwood,  keeper  of  the  lights  on  Thatcher's  island,  reported  : 
the  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Resolved,  Thai  there  be  allowed  and  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury, 
to  Capt.  James  Kirkwood,  sixty  pounds,  for  one  year's  salary  as  keeper 
of  the  light-houses  on  Thatcher's  island,  and  also  eighteen  pounds, 
eighteen  shillings  more,  being  for  his  disbursements,  in  repairing 
buildings,  and  other  work  done  there,  box  of  medicines,  and  several 
other  necessaries,  as  per  his  account,  herewith  exhibited  :  and  the  re- 
ceiver general  is,  accordingly,  hereby  directed   to  pay  the  said  Capt. 

(1)  The  appropriation  for  tl>  Hilary  of  Hint,  [/uii'lnn  hri  I  I  >•-•-.  1  made  on  the  preceding  day:  the 
«rant  i*  net  out  more  formally  in  tlii-  resolution,  than  in  t ii.it  of  June  *23. 


1775.]  THIRL)  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 

Kirkwood,   th  isiid  suras,    amounting  to  ighl    pounds, 

•  i     i       t»s,  the  same  to  be  paid  in  bills  of  ■■-  ■  I 

Ordered,  That   three  o'clock,  IV  M,  be  assigued  to  come 
choice  <>t';i  gentleman  to  preach  the  election  Bermon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  drafl  a  resolve  respecting  Bridget  Phil- 
lips,  wife  of  an  officer  in  General  Gage's  arm\ .  reported  :  the  report  w 
read  and  accepted,  and  i-  as  follows,  viz. :  Resolved,  thai  General  Ward 
do  qoI  suffer  or  permit  Bridget  Phillips,  wil  to  an  offi  ;er  under  Gene- 
ral Gage,  to  Lr,)  int,,  Boston,  nor  any  other  person  whatever,  without 
leave  first  obtained  of  tin-  Congress,  or  some  future  house  of  represen- 
tatives; and  that  an  express  !•«■  forthwith  Bent  to  the  committee  of 
safety  for  th<'  town  of  Newburyport,  to  order  them  to  take  the  mosl 
effectual  measures  to  prevent  the  said  I?r nl_r.t  from  Lr,)m_r  out  of  this 
province,  or  to  Boston. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration,  and  report  the 
form  of  a  commission  for  brigadier  generals,  quarter  master  generals, 
and  adjutant  trenerals,  adjutants,  quarter  masters,  and  surgeons,  report- 
ed a  form,  which  was  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  the  form  of  a  commission  lie  on  the  table. 

The  committee  appointed  to  hire  a  house  of  John  Hunt,  Esq.,  for  a 
hospital,  reported  the  following  proposal,  which  was  accepted,  viz.  : 

Gentlemen   — With  respect   to  the  hire  of  the  house  belonging 
John    Hunt,    Esq,  for  a  hospital,  the  proprietor  only   expects  such   a 
consideration  from  the  colony,  as  will  be  a  satisfaction  lor  the  necessa- 
rj  damage  to  the  house,  expecting  proper  care  will   betaken  that   the 
out-houses,  &  c,  be  kepi  in  good  older. 

\V.  Hi  nt,  in  behalf  of  the  proprietor. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  procure  spears  for  the 

army,  be  directed  to   use  their  discretion  in  procuring  poles  for  the 

bandies  of  the  spears. 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed   to  prepare  a  lettei  to  the  lieutenant  gov- 
ernor and  company  of  Rhode  Island,  reported  ;  the  report  h  ,>t- 
ed,  and    similar    letter-,  so  far  as  circumstances  will    admit,  ordered   to 
he  -eni  tn  Connecticut    and    New  Hampshire.      [The  letter  to  the  g 
ernor  of  Connecticut  is  as  follows:] 

( io\  ii:\m;  Tim  mim  1. 1.. 

May  it  pleast  your  honor: — Krotn  advices  received  divers  ways,  we 
have   the   greatest    reason  to  determine,  that  all  the    British  troop-  al- 


388  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [  Jure  <?4 

ready  destined,  or  that  may  be  yet  ordered  to  America  this  season,  will 
come  to  Boston,  it  being  evidently  their  design,  if  possible,  to  rout  our 
army  before  that  place,  destroy  all  our  magazines," and  thereby  to  strike 
terror  and  faintness  into  the  hearts  of  all  the  friends  to  right  and  liberty 
throughout  the  continent,  to  revive  and  animate  the  scattered  friends, 
and  break  the  union  of  the  colonies,  and  in  that  way  insure  final  suc- 
cess to  their  tyranny.  This  being  undoubtedly  the  plan  of  our  ene- 
mies, it  is  of  inexpressible  consequence,  that  the  ground  which  we 
have  taken  should  at  all  events  be  maintained.  Your  honor  is,  no 
doubt,  fully  sensible  that  our  array,  for  the  present,  is  unavoidably 
checked,  with  regard  to  offensive  operations,  for  a  reason  of  which  you 
are  not  unapprized  :  but,  however,  we  have  the  means  of  acting  on  the 
defensive. 

As  Boston  is  impregnable  against  every  thing  but  great  artillery, 
very  few  troops  are  sufficient  to  keep  it ;  and  as  there  are  two  passes 
at  least,  very  distant  from  each  other,  by  which  the  enemy  will  probably 
attempt  to  advance  into  the  country,  it  is  thereby  rendered  necessary 
that  we  should  throw  our  army  into  at  least  two  grand  divisions,  each  of 
which  ought  to  be  able  to  withstand  almost  the  whole  strength  of  the 
enemy.  Your  honor  is  acquainted,  that  it  was,  at  first,  supposed  to  be 
necessary,  that  30,000  men  should  be  raised,  and  stationed  to  act  for 
this  season  in  the  environs  of  Boston.  Thirteen  thousand,  six  hundred, 
was  the  number  supposed  by  our  Congress,  to  be  the  colony's  propor- 
tion of  such  an  army :  and  that  number  we  have,  to  our  utmost,  been 
endeavoring  fully  to  complete ;  but,  because  there  are  deficiencies  in 
our  regiments,  as  your  honor  well  knows  there  always  will  be  in  such 
cases,  in  order  to  make  that  quota  good,  we  have  been  obliged  to  increase 
the  number  of  the  regiments  ;  but  still,  there  is  a  deficiency,  and,  because 
of  the  inexpressible  importance  of  having  our  army  effectually  strong, 
we  are,  with  unremitted  efforts,  and  by  every  device,  at  vast  expense, 
laboring  to  make  that  number  fully  complete,  or  rather  to  exceed  it. 

May  it  please  your  honor: — Because  we  are  so  vastly  apprehensive 
of  the  fatal  consequences  of  a  general  defeat  of  this  army  to  the  whole 
American  cause,  and  are  so  unutterably  solicitous  to  have  it  effectually 
strengthened,  we  have  called  in  every  individual  of  our  levies  from  all 
our  outposts,  to  join  the  army;  although,  by  that  measure,  we  expose 
all  our  towns  on  the  sea  coasts  to  the  rage  and  depredations  of  the  en- 
emy, and  run  the  dreadful  risk  of  the  best  of  our  towns  being  reduced 
to  ashes,  and  taking  the  miserable  fate  of  Charlestown. 

We  beg  leave  to  acquaint  your  honor,  that  it  is  most  clearly  our 
opinion,  and  that  we  have  the  best  grounds  to  suppose,  that,  as  soon  as 
the  enemy  have  recovered  a  little  breath  from  their  amazing  fatigues  of 


177.-,.]  THIRD  PROVIVI  \L  CONGRESS. 

the  seventeenth  of  June,  and  the  surprising  losses  which  they  then  un- 
doubted^ sustained,  shall  be  made  up  by  arrivals  of  new  troo]  ch 
i-  almosl  daily  taking  place,  the)  will  direct  all  t In  i r  force  to  ue 
point,  and  make  the  utmosl  efforts  to  force  our  lines,  destroj  our  m 
azines,  and  thereb]  strike  general  terror  and  amazemenl  into  the  hearts 
of  the  inhabitants  of  the  whole  continent. 

From   this   view  of  il  ,  we  cannot,  a  moment   longer,  forb 

addressing  your  honor,  and  most  earnest!]  ting  to  the  imm< 

consideration  of  your  mbly,  not  only  the  expediency,  but 

indispensable  necessity,  of  an  immediate  igmentation  of  the  troops 
from  your  colony,  lor  the  more  effectual  strengthening  of  the  army. 
What  the  number  of  the  augmentation  ought  to  be,  we  most  cheerfully 
submit  to  the  good  judgment  of  your  assembly,  not  in  the  least  doubt- 
ing, but  their  wisdom  and  justice  will  direct  and  dispose  them  to  do  all 
that    is   proper,    in   so   important   a  crisis  really   consider   the 

pre-'  nt. 

We  m  ed  not  express  to  your  honor,  the  indispensable  necessity  of 
despatch  in  making  reenforcements,  nor  the  propriety  and  advanti 
of  marching  any  new  levies,  which  your  assembly  may  order,  with  all 
possible  speed,  without  the  first  raised  companies  waiting  for  the  com- 
pleting of  others ;  inasmuch  as  your  colon]  has  here,  on  the  spot,  all 
the  proper  officers  to  make  the  necessary  disposition  for  their  recep- 
tion, and  as  the  season  of  their  being  of  any  advantage  for  the  support 
of  our  army,  may  be  irrevocably  lapsed  before  their  arrival,  if  the  l< 
unn  try  delay  should  be  indulged. 

We  have  made  a  representation  to  the  lieutenant  governor  of  Rhode 
Island,  similai  to  the  foregoing,  and  are  about  to  make  a  like  represen- 
tation to  the  congress  of  .New  Hampshire,  and  to  send  the  same  by 
special  express. 

We  suppose  the  whole  number  of  our  enemy's  land   forces,  when 
joined  with  the  lour  regiments  which  were  ordered   to   New    A  ork,  will 
amount    to  upwards  of  ten    thousand,  exclusive  of  negroes    and    tori 
who  are  every  way  provided   and   furnished,  in  the  best  manner,  tor 

action. 

We  have  the  fullesl  confidence,  that  your  honor'.-  zeal  and  ardor  for 
the  salvation  of  our  country,  and   the  preservation  of  our  inestimable 
rights,  will  render  any  importunity  unnecess  tr] .  to  induce  you  to  i 
all  the  requisite  steps  to  effect   the   proposed   augmentation,  for  which 
We  are  most  solicitous. 

Ordered,  That  Major  [Jawley,  Col.  Gerrish  and  the  president,  b 


390  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  24, 

committee  to  take  into  consideration,  and  report  thereon,  a  letter  from 
General  Ward,  informing  of  the  desertion  of  Lieut.  Cox  of  Salem,  and 
a  number  of  men. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley  and  the  president  be  excused,  and 
that  Col.  Porter  and  Doct.  Church  be  appointed  in  their  room. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  stationing  part 
of  Col.  Phiney's  regiment  in  the  counties  of  Cumberland  and  Lincoln, 
reported  :  the  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Whereas, 
it  appears  to  this  Congress  to  be  necessary,  that  some  provision  should 
be  made  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the  sea  coasts  in  the  counties 
of  Cumberland  and  Lincoln ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  resolve 
which  passed  yesterday,  relative  to  Col.  Phiney's  regiment,  be  so  far 
reconsidered,  as  that  the  remainder  of  said  regiment,  after  400  thereof 
have  marched  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  be  immediately  raised  and 
stationed  in  such  places  in  the  said  counties,  as  shall  be  thought  best 
by  General  Preble,  Col.  Enoch  Freeman  and  Major  Wheaton  of  St. 
Georges,  until  they  receive  further  orders  from  the  Congress,  or  a  gen- 
eral assembly  of  this  colony  :  and  that,  after  they  are  at  first  stationed, 
they  shall  be  under  the  direction  of  Col.  Enoch  Freeman,  who  is  here- 
by empowered  to  order  and  dispose  of  them,  as,  in  his  opinion,  will 
most  conduce  to  the  general  interest.  And  the  committee  of  supplies 
are  hereby  directed  to  supply  said  troops  with  provisions,  agreeably  to 
the  allowance  as  established  by  this  Congress. 

And  it  is  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  in  the 
counties  aforesaid,  to  supply  the  said  troops  with  ammunition,  which 
shall  be  replaced  as  soon  as  the  colony  magazine  can  be  supplied,  or 
paid  for  out  of  the  public  treasury;  and  that  Col.  Freeman  be,  and 
hereby  is  appointed,  to  muster  the  said  men,  and  to  see  that  they  are 
all  well  prepared  with  fire  arms  and  other  accoutrements. 

Mr.  Hubbard  was  appointed  in  the  room  of  Col.  Farley  on  Mr.  Re- 
vere's  account. 

(led,  red,  That  the  proclamation  for  a  fast  be  suspended. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  from  General  Ward, 
reported  :  the  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  Thai  it  be  recommended  to  General  Ward,  immediately 
to  take  effectual  measures  to  apprehend  Lieut.  Cox,  and  such  privates 
as  have  been  induced  by  the  said  Lieut.  Cox  to  desert  their  duty,  and 
forthwith  to  1  >r i u lt  [said]  Cox,  and  such  other  deserters  as  may  be  ap- 
prehended, to  then-  trial,  that  the  said  Lieut.  Cox  and  his  accomplices 
may  [receive]  such  condign  punishment  for  their  aggravated  offences, 
a-,  in  the  rules  and   orders  of  war,  is  provided   for;   and  it  is  further 


L775.]  THIRD  l'K<  »\  l\«  [AL  CONGB  ES8  »1 

recommended  t"  the  committees  of  all  denominations,  and  tli>- 
men  of  an}  town  where  -aid  deserters  ma)  be,  to  afford  all  pa 
aid  and  assistance  i"  th  ral  in  apprehending  them. 

Ordered,   That   the  president,   Mr  Gerry,   Major  Hawley,  Deacon 

Cheever,  Col.  Gerrish,  Col.  Lincoln  and  Col    Porter,  be  i nmiti 

to  consider  what  steps  are  proper  to  be  taken  for  receiving    Gen  ral 
\\  ishington  with  proper  respect,  and  to   provide  a  bouse  t>>r  him 
cordingly. 

The  committee  appointed  t"  consider  what  allowance  is  adequate  to 
the  services  of  Capt.  John  Lane,  &c,  in  bringing  up  four  Indians 
from  Penobscot,  reported :  the  r.|(«.rt  was  accepted,  and  follows, 

viz.  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  allowance  i-  adeq 
the  services  of  ('apt.  John  Lane  and    Mr.  Gilman,  for  their  attendant 
in  bringing  up  to  this  town,  foui    Indian-  of  the  P<  nobscol   tribe,  b 
leave  \>>  report:  that  the  said   Mr.  Lane  proceed  to  raise  a  companj  <>( 
fifty-six  effective   men,  includin  ints,  to  j< >i u   the   army  at  Cam- 

bridge, agreeabl)  to  the  order  of  the  committee  <<\  safetj  ;  and  upon 
his  raising  said  men,  that  he  be  entitled  not  onlj  to  a  captain's  com- 
mission,  bul  to  the  pa)  established  for  captains,  to  commence  at  the 
time  he  received  his  orders  from  the  committee  of  safety  :  that  Mr. 
Gilman  be  allowed  for  fort)  days'  attendai  n  interpreter  t<>  Mr. 

Lane,  al  three  shillings  per  day,  six  pounds;  and  that  the  said  Mr.  <Jil- 
iii. hi  be  presented  with  an  honorar)  commission,  with  the  rank  <>|  lieu- 
tenant, and  be  desired  to  u  e  bis  influence  t>>  cultival 
disposition  in  the  Indian-  al  St.  Francois,  and  other  parts  adjoining, 
and  give  intelligence  of  their  temper  and  disposition,  from  time  to  time, 
as  he  shall  have  opportunity,  and  as  the  importance  of  affairs  ma)  re- 
quire; and  all  necessary  charge  and  trouble  for  any  importanl  intelli- 
gence so  [communic  ited,]  shall  be  suitabl)  rewarded.1 

The  committee  for  giving  "in   commissions,  were  directed  to  make 
out  an  honorary  commission    for   Mi.  Gilman       i      iblj  to  the  fort 
1 1 1  lt  report. 

Mr.  Pickering  [  was]  appointed  to  draw  a  resolve,  directing  the  if' 
ur.r   to  pa)  Mr.  John    Lane   and   Andrew   Gilman,  ;"' 

rcpoi  i. 

I    >1.   Portei    was  appointed  i"  procure  a  scythe,  and  carr)    it  i 
1)1  nk-  null,  to  !>•■  fixed  1">  »r  a  spear,  in  such  a  mannei   as  he  thinks  fit, 
ind  hnn.'  it  before  this  Congress,  when  fixed. 

1     Thii  .  tod  in  tlif  joun 


392  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  24, 

Mr.  Pickering  brought  in  a  resolve  as  directed,  which  was  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury 
of  this  colony,  to  Mr.  Andrew  Gilman,  the  sura  of  six  pounds,  in  bills 
of  credit  of  this  colony,  for  forty  days'  attendance  as  an  interpreter  to 
four  Indians  of  the  Penobscot  tribe,  in  their  late  attendance  at  an  em- 
bassy to  this  Congress  ;  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed  to 
p;iv  the  same  sum  of  six  pounds  to  Mr.  Andrew  Gilman,  in  bills  of 
credit,  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  any  one  of  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 
spears,  be  empowered  to  order  the  blacksmith  to  work  on  the  sabbath, 
to  complete  the  same  as  soon  as  possible. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  our  good  brothers,  the  Indians 
of  the  Penobscot  tribe,  to  immediately  apply  to  General  Preble  and  Col. 
Freeman  of  Falmouth,  for  a  supply  of  provisions  and  all  other  necessa- 
ry goods,  and  would  recommend  said  gentlemen,  as  the  most  suitable 
persons  to  supply  the  Indians,  who  will  undoubtedly  do  them  justice  ; 
and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  General  Preble  and  Col.  Freeman,  to 
supply  said  Indians  with  provisions,  and  all  other  necessary  articles, 
upon  the  most  equitable  terms,  and  to  receive  their  fur,  and  other 
skins,  in  payment ;  and  the  said  General  Preble  and  Col.  Freeman,  are 
hereby  desired  to  supply  said  Indians  at  the  truck-house  at  Penobscot. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Col.  Thompson  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  be 
a  committee  to  consider  the  request  of  Col.  Freeman,  to  have  the  min- 
ute company  of  the  town  of  Sandwich  stationed  at  Naushan  island. 

-Monday  morning,  nine  o'clock,  was  assigned,  agreeably  to  a  resolve 
of  the  committee  of  safety,  to  choose  a  proper  person  to  superintend 
the  armorers  in  the  camp,  and  to  see  that  they  do  their  duty. 

A  letter  from  George  Stillman  to  Col.  Otis  was  read,  and  committed 
to  Mr.  Goodwin,  Mr.  Langdon  and  Doct.  Whiting.1 

Mr.  Lothrop,  Mr.  Dickerson  and  Mr.  White,  were  appointed  a  com- 
mittee to  get  the  proclamation  of  the  Continental  Congress  for  a  fast, 
reprinted,  and  dispersed  one  to  each  religious  assembly  in  the  colony.'2 

(1)  This  letter  related  to  the  capture  of  a  tender;  which  is  fully  described  in  the  memorial  of  the 
inhabitants  of  Machias. 

ppointed  by  the  Continental  Congress   superseded  that  directed  by  the  provincial 
The  proclamation  which  follows  was  distributed  and  read  from  the  desk  of  every  church 
ofMassachusetl  I,  and  entered  in  th  i  journal,  page  384. 

In  Coktireni  m  Congress,  June  12,  1775' 

lor  of  the  world,  by  his  supreme  and  universal  provi  o         onduct* 

the  course  of  n  itur<-   wil  ig  wisdom   and    I  ainds  of 

ins   purposes  of  his  providential  government ;  and  it  being,  at  all 


L775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  CONGRESS 

Mr   Lothrop, Deacon  Pisher  and  Mr.  Parker,  were  appointed 
roittee  to  court  and  sort  the  \'>i<-~  i"r  some  person  I 
tion  sermon  on  the  L9th  of  Julj  next. 

The  committee  reported,  that  Mr.  Gordon  was  unanimous!)  chosen, 
and  the  president  was  appointed  to  inform  him  of  this  choice. 

Idjourned  to  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  mornini 

bath   dat,  June  25,   1  ! 

Ordered,  That  Cain.  Brown,  Major  Fuller.  Mr.  Bigelow,  Major 
Brooks,  <  ol.  Smith  and  1>'  icon  Stone,  be  a  committee  to  procure  tour 
hundred  spades  and  shovels  for  the  use  of  the  army,  immediately.     And 

the  said  committee  i-  directed  i ake  a  list  of  such  persons,  of  whom 

the)  may  procure  said  spades  and  shovels,  with  the  number  received  ■  >!' 
each  person,  and  the  value  thereof,  and,  when  procured,  that  they  im- 
mediatelj  forward  them  t<>  the  arm)  at  Cambridge. 

The   committee   appointed  t<>  prepare   an   honorary  commission   for 
.Mr.  Gilman,  reported  a  form,  which,  being  duly  amended,  was  ac< 
ed,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Tht  Congress  of  th  Colony  of  th  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  Indrew 
Gilman,  gentleman,  Greeting. 

W  e,  entertaining  a  <r |  opinion  of  your  prudence,  courage,  and 

good  conduct,  do  appoint,  and  you  the  said  Andrew  Gilman  are  hereby 

and   publi 

r  out  deli 

1 

I  public  limnili  .' 
th   united  hoort*  an  ' 
pflor  tip  oui  !  merciful   Dii| 

'    .  humbl)  rorgivo  nnr  ioiqnil 

I  ts,  «nli  which  »'■  .u.'  threatened,  an  nr  rightful 

G  third,  and  to  inspire  him  with   wisdom  to  the  trui 

subjects,  tb  .  bo  put  t"  the  <i\  Hi  Great  Bril  A 

ooloniof,  without  farthor  ofTusioo  •■!  bloo  I  British  nation  i 

the  » 1 1 1 j » i_- -^  tli.it  belong  to  her  pi  hid  from   hoi 

under  th  km.l  Proi 

■  iir  civil  rulots,  and  upon  the  ■ 

.  that    til.  I 

union,  am 
thai  rirtui   an. I  true  nd  tlunri-li  throughout  '"i 

■  on  « it',  i! 
and  ho  -  that  hci  ciril 

I 


394  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  25, 

appointed,  to  the  honorary  title  of  lieutenant ;  and  you  are  to  be  con- 
sidered of  that  rank,  not  only  among  the  good  people  of  this  province, 
but  also  among  all  our  friends  and  brethren  through  the  continent ; 
and  we  confide  in  your  readiness  to  promote  the  common  cause  of 
America,  among  our  good  brothers,  the  Indians  of  the  several  tribes 
which  you  may  have  opportunity  to  be  acquainted  with,  as  well  as  with 
the  inhabitants  of  the  province  of  Quebec. 
By  order  of  the  Congress. 

President. 

The  petition  of  John  Lane  was  read,  the  prayer  whereof  was  grant- 
ed, and  Col.  Lincoln  appointed  to  draw  up  a  resolve  thereon. 

Col.  Lincoln  drew  up  a  resolve  accordingly,  which  was  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows,  viz. :  Resolved,  that  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver 
general,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to  pay  unto  Capt.  John  Lane, 
or  his  order,  the  sum  of  twelve  pounds,  lawful  money,  being  two  months 
pay  for  a  captain  in  the  colony  service,  he  the  said  Lane  to  be  ac- 
countable for  that  sum,  to  this,  or  some  future  Congress,  or  constitu- 
tional assembly  of  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  John  Lane  proceed  to  raise  a  company  of  fifty 
six  effective  men,  including  sergeants,  to  join  the  army  at  Cambridge, 
agreeably  to  the  order  of  the  committee  of  safety  :  and,  upon  his  rais- 
ing said  men,  that  he  be  entitled  not  only  to  a  captain's  commission, 
but  to  the  pay  established  for  captains,  to  commence  at  the  time  he  re- 
ceived his  orders  from  the  said  committee  of  safety.1 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher  draw,  in  form  of  a  resolve,  the  re- 
port of  the  committee  relative  to  Andrew  Gilman. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lincoln  draw  up  a  resolve,  empowering  Mr. 
Grannis  to  employ  thirty  men  to  protect  the  Elizabeth  islands. 

Mr.  Fisher,  agreeably  to  order,  presented  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  Lieut.  Andrew  Gilman  be,  and  hereby  is,  ordered 
and  instructed  to  use  his  utmost  influence  to  cultivate  a  friendly  and 
peaceable  disposition  in  the  Indians  at  St.  Francois,  and  all  other  parts 
adjoining,  and  to  give  intelligence  of  their  temper  and  disposition,  from 
time  to  time,  as  he  shall  have  opportunity,  and  as  the  importance  of 
affairs  may  require,  and  also  of  the  Canadians  at  Quebec,  and  other 
adjacent  parts  of  Canada,  so  often  as  it  may  be  in  his  power,  for  which 
service  he  shall  receive  a  proper  reward. 

Col.  Lincoln,  agreeably  to  order,  presented  the  following  resolve, 

(1)    The  substance  of  this  resolve  is  inserted  in  the  Journal  of  June  24. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRES 

which  was  accepted  :     Resohed,  thai  Capt.  John  Grannie 
hereby  is  empowered,  immediately,  to  engage  thirty  good,  able  bodied, 
effective  men,  to  be  paid  bj  this  colony,  well  provided  with  arms  and 
ammunition,  and  t"  cause  them  to  be  provided  with  suitable  proi 
to  repair,  without  delay,  t<>  the  Elizabeth  islands,  so  called,  in  ['Dukes 
county,]  there  t<>  protect  the  -tuck,  and  to  impress  such  a  numtx 
[as]  be  shall  want  to  transport  the  men  to  and  from 
islands,  as  occasion  ma)  require,  from  time  i"  time,  until  the  further 
order  of  this,  or  some   future  Coi  or  constitutional   assemblj   of 

this  colon] . 

Ordered,  That  commissions  for  the  officers  of  the  train  be  imm< 
airly  sent  to  the  committee  of  safety,  and  that   the)  be  directed  to  de- 
liver them  to  such  officers,  to  whom  there  is  no  exception,  and   that 
Col.  Porter  be  appointed   to  cart]  said  commissions  to  the  committee 
of  safety,  with  this  order,  immediately. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  certain  officers  of  Col. 
Prescott's  regiment,  agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  committee 
of  safety. 

\      ■     on. 

A  draft  of  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  was  presented  by  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  prepare  one,  and  was  read  and  accepted,  and  the 
committee  of  supplies  directed  to  forward  it  b)  express.^]1 

Tin'  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  steps  art-  proper  to  be 
taken  tor  tli'  ition  of  General   Washington,  reported  ;  the  report 

was  ordered  to  he  on  the  table. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  Machias  was  read,  respecting  the 
capture  of  a  king's  cutter,  and  committed  to  the  committee  winch  was 
yesterda)  appointed  to  consider  a  letter  on  the  same  subject  to  Col. 
Otis.9 

a  [ill.-  county  ofDuke'e  com  I  b  [and  is  as  follow 

(1)  Tli.'  letter  to  Governoi  Trumbull  i-  the  same  which  baa  alreadj  been  inserted  in  tin-  Journal 
of  June  0,  page  31  1. 

(2)  Tli.-  letter  of  the  committee  ot  Machia-s  contains  the  relation  of  a  bold  exploit,     li 
Juno  1 1,  ITTo. 

•    /  the  M 

"  GENTLEMEN :— We,  tli..  faithful  and  di  N' 

more,  inth.  pectful  manner,  to  approach  your  presence,  and  spread  befoi 

full  representation  of  our  verj  critical  aituat ." 

the  3d  instant,  Capt.  Ichabod  J ■<  urrivi'il  in  this  river  with  i»"  I  with 

tenders.    « In  the  third  instant,  a  paper  was  banded  about  for  the  p  -'n,  »» 

n  pron  Min-  any  provisions,  of  which 

lulge  Capt.  Jones  in  carrying  lumber  to  B 
hi m  mi. I  In-  proport) ,  at  all  but,  unbappil)  for  bim,  if  not  fa 

in  their  nature  to  those intendod.     1  Hbrt,inor 

..-ill  :ir ling,  which   was  accordingly  done.    On  th 

generally  asaomblod  at  thi  lointod,  and  soomod  .that 

privately  went  to  the  teni  nor  to  move  up  so  n  a  her  guns 


396  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  25, 

Mr.  Holmes  was  appointed  in  the  room  of  Col.  Sawyer,  on  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  making  the  notes  of  this  col- 
ony, a  currency  and  tender  for  payment  in  all  cases. 

would  reach  the  houses,  and  put  springs  upon  her  cables.     The  people,  however,  not  knowing  what 
was  done,  and  considering  themselves  nearly  as  prisoners  of  war,  in  the  hands  of  the  common  ene- 
my, which  is  our  only  plea  for  suffering  Capt.  Jones  to  carry  any  lumber  to  Boston,  since  your  hon- 
ors conceived  it  improper,  passed  a  vote,  that  Capt.  Jones  might   proceed  in  his  business  as  usual 
without  molestation,  that  they  would  purchase  the  provision  he  brought  into  the  place,  and  pay  him 
according  to  contract.     After  obtaining  this  vote,  Capt.  Jones  immediately  ordered  his  vessels  to 
the  wharf,  and  distributed  his  provisions  among  those  only,  who  voted  in  favor  of  his  carrying  lum- 
her  to  Boston.     This  gave  such  offence  to  the  aggrieved  party,  that  they  determined  to  take  Capt. 
Jones,  if  possible,  and  put  a  final  stop  to  his  supplying  the  king's  troops  with  any  thing.     Accord- 
ingly, they  secretly  invited  the  people  of  Mispecka  and  Pleasant  river  to  join  them  ;  accordingly,  a 
number  of  them  came,  and,  having  joined  our  people,  in  the  woods  near  the   settlement,  on  the 
11th,  they  all  agreed  to  take  Capt.  Jones  and  Stephen  Jones,  Esq.,  in  the  place  of  worship,  which 
they  attempted,  but  Capt.  Jones  made  his  escape  into  the  woods,  and  does  not  yet  appear ;  Stephen 
Jones,  Esq.,  only  was  taken,  and  remains,  as  yet,  under  guard.     The  captain  and  lieutenant  of  the 
tender,  were  also  in  the  meeting-house,  and  fled  to  their  vessel,  hoisted  their  flag,  and  sent  a  message 
on  shore  to  this  effect :  "  that  he  had  express  orders  to  protect  Capt.  Jones  ;  that  he  was  determined 
to  do  his  duty  whilst  he  had  life  ;  and  that,  if  the  people  presumed  to  stop  Capt.  Jones's  vessels,  he 
would  burn  the  town."     Upon  this,  a  party  of  our  men  went  directly  to  stripping  the  sloop  that  lay 
at  the  wharf,  and  another  party  went  oft"  to  take  possession  of  the  other  sloop,  which  lay  below, 
and  brought  her  up  nigh  a  wharf,  and  anchored  her  in  the   stream.     The  tender  did  not  fire,  but 
weighed  her  anchors  as  privately  as  possible,  and,  in  the  dusk  of  the   evening,  fell  down  and  came 
to,  within  musket  shot  of  the  sloop,  which  obliged  our  people  to  slip  their  cable,  and  run  the  sloop 
aground.     In  the  mean  time,  a  considerable  number  of  our  people  went  down  in  boats  and  canoes, 
lined  the  shore  directly  opposite  to  the  tender,  and,  having  demanded  her  to  surrender  to  America, 
received  for  answer,  "  fire  and  be  damned  ;"  they  immediately  fired  in  upon  her,  which  she  returned, 
and  a  smart  engagement  ensued.     The  tender,  at  last,  slipped  her  cable,  and  fell  down  to  a  small 
sloop,  commanded  by  Capt.  Toby,  and  lashed  herself  to  her  for  the  remainder  of  the  night.     In  the 
morning  of  the  12th,  they  took  Capt.  Toby  out  of  his  vessel,  for  a  pilot,  and  made  all  the  sail  they 
could  to  get  off,  as  the  wind  and  tide  favored  ;  but,  having  carried  away  her  main  boom,  and  meet- 
ing with  a  sloop  from  the  Bay  of  Fundy,  they  came  to,  robbed  the  sloop  of  her  boom  and  gaff,  took 
almost  all  her  provision,  together  with  Mr.  Robert  Avery  of  Norwich,  in  Connecticut,  and  proceed- 
ed on  her  voyage.     Our  people,  seeing  her  go  off  in  the  morning,  determined  to  follow  her.     About 
forty  men,  armed  with  guns,  swords,  axes,  and   pitch    forks,  went  in  Capt.  Jones's  sloop,  under   the 
command  of  Capt.  Jeremiah  O'Brian  :  about  twenty,  armed  in  the    same  manner,  and  under  the 
command  of  Capt.  Benjamin  Foster,  went  in  a  small  schooner.     During  the  chase,  our  people  built 
them  breastworks  of  pine  boards,  and  any  thing  they  could   find  in  the  vessels,  that  would  screen 
them  from  the  enemy's  fire.     The  tender,  upon  the  first  appearance  of  our  people,  cut  her  boats 
from  the  stern,  and  made  all  the  sail   she  could;  but,  being  a  very  dull  sailor,  they  soon  came  up 
with  her,  and  a  most  obstinate  engagement  ensued,  both  sides  being  determined  to  conquer  or  die: 
but  the  tender  was  obliged  to  yield  ;  her  captain  was  wounded  in  the  breast  with  two  halls,  of  whish 
wounds  he  died  next  morning;  poor  Mr.  Am  ry  was  killed,  and  one  of  the  marines,  and  five  wound- 
ed.    Only  one  of"  our  men  was  Killed,  and   -i\   were   wounded,  one  of  whom  is  Bince  dead  of  his 
wounds,     The  battle  v.  a-  fought  at  the  entrance  of  our  harbor,  and  lasted  for  near  the  space  of  ono 
hour.    We  have  in  our  possession,  lour  doable  fortified  three  pounders,  and  fourteen  swivels,  and  a 
number  of  small  arms,  which  we  took  with  the  tender,  very  small  quantity  of  ammunition. 

&c.  Thus  we  have  given  your  honors  a->  particular  an  accoont  ol  this  affair  as  possible.  We  now 
apply  to  yon  for  advice,  and  for  a  supply  of  ammunition  and  provisions,  the  latter  of  which  we  have 
petitioned  your  honors  for  already,  «  bich,  if  we  could  be  fully  supplied  u  ith,  we  doubt  not  but,  with 
the  hie*  Lven,  we  should  be  prepared  to  defend  ourselves.     We  purpose  to  convey  the  pris- 

oners to  Pownalborough  jail,  as  soon  as  possible,  there  to  await  your  orders." 

"  We  are,  with  deference,  your  honors'  most  obedient,  humble  sen  ants." 

"  By  order  of  the  committee,  JAMES  LYON,  Chairman. 

GEORGE  STIU.M  \\,  Clerk." 
•• '  Machias,  June  Ut/i,  1775." 


1775.]  T1IIIU)  PROVINCIAL  CONGREE 

Mr.  Davis  was  appointed]  in  the  n> t'  Capt  Btone,  "n  the  com- 
mittee \\Ih>  were  appointed  t"  consider  the  petition  from  Edward  Parry. 
\  Ijourned  to  hfonda]  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Hohsat,  June  26,  I"" 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of 

Mr.  Edward  Parry,  and  the  report  <>f  Col.  Thompson  relative  to  his 

iducl  at  Kennebec,  be  directed  to  consider  his  the  said  Thompson's 

conduct  ai  Falmouth,  with  respecl  to  Capt.  Mowal  and  Capt  Coulson, 

and  ln>  laying  Mr.  Bernard  under  bonds. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  appointed  to  <  I •  •  1  i  \  i •  r  out  commissions, 
be  directed  i"  draw  a  fair  li-t  of  all  those  officers  in  the  army,  who 
have  been  commissioned,  which  li-t  -hall  be  attested  by  the  s<  en  I  ury, 
and  tran-miii'  neral  Ward. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety,  proposing  thai  the  Co 
should  appoinl  two  pi  rsons  to  superintend  the  supply  of  the  army,  ti 

d,  and  committed  to  the  committee  \\h<>  have  under  consideration 
the  regulation  of  the  army. 

Ordered,  Thai    Mr.  Pickering,  Mi    Nye  and  Mr.  Fisher,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  inquire  into  thi  of  the  towns'  stocks  of  ammunition,  in 
the  counties  of  Worcester  and   Hampshire,  and  thai   said  committi 
-n  forth**  ith. 

Ordered,  That  all  the  commissions  for  the  officers  <>f  the  train,  be 
forthwith  signed  bj  the  secretary,  excepl  John  Wiley'-,  Samuel  Grid- 
ley's  and  John  Callender's,  and  senl  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

Ordered,  That   no  handles  be  made  \<<  spears,  or  other  weapons  of 
war,  <ir  anj    tools  t'>r  the  use  of  the  army,  ol   chesnut,  or  any  other 

brittle  \\ I. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appoint  d  t"  inquire  into  the  grounds 
of  a  report  which  has  prevailed,  thai  there  has  been  treacherj  in  some 

of  the  officers  of  the  army,  be  directed  to  | teed  in  their  inquir 

Ord  red,  Thai   Col.  Porter,  Col.  Gerrish  and  Capt.  Thatcher,  I 
committee   to   consider  and    report,  to  whom  the  arms  obtained  bj 
committee  of  Congress,  shall  be  delivered,  and,  when  distributed,  how 
the  persons  receiving  them  shall  be  made  accountable. 

Resolved,  That  ever)  person  who  has  in  pi  on  anj  <>f  the  pre- 

cepts latel]  issued   b)  this  Congress  for  calling  a    enei         3embly, 
desired  /"  del    the   word  "warn,"    and    in  its  stead  insert  the  word 
■■  .  au  i .    and  thai    Mr.  Edes  I"-  desired,  in  his  next  papi  ire  no- 

tice of  the  mistake  made  by  printing  the  said  word  "warn"  insti  id  ■■! 
the  word  "  i  au 


398  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  26, 

Resolved,  That  Major  Fuller  be  desired,  immediately,  to  go  home, 
to  get  the  returns  of  the  towns'  stocks  of  ammunition. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  steps  are 
proper  to  be  taken  for  the  reception  of  General  Washington,  was  again 
considered,  amended,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  Doct.  Benjamin  Church  and  Mr.  Moses  Gill,1  be  a 
committee  to  repair  to  Springfield,  there  to  receive  Generals  Washing- 
ton and  Lee,  with  every  mark  of  respect  due  to  their  exalted  characters 
and  stations  ;  to  provide  proper  escorts  for  them,  from  thence,  to  the 
army  before  Boston,  and  the  house  provided  for  their  reception  at 
Cambridge ;  and  to  make  suitable  provision  for  them,  in  manner  fol- 
lowing, viz. :  by  a  number  of  gentlemen  of  this  colony  from  Spring- 
field to  Brookfield  ;  and  by  another  company  raised  in  that  neighbor- 
hood, from  there  to  Worcester  ;  and  by  another  company,  there  pro- 
vided, from  thence  to  Marlborough  ;  and  from  thence,  by  the  troop  of 
horse  in  that  place,  to  the  army  aforesaid  :  And  [to  make  suitable 
provision  for]  their  company  at  the  several  stages  on  the  road,  and  to 
receive  the  bills  of  expenses  at  the  several  inns,  where  it  may  be  con- 
venient for  them  to  stop  for  refreshment,  to  examine  them,  and  make 
report  of  the  several  sums  expended  at  each  of  them,  for  that  purpose, 
that  orders  may  be  taken  by  the  Congress  for  the  payment  of  them  : 
and  all  innkeepers  are  hereby  directed  to  make  provision  agreeably  to 
the  requests  made  by  the  said  committee  :  and  that  General  Ward  be 
notified  of  the  appointment  of  General  Washington,  as  commander  in 
chief  of  the  American  forces,  and  of  the  expectation  we  have,  of  his 
speedy  arrival  with  Major  General  Lee,  that  he,  with  the  generals  of 
the  forces  of  the  other  colonies,  may  give  such  orders  for  their  honora- 
ble reception,  as  may  accord  with  the  rules  and  circumstances  of  the 
army,  and  the  respect  due  to  their  rank,  without,  however,  any  expense 
of  powder,  and  without  taking  the  troops  off  from  the  necessary  atten- 
tion to  their  duty,  at  this  crisis  of  our  affairs. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  be  assigned  for  the 
purpose  of  choosing  three  persons  as  a  committee  to  repair  to  Spring- 
field, to  receive  Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  agreeably  to  the  fore- 
going resolution. 

Resolved,  That  the  president's  house  in  Cambridge,  excepting  one 
room  reserved  by  the  president  for  his  own  use,  be  taken,  cleared,  pre- 
pared, and   furnished,  for   the  reception  of  General  Washington  and 

(1)  In  mnkin:.'  ii|>  the  journal  of  the  proceedings  of  tin'  iliy,  tin'  names  up  tin!  gentlemen  elected 
to  receive  the  general:*  of  the  nrmy  at  Springfield  were  inserted  in  the  report  of  the  committee,  al- 
though they  were  not  elected  to  dischargo  that  duty  until  after  the  report  had  heen  accepted. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVTN(  i  \l.  CONGREfi 

Genera]    Lee,  and  thai  a  committee  I"-  oboeen  immediate!]  I 
the  same  into  execution. 

Tin-  committee  appointed  to  conaid<  r  uli.it  preparations 
to  be  made  for  t lit-  reception ol  G  !    w    shington,  reported  the 

|  foregoing]  resolve,  which  was  accepted,  and  ('apt.   Parti  I   ipt 

Thatcher,  and  Mr.   Philips',    Major  <■ twin,  and    Mi     Caldwell, 

pointed  a  committee  i''>r  the  purpose  therein  ra<  utioned. 

Mi    I  rane  waa  appointed,  in  tin-  ro.>m  <  f  .Mr.  Hall,  on  tin-  commit- 
tee chosen  i"  consider  .Mr.  R  i  ount. 

Resolved,  Thai   the  committee  appointed   to  prep  Iters  to  the 

several   governments  in   New   England   for  a  reenl  enl  "i   men, 

omit  preparing  one  for  the  colon]  ol  \        rJampshit 

Ordered,  Thai    Doct.   Taylor,  Capt.  G Iman,  and  Mr.  Philips,  be 

a  committee,  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  all  im- 
position  on  the  committee  who  have  been  heretofore  directed  to  exam- 
ine those  persons  \\li<>  may  be  suspected  as  inimical  to  their  country, 
by  any  person  whatei  er. 

The  committee  to  consider  the  letter  from  Machias  reported  :  the 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz: 

Resolved,  That  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  be,  and  they  are  ber< 
given  i"  Capt.  Jeremiah  Obrian,  and  Capt.    Benjamin    I  .  and  the 

other  brave  men   under  their  command,  for   their  com 
conduct   in  taking  one  of  the  tenders  beloi  .r  enemies,  and 

two  sloops   belonging  to  [chabod  Jones,  and  for  preventing  the   minis- 
terial troops  being  supplied  with   lumber;  and   that   the  said   tern 
sloops,  their   appurtenances   and   cargoes,  remain  in  the  hands  of  the 
said  Captains  Obrian  and  Fosti  r,  and  the  men   under  their  command, 
for  them  to  use  and  improve,  as  the]   sh  ill  think  most  for  their  and  the 

public  advantage,  until  the  further  order  of  this,  or  some  future  Con- 
gress, or  bouse  of  representatives :  and  that  the  committee  of  safetj  for 
the  western  parish  in  Pownalborough,  be  ordered  to  c  >nvej  the  prison- 
ers taken  by  the  said  Obrian  and  Foster,  from  Pownalborough  jail  to 
the  committee  of  safetj  or  correspondence,  for  the  town  of  Brunswick  ; 
and  the  committee  for  Brunswick,  to  convex,  them  to  some  committee 
in  tlie  count]  of  York,  ami  bo   to  he  conveyed  from  count]  to  county, 

till  the]   arn\  e  at  tin-  < 

\ 

Ordered,  Thai   commissions  he  delivered  to  Ezi      Badlam,  < 

of  the    tram    of  arliller\,  in    the    loom    of   John   Wilej  :    John    Si 

lieutenant;  Samuel  1>  econd   lieutenant;   and  John  Bland 

•  fii 


400  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  26, 

second  lieutenant ;  agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  committee 
of  safety. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Porter,  Mr.  Fisher,  and  Capt.  Goodridge,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  General  Ward,  this  day  received. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fisher,  Doct.  Whiting,  and  Major  Brooks,  be 
a  committee  to  receive,  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  three  gentlemen 
to  go  to  Springfield  to  meet  Generals  Washington  and  Lee. 

The  committee  having  attended  that  service,  reported,  that  Doct. 
Church,  Mr.  Gill,  and  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  were  chosen. 

The  Hon.  Major  Hawley  moved,  that  he  might  be  excused  from  that 
service,  and,  having  offered  his  reasons,  the  question  was  put,  and  he 
was  excused  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  the  vote  for  choosing  three  persons  to  go  to  Spring- 
field to  meet  Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  be  reconsidered,  so  far  as 
that  only  two  persons  should  be  appointed  to  repair  thither  on  that 
service. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Mc  Kinster,  and  Capt.  Porter,  who  have  each 
of  them  raised  a  company  at  New  York  and  Connecticut,  be  permit- 
ted to  join  Col.  Patterson's  regiment,  provided  their  companies  are 
complete  and  equipt :  and  that  Major  Goodwin  bring  in  a  resolve  for 
this  purpose. 

Resolved,  That  General  Whitcomb's  commission  be  dated  the  2lst 
day  of  June. 

Resolved,  That  the  president  be  desired  to  administer  to  General 
Whitcomb  the  oath  appointed  to  be  administered  to  the  general  offi- 
cers of  the  army. 

The  president  delivered  to  General  Whitcomb  a  commission,  as  a 
major  general  of  the  Massachusetts  army. 

A  petition  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of 
Plymouth   was   read,1   whereupon,   Resolved,   that  the  prayer  thereof 

(1)  The  committee  of  Plymouth  earnestly  remonstrated  against  the  removal  of  the  detachments 
of  troop?  stationed  along  the  coast  to  afford  protection  to  the  inhabitants.     The  petition  follows  : 

To  the  Honorable  the  Provincial  Congress,  now  sitting  at   Watertowm 

The  petition  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of  Plymouth  humbly  sheweth, 

roar  petitioners  have  this  day  i ived  intelligence  that  a  vote  passed   your  house  the 

instant,  determining  to  remove  to  head  quarters,  that  part  of  Col.  Cotton's  regiment,  which  has 
.  by  order  of  your  most  resp  ictable  body,  Btationed  in  thii  plai  e,  foi  the  security  and  protec- 
tion of  the  lives  Mud  property,  ol  this  greatly  exposed  and  much  threatened  town  ;  we,  your  petition- 
era,  have  lately  received  undoubted  intelligence  by  one  of  our  townsmen,  who  has  been  taken  by  u 
tender,  and  carried  into  Boston,  that  Vdmii  il  Graves  made  particular  inquiry  into  the  circumstan 
of  this  town,  and  said  that  we  were  a  rebellious  f,  that,  in  consequei t  our  build- 

ing a  fort  in  opposition  to  the  king's  troops,  it   Bhould  not   be  long  before  he   would  blow  the  ti  wn 
about  our  ears,     four  petitioners  are  very  sensible,  that,  should  the  troops  be  called  away  from 


1775.]  THIRD  PRO\  l\<  l  \l.  I  l  >NGR]  -  mi 

be  granted,  and  thai   General  Ward   I"-  directed  i>>  coantermand  lu^ 
orders  for  drawing  off  the  forces  b(  itioned  al  Plymouth. 

<  >u  a  motion  made,  I  oted,  thai  this  last  resolve  be  reconsidered,  and 
Ordered  that  the  petition  from  Plymouth  I  iroitted  to  Capt  I' 

ker.  Col.  Lincoln,  Col.   Davis,  .Mr.  Phillips,  and  Mr.  Webster. 

Ordered,  Thai   commissions  be  delivered  to  the  <  •  i Ii « - .  -  r  -  of  Col.  Lit- 
tle's   regiment,  agreeably   t<>  a  li-t  recommended  by  the  committee  of 
i\ . 

A  lisl  of  the  officers  and  Boldiei     if  Capt.  S  Spi  igue's  compa- 

ny, was  presented   t'»  the  Congress:  whereupon,  Ordered,  thai    com- 
missions be  delivered   lo  the   said   officers,  viz :  Samuel  Spi 
tain;   Joseph  Cheever,  lieutenant ;    William  Oliver,  [ensign] ;  and  that 
the  comp  iny  be  joined  to  <  !ol.  Gerrish's  regiment 

M      Good  iblj  to  order,  reported   the   following   resolve, 

which  was  accepted,  viz  :   Whei         I     pt.  M ackinster  of  Sp<  nd 

•      •    Porter  of  Becket,  hare  enlisted,  each,  a  compan)  of  men,  on  the 

tablishmenl  of  tHis  colony,  and  not  joined  as  yet  to  an)  regiment, 
Resolved,  thai  the  said  companies  be  joined  to  Col.  John   Patterson's 

giment,  now  stationed  at  Cambridge,  immediately;  provided  said 
companies  are  full,  or  near  full,  and  that  each  man  t>  equipt  with  a 
good  and  sufficient  firelock,  and  [that  they]  join  their  regiment  as  r-uon 
a-  ina\   be. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  Capt  Reuben  Dow, 
and    Lieut.  John   Gos  iblj  to  the  respective  tit] 

affixed  to  th--ir  nam"-  in  Col.  Prescott's  regiment 

Tin-  committee   appointed  to  consider  and  reporl  t>>  whom  the  arms 
procured   by  a  committee  of  this  Congress   should   be  delivered,  &t 
reported   the  following  resolve,  which  was  read   and  accepted,   viz 

itation,  tl.  Plymouth, 

our  enemies,  and  that  il  »ill  be  no  difficult  matter  for  them  to  plunder  and  de*troj  u*.    The  poor 

much  dittreis  id,  bj  re  i of  the  -ti.|i  pot  to  the  fiiberj , 

*ub«Ut  upon   what   I  lit  of  the  clam  bank*,  and  bj  Gibing  i  "I  ihould  they  be 

driren  from  thoii  hull  into  the  barren  country  thai  surround*  ua,  they  mu 
periih  with  hunger,  and  for  want  of  habitation*,  there  not  being  house*  within  twi 

ive  them.    Then  oplo  consist  principally  of  woman  and  children,  thi 

I  parent*  having  enlisted  themielve*  into  the  service  of  the  colony.     Vour  |  u« 

to  the  colon) ,  but,  at  tli 
think  it  •  hi  with  n  . 

drawn,  thi  U  be  immediately  ei  nd,  for  tfai  i  in 

I    ii 

ANDREW  CROSVt  ELL,  ( 
i.  \m  u  hi    Bfi  IDI  ORD,  J*., 
jdii\  1.1:  \\ 
t'..r  the  to 
•  >in  in  the  |onermJ  pray  or  of  the  above  , 

51 


402  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  26, 

Whereas,  this  Congress  has  ordered  a  number  of  fire  arms  to  be  fur- 
nished  from  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  to  be  forwarded 
to  the  army,  to  supply  those  who  are  destitute  of  arms ;  but  no  provi- 
sion is  made  for  delivering  them  out,  and  taking  proper  receipts  for 
the  same,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  all  the  small  arms  that  are,  or  may 
be  procured  by  the  above  order,  be  delivered  to  Major  Nathaniel  Bar- 
ber, military  storekeeper  at  Cambridge  ;  he  to  give  his  receipt  for  the 
same,  to  the  person  from  whom  he  receives  them  ;  that  the  same  be 
delivered  out  to  such  officers  as  shall  produce  orders  therefor  from  the 
Hon.  General  Ward,  they  giving  receipts  for  the  same  to  the  said  Ma- 
jor Barber,  to  be  returned  in  good  order,  unless  lost  in  the  service  of 
the  colony.  And  every  soldier  who  shall  receive  any  such  fire  arms, 
shall  give  his  receipt  for  the  same  to  the  officer  from  whom  he  shall 
receive  it,  to  be  returned  as  aforesaid  ;  and  in  case  the  same  shall  not 
be  returned,  at  the  close  of  the  campaign,  or  sooner,  the  value  of  the 
said  fire  arm  shall  be  deducted  out  of  the  wages  of  the  person  receiv- 
ing the  same ;  and  also  that  the  sum  of  six  shillings  shall  be  deducted 
out  of  the  wages  of  each  soldier,  who  shall  receive  such  fire  arm,  for 
the  use  of  the  same,  in  case  he  return  it  again  in  good  order. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Edward  Parry,  &c,  reported. 
The  report  was  read,  amended,  and  ["accepted].1 

The  committee  on  the  petition  from  Plymouth  reported :  the  report 
was  read  but  not  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Col.  Gerrish,  Capt.  Bragdon,  Col.  Thomp- 
son, Col.  Freeman,  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what 
measures  are  proper  to  be  taken  for  the  defence  and  protection  of  the 
sea  coasts. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  last  chosen,  consider  several  petitions 
which  were  committed  to  the  committee  sometime  since  appointed  to 
consider  the  state  of  the  sea  coasts,  and  that  said  committee  first  consi- 
der the  case  of  the  town  of  Plymouth,  as  represented  in  the  petition 
from  that  town. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  conduct  of  Col.  Thomp- 
son, at  Falmouth,  with  respect  to  Capt.  Mowat,  reported.  The  report 
was  ordered  to  subside.      [It  was  as  follows :] 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  conduct  of  Colonel 
Thompson  at  Falmouth  with  respect  to  Capt.  Mowatt,  &,c,  and  his 
laying  Mr.  Bernard  under  bonds,  are  of  opinion,  that  said  Thompson's 

a  [ncceptod  nnil  is  ns  follows.] 

(1)  The  report  referred  to  in  tho   text  is  neither  entered  on  the  journal,  nor  preserved  on  the 
files  of  Congress. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  103 

conduct  was  friendlj  t->  bia  country,  and  the  cause  oflibertj    and  that 
said  Barnard's  conduct  appears  t'>  bare  been  inimical  to  both.] 
Adjourned  to  Tuesdaj  ni< »r 1 1 n i _r  -  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  .Ii         .'"     1775 

\  letter  from  the  committee  of  Albanj  was  read,  whereupon  Order- 
ed, thai  Doct  Whiting,  .Mr.  Greenleaf,  and  .Mr.  Hopkins,  be  a  <-"in- 
mittee  to  consider  the  same  and  prepare  an  answer  thereto.1 

A\  solved,  That  four  p<  rsons  !>••  added  to  the  committee  of  supplies, 
and  thai  1  I  o'clock  this  forei i,  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of  them. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterdaj  to  consider  General  Ward's 
letter,  reported  a  resolve,8  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 
printed  in  hand  bills,  and  dispersed  throughout  the  colony,  and  there- 
upon Order  h/,  that  ('apt.  (jiootlrid«_r<\  Mr.  Partridge,  and  Mr.  Caldwell, 
h>-  a  committee  for  thai  purpo 

A  letter  from  Isaac  Stone  relative  to  Francis  More,  a  baker,  was 
read  and  ordered  t<>  be  transmitted  to  the  committee  ofsupplii 

Ordered,  that  the   resolve  just  now  past,  in  consequence  of  General 
Ward's  letter  he  reconsidered,  and  that  it   be  recommitted,  together 
with  the  resolve  passed   relative  to   absconding   soldiers,  to    Mr  l 
re,  Mr.  Hopkins  and  Capt.  Goodrich. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Thatcher   be   appointed  to  applj  to  the  brother 

(1)  1  •  from  tli mittee        \ 

•   Ml'  WV 
■■  BRETHREN,— 

•ount  from  you  union 

your  ti  had  w  itfa  •  or  near  <  '  our- 

ting  1 1 ■•-  general  »•  >1  of    \      •      .    ■    . 
ire,  lhat,  I  hough  with  the  I"--  of  manj  brave  men,  you  h  ,  Ifoui  infonnati 

inn-,  to  drive,  with  considerable  low,  the  looli  of  tyran  rylum. 

Strongly   imprened   with  I  ilion  to  cultivate  harmony  with  yoo,   and,  if 

sary,  to  afford  you  "II  thi  e   in  out  |M>wer,   we   have,  therefo  rou  thij  hy   Mr. 

Price,  in  order  to  receive  from  you  a  circumstantial  detail  of  the  I  pmenl   ana  its  < 

qnenci  God,  who  h  a  signally  eaponaed  our  came  in  the  ardn 

liberty  and  humanity,  -till  continue  to  yoi  ioui  guidance  and  proti  ■  lion." 

■■  u  daily  an  attack  upon  Tic leroga  from  Canad  . 

•■  \\  lots  to  know  what   it  be  done  with  the  donation!  colloctod  in  I 

be  infon I  bj  you,  u  the  chief  of  the  contril ■ 

thet  we  shall  diapo f  it  here,  and  convert  ii  into  each,  or  other*  W 

nr.-,  brethren,  your  very  bumbl r< 

B)  order  of  tl nmitlee,  SAMI  EL  STRING1  B 

I 

ii  tare. 

(2,  ited  m  tin-  Joan 

..  of  the  oaken  oftl  "  nwnlek- 

ni  Horn  tl  '  the  province  t"i>r  the  tnppl)  ofhli  own  enston 


404  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [June  27, 

of  our  late  president  for  such  papers  belonging  to  this  Congress,  as  he 
may  have  in  his  possession. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Col.  Coffin,  and  Capt.  Webster,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  General  Thomas  respecting  a  pe- 
tition for  liberty  to  permit  provisions  to  be  carried  to  those  who  were 
taken  prisoners  by  Gage's  troops,  on  the  17th  instant,  now  in  Boston. 

A  number  of  letters  were  presented  to  the  Congress  by  Mr.  Palfrey, 
lately  arrived  from  England,  some  of  which  were  read,  and  then  the 
whole  were  committed  to  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Partridge  and  Capt. 
Brown.1 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bigelow  be  appointed  to  go  to  Cambridge,  to 
inquire  if  there  are  any  blank  commissions  at  the  committee  of  safety's 
room. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Webster,  Mr.  Partridge,  and  Capt.  Goodman, 
be  a  committee  to  receive  and  sort  the  votes  for  four  gentlemen  to  be 
added  to  the  committee  of  supplies. 

The  committee  having  attended  that  service,  reported,  that  Col. 
James  Prescott,  Col.  Elisha  Porter,  Major  Brooks,  and  Capt.  Vose, 
were  chosen. 

Major  Brooks,  having  requested  that  he  might  be  excused,  was  ex- 
cused, and  Col.  Barrett  was  chosen  in  his  room. 

Ordered,  That  the  secretary  make  out  a  proper  certificate  of  the 
choice  of  the  abovenamed  four  gentlemen  on  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies. 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  Mr.  Paul  Revere  reported  :  the 
report  was  recommitted. 

A  letter  from  General  Ward  was  read,  nominating  Col.  William 
Henshaw,  to  be  an  adjutant  general  in  the  Massachusetts  army,  where- 
upon, Ordered,  that  a  commission  be  made  out  for  him  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Col. 
Porter,  be  a  committee,  to  prepare  letters  to  the  Continental  Congress, 
requesting  their  aid  in  furnishing  us  with  gunpowder  :  and  also  to 
prepare  another  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull,  requesting  him  to  take 
some  steps  for  collecting  powder  from  the  several  towns  in  the  colony 
of  Connecticut,  to  be  sent  to  head  quarters  at  Cambridge,  as  this  colo- 
ny is  now  doing. 

A  letter  from  General  Thomas  was  read,  nominating  Mr.  Samuel 
Brewer,  to  be  an  adjutant  general  in  the  Massachusetts  army  :  where- 
upon Ordered,  that  a  commission  be  made  out  for  him  accordingly. 

(1)  The  letters  from  England,  so  fir  as  the  contents  of  all  can  ho  inferred  from  the  few  preserved, 
gave  information  of  the  embarkation  of  regiments  of  troops,  and  the  preparations  of  the  administra- 
tion to  reduce  the  colonies  to  euhiection. 


1775.]  THIRD  l'i;<>\  i\,  |  \i.  (  ONGRE88 

Resolved,  Thai    Mr   Ezekiel   Chever  be  appointed  store  ki 
the  ordnance  in  tlw  room  of  .Major  liarl »<-r ,  who  baa  declined  accept- 
ance of  that  trust,  and  that  5  o'clock  P.M.   !•  aed   for  r- 
ing  the  expedieacj  of  augmenting  the  pay  of  the  store  keeper  of  the 
ordnam 

Ordered,  'Inn  Capt.  Holmes,  Capt.  Brown,  and  Cap!  Batcbelder 
be  a  committee  to  examine  Ensigu  Robert  Campbell,  latelj  arrived 
from  England,  ami  now  a  prisoner  in  tin-  town,  and  to  report  what  ia 
proper  to  be  done  \\  itli  him. 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt   Farlej    I  Dwight,  and  .Mr.  Webster, 

mmittee  to  prepare  an  address   to  tl  ral  towns  in  tl 

\\  ho  ina\  In-  applied  to,  to  furnish  the  army  with  powder. 

I',  solved,  Thai  Mr.  Bdes  be  desired  to  print  300  blank  commissions, 
in  the  tor ui  lately  made  use  of  fur  the  offia  ra  of  the  army. 

\  petition  from  Jonathan   Hicks,   and  Josiah  Jones,  prisoners  in 
Concord  jail,  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table.1 

A  letter  from  S.  L.  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table.3 
A  petition  from  the  committees  of  the  several   townships  of  Golds- 
borough,  Narragaugus  and  Number  Four,  was  read,  and  committed  to 
Capt.  Parker,  Col.  Smith  and  Capt  Ellis,  who  are  directed  ai- 

der the  propriety  of  supplying  the  inhabitants  of  Machias  with  some 
three  pounders,  and  some  sw  ivel  bal 

lor- 

-,  :   win  I " 

the  |«i» er  of  Great  Britain.    '•  Wo  d  G  ,  « iili  |>. 

ty,  ihnl  r  .  u  i  —  l »  proi  '  >nta 

in  |  r  a* 

oar  abilitiei  eitend,  to  do  an)  thing  within  the  li 
thU  imp  "     Protesting  that  it  was  with  thi 

■  of  the  country,  thai  they  bad  taken  np  their  residi 
•  they  may  be  liberated  from  imprisonment, 
coarse  of  conduct. 

(2)  A  li  tl  I  with  the  inil        -     I       ■ 

vessel*  without  delay.     The  writer  apprehended,  thai   the  squadron  und       I 
the  small  ship*  of  war  and  tonders,  might   interrupt  the  »i — Is  bringing  proi 
rin>  and  inhabitant*  to  I 

h  ui  Dai  *         lurdeo,  in 

lyi 

5 
whore  thai   irticle  i 

111  the  eastern  I  *  •l"1 

ninmiiin-        .       \  1,1    ipplii 

letter  from  Col.  Enoch  1  \ 


406  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  27, 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Shillaber  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for 
the  purpose  of  assuring  the  officers  and  soldiers,  that,  notwithstanding 
the  date  of  the  officers'  commissions,  the  pay  of  both  officers  and  sol- 
diers shall  commence  at  the  time  of  their  enlistment. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  made  out  to  the  subaltern  officers 
of  Capt.  Edward  Crafts'  company  in  the  train,  agreeably  to  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  committee  of  safety. 

A  letter  from  Elisha  Phelps  was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 
table.1 

The  letter  from  Mr.  Isaac  Stone  which  was  this  day  transmitted  to 
the  committee  of  supplies,  was,  by  that  committee,  returned,  and  again 
read,  and  thereupon  Ordered,  that  Major  Fuller  be  directed  to  notify 
the  commissary  general  to  attend  this  Congress  on  the  subject  thereof. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  in  what  way  the  sea  coasts 
should  be  protected,  reported,  whereupon  Ordered,  that  the  committee 
of  supplies,  and  all  committees  of  the  house  now  out,  be  directed  im- 
mediately to  give  attendance. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  provide  hospitals  for  the 
army,  be  directed  to  provide  another  hospital,  to  be  appropriated  solely 
for  such  of  the  army  as  may  be  taken  with  the  small  pox,  and  to  con- 
sider what  measures  can  be  taken  to  prevent  the  spreading  of  that 
distemper,  and  that  Doct.  Rand,  and  Doct.  Foster,  be  added  to  the 
committee. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  passed  yesterday,  directing  how  the  fire 
arms  should  be  distributed,  be  reconsidered.  The  same  being  amend- 
ed, was  again  accepted  and  is  as  follows,  viz :  Whereas,  this  Congress 
has  ordered  a  number  of  fire  arms  to  be  furnished  from  several  towns 
and  districts  in  this  colony,  to  be  forwarded  to  the  army,  to  supply 
those  who  are  destitute  of  arms,  but  no  provision  is  made  for  delivering 
them  out,  and  taking  proper  receipts  for  the  same,  therefore,  Resolved, 
that  all  the  small  arms  that  are,  or  may  be  procured  by  the  above 
order,  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  safety  at  Cambridge;  they 
to  give  their  receipt  for  the  same,  to  the  person  from  whom  they  re- 
ceive them  :  that  the  same  be  delivered  out  to  such  officers,  as  shall 

Penobscot,  was  here  tins  afternoon,  and  gives  a  melancholy  aerount  of  the  distress  the  people  are. 
in,  that  way,  for  want  of  bread,  owing  to  tin-  stoppage  of*  trade.  He  heard  that  several  children 
had  died  of  hunger.  What  will  become  of  them,  God  only  knows.  We  are  not  able  to  help  them 
or  ourselves.  I  don't  know  what  can  he  done  for  them  or  us,  without  some  vessels  of  superior 
force  to  the  tenders  should  be  provided  to  bring  bread." 

(1)  Capt.  Phelps  was  sent  to  Connecticut  fur  the  purpose  of  procuring  aid  in  transporting  cannon 
from  Tyconderoga  to  the  enmp  near  Boston.  He  stated  that  Gov.  Trumbull  declined  authorizing 
the  removnl  of  the  guns  from  the  northern  fortress,  without  the  direction  of  the  Continental  Con_ 
great. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROA  INCIAL  <  0NGRE1  MM 

produce  orders  therefor,  from  the  rlonorabh  General  Ward,  tl 
ing  receipts  for  the  Bame,  to  the  Baid  committee  of  Bafelj ,  to  be  r< 
in  good  order,  unless  lost  in  the  service  of  the  colony.     And  i 
soldiei  who  Bhall  receive  an)  Buch  lire  arm,  Bhall  give  his  receipt  i'"r 
the  Bame,  t"  the  officer  from  whom  he  Bhall  receive  it,  to  be  returned 
as  aforesaid  ;  and  the  officer  Bhall  return  the  Baid  receipts  to  the  com- 
mittee of  Bafetj  :  and  in  case  the  Bame  Bhall  not  be  returned,  at  the 
close  of  tli>'  campaign,  or  sooner,  the  value  of  the  Baid  tin-  arm,  Bhall 
be  deducted  oul  of  th<  of  the  person  receiving  the  same;  and 

that  the  committee  of  safet)  Bhall  appraise  all  such  ari  e  not 

already  been  appraised,  and  take  an  account  of  the  wh 

Ordered,  That  Col.  William  Henshaw,  an  adjul   nl 
oath  appointed  to  be  taken  by  the  officers  and  soldier  M 

chusetts  arm \ ,  and  thai  a  commission  as  adjutant 
to  him. 

The    committee    appointed   to  examine    Bnsign    Robert   Campbell, 
reported  the  following  resolve,  which  \\  pted.     The  coram 

appointed  to  into  consideration  the  case  of  a  prisoner,  bound  to 

mi  to  join  the  array  under  the  command  of  General  G  g<  have  ex- 
amined said  prisoner,  and  his  account  of  himself  is,  that  his  nam.-  is 
Robert  Campbell,  about  seventeen  years  old,  -on  of  Lieut.  Col  \  - 
exander  Campbell,  who  is  now  lieutenant  governor  of  Fori  G  rge,  in 
Inverness,  and  is  of  one  of  the  first  families  in  Scotland.  Said  R 
Campbell  further  says,  he  was  born  in  the  army,  and  now  h  i :om- 

mendation  for  an  ensign's  commission  in  the  35th  regiment 

/.'  wlvrd,  That   Robert   Campbell  be  sent   immediately  to  tl 
of  the  selectmen  of  Concord,  to  be  bj  them  put  under  '  or  into 

prison,  and  provided  for,  as  their  prudence  shall  direct,  until  the  fur- 
ther order  of  this  Congress,  or  some  future  house  of  representat 
and  thai  he  be  delivered  to  Col.  Barrett,  to  be  conveyed  to  said  select- 
men of  Concord. 

An  account  of  Simeon   Fish,  and  John  Toby,  of  the  expensi  -  of 
bringing   Ensign   Roberl   Campbell   from   Falmouth  to  this  Congi 
was  read,  and  committed  to  the  committee,  who  were  appointed  to 
examine  said  <  'ampbell. 

Tin-  committee  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  several 
towns  Bto<  ks  in  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Worc<  st<  r,  r<  porti 
schedule,  containing  an  accounl  of  the  stocks  of  sev<  ral  towns  in 
counties,  which  was  committed  to  Mr.  Singletary,   Mi    N         md  Mr 
Cut,  who  were  directed  to  consider  what  quantitj   Bhould   be  drawn 

from  each  town,  for  the  use  of  the  arm\. 


408  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  28, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  of  General  Thomas, 
relative  to  the  request  of  a  number  of  our  wounded  friends,  in  captivity 
in  Boston,  reported  :  the  report  was  accepted,  and  a  copy  of  it  ordered 
to  be  sent  to  General  Thomas,  and  is  as  follows,  viz  :  the  committee 
appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  a  number  of  our  wounded  friends, 
now  in  captivity  in  Boston,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  General  Thomas 
be  requested  moderately  to  supply  said  prisoners  with  fresh  meat,  in 
case  he  can  convey  it  to  them,  and  them  only. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  means  for 
protecting  the  sea  coasts,  was  again  read  and  considered,  and  after 
debate,  the  further  consideration  of  it  was  put  off  till  to-morrow 
morning. 

Adjourned  to  to-morrow  morning  8  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  June  28,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  letter  from 
Albany,  reported. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lincoln  bring  in  a  resolve,  making  five  of  the 
committee  of  supplies  to  be  a  quorum,  or  in  defect  of  five,  that  any 
three  may  be  a  quorum,  provided  the  chairman  be  one  of  the  three. 

[Col.  Lincoln  reported  a  resolve,  which  was  read,  accepted,  and  is 
as  follows,  viz  :] 

Whereas,  The  public  interest  often  makes  it  necessary,  that  a  very 
considerable  number  of  the  committee  of  supplies  should  be  absent  on 
business  of  the  colony,  and  as  no  orders  can  be  paid  by  the  receiver 
general,  but  such  as  are  signed  by  the  said  committee,  or  the  major 
part  of  them  ;  by  reason  whereof,  the  public  service  may  be  obstructed, 
and  greatly  delayed ;  for  prevention  of  which,  it  is  Resolved,  That 
three  of  said  committee  of  supplies,  the  chairman,  David  Cheever,  Esq. 
being  always  one  of  the  three,  shall,  when  there  are  less  than  five  present, 
be  considered  as  a  quorum ;  and  all  orders,  bargains,  and  contracts,  by 
them  made,  shall  be  held  good,  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  fully  as 
though  the  whole  of  said  committee  were  present,  and  assenting  to 
such  orders,  bargains,  and  contracts.  And  the  receiver  general  of 
this  colony  be,  and  is  hereby  directed  to  govern   himself  accordingly. 

The  letter  prepared  to  be  sent  to  the  committee  of  Albany,  was 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Gentlemen;  This  Congress  have  received  your  very  obliging  letter, 
by  Mr.  Price,  of  the  2:3d  ultimo,  and  they  cheerfully  embrace  the  op- 
portunity to  forward  to  you  by  the  same  hand,  as  particular  an  account 
of  the  late  engagement  with  the  enemies  of  America,  as  we,  in  the 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  no 

present  hurry  of  our  public  affairs,  are  able  to  do.     <  >n  the  night  of 

the  ltiili  of  June  instant,  a  body  <>t'  our  troops  tuck  ;  on  of  a 

hill  in  Charlestown,  where  they  began  some  entrenchments;  but  as 
soon  a?  tbe  morning  light  appeared,  they  were  tirr.I  apon  by  some  of 
the  r- 1 1 1 1 >-  in    Boston  h:irl)i>r,  and  also  from  a  batterj  on  I  hill, 

which  is  on  Boston  aide.     s..on  after,  several  ahipa  and  floating  batte- 
ries drew  op,  a»  oear  ae  possible  on  each  Bide  [of]  Charlestown  neck, 
in  order,  with  their  cannon,  to  annoy  oor  people,  and  prevent  any 
recruit-  going  from  our  mam  bodj  to  their  relief     Abont  two  o'clock, 
P.  .M.,  a  large  body  of  regular  troop-,  consisting  of  several  thousands, 
commanded  by  Lord  Howe,  suddenly  crossed  Charles  river,  and  land- 
ed near  the  bill  on  which  our  people  were  posted.     Thej  immedi 
marched  n|>,  in  order  to  force  our  infant  entrenchments:  but  our 
pie  gave  them  bo  warm  a  reception,  that  they  thought  best  to  reti 
but  soon  renewed  their  attempt-.-   but  wire  repulsed  th  >nd  time 

with  great  slaughter;  but,  on  their  third  attempt,  our  people,  being 
almost  destitute  of  ammunition,  as  the  enemies'  con-taut  tire  from  their 
ships  and  floating  batteries  had  prevented  any  supplies  from  our  main 
army,  were  obliged  to  retreat,  with  the  loss  of  about  50  men  killed, 
and  200  wounded,  as  near  a<  has  yet  been  ascertained,  and  about  30 
taken  prisoners,  many  of  whom  were  wounded,  and  some  are  since 
dead  of  their  wounds.      The   loss   on   the   part  of  our  enemies  IS  much 

greater;  some  persons  who  were  on  the  field  of  battle  soon  after  the 
fight,  affirm  they  saw  800  men  dead  on  th<  ad,  and  that  there 

were  a-  many  more  wounded:  the  lowest   account  we  have  had,  is, 
louo  killed  and  wounded,  among  whom  are  B4  commissioned  offi( 
On  the  -ame  day,  the  town  of  Charlestown,  consisting  of  near  500 

houses  and  other  building  .  I>\  those  l>l ly  incendiaries,  set  on 

lire  and  consumed  to  ashes.  vTe  cannot,  however,  but  assure  you, 
gentlemen,  that,  notwithstanding  our  present  distressed  situation,  we 
feel  a  peculiar  satisfaction  in  finding  our  patriotic  brethren  of  the  city 
and  county  of  Albany,  so  cordially  interesting  themselves  in  our  par- 
ticular welfare,  ami  -o  kindU  offering  us  their  assistance,  as  well  as 
manifesting  their  zeal  for  the  rights  ami  liberties  of  America  in  gene- 
ral. Ft  is  our  ardent  desire  to  cultivate  harmony  and  friendship  with 
all  our  neighboring  brethren,  and.  we  hope,  you  will  nol  fail  to  con- 
tinue your  favors,  and  we  assure  you,  that  we  shall  always  take  pi 
ure  m  conveying  to  you  any  intelligence  that  shall  afford  satisfaction 
As  to  the  benevolent  donations  eon  mention,  which  are  collected  for 
our  distressed  brethren,  as  the  transporting  the  article  yon  male  men- 
tion of,  is  almost  impracticable,  [we]  ihmk  it  had   better  he  exfhai 

■•-• 


410  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  '28, 

for  cash,  or  some  necessary  specie,  which  may  be  more  easily  trans- 
ported. We  are  sorry  to  hear  there  is  any  prospect  of  an  attack  upon 
Ticonderoga,  &c,  but,  we  trust,  those  important  fortresses  are  suffi- 
ciently garrisoned,  and  doubt  not,  but  our  brave  countrymen  stationed 
there,  will  be  able  to  repulse  any  force  which  can  be  sent  against  them 
from  Canada.  Finally,  brethren,  we  ardently  wish,  that  the  great  Su- 
preme Being,  who  governs  all  things,  may  so  direct  all  our  military 
operations,  that  they  may  speedily  issue  in  the  full  restoration  and 
peaceable  possession  of  the  natural  and  constitutional  rights  and  liber- 
ties of  every  American. 

P.  S.  Some  make  the  number  of  our  killed  and  missing  to  be  near 
a  hundred. 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  Messrs.  Fish  and  Toby,  reported : 
the  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Resolved,  that  Sim- 
eon Fish  and  John  Toby  be  allowed  and  paid,  out  of  the  public  treas- 
ury of  this  colony,  six  pounds,  seven  shillings,  for  their  time  and  ex- 
penses in  bringing  Robert  Campbell,  a  prisoner,  from  Falmouth  to 
this  Congress,  and  also  for  their  time  and  expenses  back  to  Falmouth 
again  ;  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed  to  pay  the  said  sum 
of  six  pounds,  seven  shillings,  to  the  said  Fish  and  Toby,  in  full  dis- 
charge of  their  expenses  as  aforesaid. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  resolves  of  this 
Congress  relative  to  absconding  soldiers,  reported  :  the  report  was  re- 
committed. 

Mr.  Pigeon  was  introduced  on  the  subject  of  Capt.  Stone's  letter 
respecting  Mr.  More. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher,  Capt.  Batchelder  and  Capt.  Stone  of 
Framingham,  be  a  committee,  to  join  with  Mr.  Pigeon  in  an  inquiry 
into  the  conduct  of  said  More,  and  report  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Batchelder,  Col.  Coffin  and  Capt.  Goodman, 
be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  saving  provis- 
ions in  the  army. 

A  list  of  persons  recommended  as  deputy  commissaries  was  read, 
and  committed  to  Mr.  Greenleaf,  Capt.  Carpenter  and  Mr.  Johnson. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  giving  a  currency 
to  the  notes  or  bills  of  credit  of  this  colony,  reported  :  the  report  was 
recommitted  for  the  purpose  of  introducing  the  large  notes  issued  by 
this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  such  officers  of  Coh 
Gerrish's  regiment  as  are  not  yet  commissioned. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE8S  411 

A  petition  of  John  <  tbrian  iru  read,  and  committed  i"  M  ijoi   1' 
ly,  Major  Fuller  of  Middleton,  and  -Mr.  Cult.1 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  mi 
for   defending   the    Bea  coasts   was    agaia    takea    into   consideration, 
amended  and   accepted,  and  Col.   Freeman,  Col.  Gerrish  and  I 
Carpenter,  were  appointed  to  ii\  the  pay  <>t'  the  officers  in  proportion 
to  that  of  the  Boldiers  blj  to  said  report 

The  report  of  the  committee  respecting  absconding  soldiers,  was 
put  oil'  to  three  o'clock,  I'    M. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  method  of  saving  pro- 
visions in  the  army,  reported  :  the  report  was  accepted,  and  i-  a 
low-       'I'lic  committee   appointed  to  consider  of  tin-  most  effectual 
means  to  prevent  an]  waste  of  provision  in  tii<'  army,  !>>■_'  leave  t>>  re- 
port by  way  of  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  the  commissary  Lr,n<'ral  be,  ami  In-  hereby  ■>  dii 
ed,  to  purchase  all  the  provisions  that  any  of  the  soldier^  may  bave  to 
spare  of  their    allowance,  tor   the    use  of  our  army,  and  pay  a  re 
able  price  for  such  provision. 

\     •  r         .11. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  appointed  a  committee  to  Btation  tin- 
troops  in  the  county  of  Essex,  agreeably  to  the  resolve  of  Congress, 
which  passed  in  the  forenoon,  viz.  : 

I.i/nn — .Mr.  Edward  Johnson.  Manchester — Mr.  Andr<  i  \\  ood- 
lmrv.  Gloucester— Col.  Coffin.  Salem — Mr.  Pickering.  Ipswich — 
Col.  Farley.  Newburypori — Capt.  Greenleaf.  Marblehead — EH  bridge 
Gerry,  Esq.  Beverly — Capt  Batchelder.  Newbury — Col.  Gerrish. 
Salisbury — Capt.  Nathaniel  Currier. 

And  the  following  gentlemen  foi  the  count!  of  York,  viz.: 

■ 

York — ('apt.  Brandon.  Berwick — Major  (ioodwin.  Arundel — 
Deacon  Hovey.  Kittery — Edward  Cutt,  Esq.  Wetts — Col  Saw- 
yer.    Biddeford — James  Sullivan,  Esq. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  likewise  appointed,  agreeably  to  Baid 
resolve,  to  give  out  enlisting  orders,  viz. : 

For  the  Count}/  of  Essex — Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Greenleaf,  and  Col. 
Farley.  For  the  Count //  of  I'li/inouth — Hon.  Col.  Warren,  Mr.  Loth- 
rop,  Capt.  Partridge.  For  tin  County  of  Bamstabh — Col  Free- 
man,   Col.    ()lis,    Daniel    Davis,    Esq.        /or    tin    Counti/    of   Uuktt — 

(1)  The  petitioner  represented  that  the  inhabitant    oi  Mi 
hn«l  not  prorlaiona,  nor  nny  method  to  procure  loppliei,  in  the  bad  condition  or  the  tlroi  i,     I 
viaioo  made  (or  their  inpport  bj  Oongreaa,  Ailed  them  with  gratitude:  but  tli"  quantity 
era*  «o  »m«ll,  tlmt  without  farther  aid  thej  eonld  not  i  ind  moat  k*  obliged  i 

babitationt. 


412  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  28, 

Mr.  Nye.  For  the  County  of  Bristol — Mr.  Durfee,  Hon.  Mr. 
Spooner,  Capt.  Holmes.  For  the  County  of  York — Col.  Sawyer, 
Edward  Cutt,  Esq.,  Capt.  Bragdon.  For  the  County  of  Cumberland 
— Hon.  Col.  Freeman,  Col.  Thompson,  Mr.  Mitchell.  For  the  County 
of  Lincoln — Mr.  D.  Sewall,  Mr.  Langdon,  Mr.  E.  Witcher. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Freeman,  Mr.  Langdon  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be 
a  committee  to  get  two  hundred  of  the  resolves  for  stationing  compa- 
nies on  the  sea  coast,  printed. 

The  resolves  being  completed,  are  as  follow,  viz. :  The  commit- 
tee appointed  to  take  into  consideration  and  report  some  way  of  de- 
fending and  supporting  the  towns  upon  the  sea  coast  in  this  colony, 
having  considered  of  the  same,  report  the  following  resolves,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  there  be  immediately  raised  in  the  county  of  Essex, 
ten  companies,  to  consist  of  fifty  men  each,  officers  included,  to  be  sta- 
tioned upon  the  sea  coast  in  that  county,  in  such  manner  and  propor- 
tion as  shall  be  agreed  upon  by  a  joint  committee,  consisting  of  one 
member  to  be  appointed  by  this  Congress  from  each  of  the  towns  of 
Lynn,  Manchester,  Gloucester,  Marblehead,  Salem,  Beverly,  Ipswich, 
Newbury,  Newburyport,  and  Salisbury,  in  said  county,  and  to  be  under 
the  direction  of  the  committees  of  correspondence  of  each  town  where 
they  may  be  stationed.  Also,  that  there  be  raised  in  the  counties  of 
Plymouth  and  Barnstable,  nine  companies,  each  to  consist  of  the  num- 
ber of  fifty  men,  four  of  which  companies  to  be  stationed  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Plymouth,  according  to  the  direction  of  the  field  officers  of  the 
first  regiment  of  the  county  of  Plymouth,  under  whose  direction  they 
shall  be  considered  ;  the  other  five  companies  to  be  stationed  in  the 
county  of  Barnstable,  in  such  manner  as  the  field  officers  of  the  two 
regiments  there  shall  aoree,  and  to  be  under  their  directions :  and  that 
the  county  of  Barnstable  shall  have  the  liberty  of  raising  eight  of  those 
companies;  likewise,  that  there  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Bristol,  in- 
cluding the  towns  of  Wareham  and  Rochester,  two  companies,  consist- 
ing of  fifty  men  each,  to  be  stationed,  one  company  in  Dartmouth,  and 
the  other  company  in  Wareham  and  Rochester  equally,  and  to  be  un- 
der the  direction  of  the  committees  of  correspondence  of  the  respec- 
tive towns.  Also,  that  there  be  raised  in  the  county  of  York,  four  com- 
panies, consisting  of  fifty  men  each,  to  be  stationed  in  that  county,  ac- 
cording to  the  agreement  of  a  joint  committee  consisting  of  one  mem- 
ber from  each  of  the  towns  upon  the  sea  coast  in  that  county,  to  be 
chosen  for  that  purpose;  when  stationed,  to  be  under  the  direction  of 
the  field  officers  in  that  county.  Also,  that  there  be  raised  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Cumberland,  five  companies,  consisting  of  fifty  men  each,  to  be 


1775.]  THIW)  PROVINCIAL  CONGRE8&  ||) 

-rationed  as  shall  be  agreed  npoa  by  a  joint  committee  appointed  by 
each  town  upon  the  oast,  viz. .  two  memberi  to  be  chosen  bj  the 

town  of  Paimonth  and  Cape  Elizabeth,  one  bj  Scarborough,  one  by 
North  Yarmouth,  one  bj  Brunswick,  and  one  by  Harpswell,  and  after 
the  division  and  station  is  ordered,  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the 
committer-  of  the  respectire  towns  where  tbej  shall  be  stationed  And 
also,  that  there  be  raised  in  the  county  of  Lincoln,  three  companies 
consisting  of  fifty  men  each,  in  be  stationed  bj  ■  committee  consisting 
of  members  to  he  chosen,  one  bj  each  town  upon  the  -<  i  coast  in 
county,  as  they  -hail  agree,  and  then  to  be  tinder  the  direction  of  the 
committeea  of  correspondence  of  the  respectire  towns  and  plantations 
where  thej  shall  be  stationed,  and  of  the  assessors  where  no  such  com- 
mitteea are  appointed.  Also,  llt-ulrul,  that  a  committee  of  three  per- 
son- l.e  appointed  in  each  county,  to  give  out  enlisting  order-  in  their 
respective  counties,  where  such  men  are  to  be  raised,  ami  to  muster 
them;  ami  also,  that  Col.  Phinney  he  directed  to  march  the  whole  of 
his  regiment,  who  are  equipt  with  arms,  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  ami 
those  who  are  not  equipt,  to  dismiss.  Likewise,  further  Resolved,  that 
the  thirty  men  ordered  to  he  raised  from  the  tow  n  of  Falmouth,  and  sta- 
tioned on  the  Kli/.aheth  Islands,  be  augmented  to  fifty,  officers  includ- 
ed, and  under  the  same  wages  ami  subsistence,  a-  i-  hereafter  provid- 
ed, and  to  remain  there  for  protection  of  the  Btocks  on    those    islands; 

and  that  each  private  soldier  of  the  several  companies  herein  mention- 
ed, Bhall  he  entitled  to  the  sum  of  f«J6  per  month,  and  subsistence  as 
the  other"  companies  raised  tor  the  colony  service, till  the  further  order 
of  tin-,  or  some  future  Congress  or  House  of  Representatives;  and 
that  the  pay  of  the  officers  he  reduced  in  the  -ame  proportion  a-  the 
pay  of  the  soldiers,  viz. :  captains'  pay,  658$.\  1-t  lieutenant.  £312s. ; 
2d  lieutenant,  €9  8s.  :  sergeants,  £9  -Is.  ;  corporals,  filets,  and  drum- 
mers, £2. 

Resolved,  That  each  soldier  who  -hall  enli-t .  -hill  furnish  himself 
with  a  food  and  sufficient  firelock,  and  that  no  man  shall    be  must) 
as  a  soldier  who  is  not  so  furnished,  accordingly. 

Also,  Resolved,  That  each  town  where  soldiers  shall  he  stationed  as 

above,  shall  furnish  them  with  ammunition,  out  of  their  Stocks,  'or 
which  they  shall  he  paid  out  <d  the  public  treasury  of  this  colony. 

A  petition  of  Robert  Shillaber  [for  leave  to  export  fish,]  was  read. 
and  committed  to  ('apt.  Batcheider,  Capl  Goodman,  and  .Major  Fuller. 
ol  sfiddleborough. 

Ordered,  Thai  Deacon  Bayley,  If ajor  Goodwin,  Mr  Batcheider, 
Col.  Coffin,  and  Col.  Cernsh,  he  a  committee  to  consider  what  method 


414  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  28, 

would  be  most  expedient,  by  which  to  supply  the  soldiers  to  be  raised 
for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast,  with  provisions. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt.  Stearns,  and  Mr.  Starkweather, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  the  petition  of  several  officers  in  Col.  Pres- 
cott's,  Col.  Fry's,  and  Col.  Bridge's  regiments.1 

The  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  absconding  soldiers,  was 
again  considered,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  in  consequence  of  [aan]  application  made  to  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  sitting  in  this  town  in  May  last,  by  the  officers  of  the 
army,  that  some  effectual  method  should  be  taken  for  the  speedy  return 
of  absconding  soldiers,  or  such  as  should  tarry  beyond  the  time  limited 
by  furlough,  it  was  then  Resolved,  that  it  should  be,  and  accordingly  was 
recommended  to  the  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  towns 
and  districts  in  this  colony,  or  to  the  selectmen,  where  no  such  com- 
mittees were  appointed,  that  they  should  take  effectual  care,  that 
such  absconding  or  delinquent  soldiers  should  be  sent  back  immediate- 
ly to  their  respective  regiments  ;  yet  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that 
the  above  resolution  has  not,  in  every  instance,  had  the  desired  effect; 
therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be  further  recommended  to  the  several  com- 
mittees of  correspondence  in  each  town  and  district  in  this  colony,  or 
to  the  selectmen,  where  no  such  committees  are  appointed,  that  they 
take  the  most  speedy  and  effectual  care,  that  said  resolve  be  strictly 
adhered  to  and  punctually  executed  ;  and  it  is  also  recommended  to 
the  good  people  in  the  several  towns  and  districts  aforesaid,  to  give 
their  utmost  aid  and  assistance  to  said  selectmen  or  committees  in  exe- 
cuting said  resolve,  as  the  existence  of  the  army  very  much  depends 
thereon. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  all  necessary  expenses,  which  may 
accrue  by  returning  said  absconding  or  delinquent  soldiers  to  their  re- 
spective regiments,  be  paid,  and  deducted  out  of  the  wages  of  said 
soldiers. 

Ordered,  [That  the  foregoing  resolves]  be  printed  in  the  Cambridge, 
Watertown,  and  Worcester  papers. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  preparations  are  neces- 
sary to  be  made  relative  to  making  paper  bills  of  credit,  reported. 
The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  till  there  is  a  fuller  house. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Lincoln,  Major  Fuller,  of  Newton,  Mr.  Single- 
tary,  Mr.  Durfee,  and  Mr.  Dexter,  be  a  committee  to  consider  what 

a  [our] 
(1)     Thete  petition!  related  to  the  organization  of  the  rrjjimentu  nnd  the  rank  of  the  officers. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  <  ONGRE8G  111 

method  i-  best  t.»  be  taken  foi  providing  each  of  the  soldiers  with  a 

coai. 

The  form  of  a  warrant  f>r  the  surgeons  was  read  and  accepted,  and 

i~  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Tht  Congress  of  tkt  Massou  husetts  I><u/,  t<>  .1.  II.     Greeting. 

Being  informed  of  your  -kill  in  sur_'er\,  and  reposing  especial  trust 

and  confidence  in  your  ability  and  g I  conduct,  we  do,  bj  these  pre- 

sents,  constitute  and  appoint  you  tin-  -aid  A.   15..  to  be  surgeon  of  the 

regiment  of  foot,  u  bereof is  colonel,  raised  by  the  Con 

aforesaid,  for  the  defence  of  -aid  colon] .  ^  >>n  are,  t Ik- r.  fore,  carefully 
and  diligent!)  to  discharge  tin-  dutj  of  a  surgeon  t.>  tin-  -aid  regiment, 
in  all  things  appertaining  thereunto,  observing  such  orders  and  instruc- 
tions a-  you  .»liall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  the  colonel  of 
regiment,  according  to  military  rules  and  discipline  established  bj  -  ml 
Congress,  or  anj  your  superior  officers,  lor  which  this  shall  be  youx 
sufficient  warrant. 

By  order  of  the  Congress, 

President. 

Dated  at  Watertown. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  make  out  commissions 

for  the  officers  of  tin-  army,  In-  directed  to  make  out  warrant-  for  the 
surgeons  agreeably  to  the  above  form,  a-  -o<>n  a-  they  have  been  exam- 
ined ami  appointed. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher,  Col.  Thompson,  ami  Mr.  Wiswall, 
be  a  committee  t"  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  the 
unnecessary  [  'expenditure]  of  gunpowder. 

The  com  m  n  ice  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  Mr.  Obrian,  1 1  - 
ported  verbally:  that  the  petitioner  he  Berved  with  a  copj  of  the  re- 
port of  this  Congress  on  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Mat  bias.  The  report  w  as  accepted,  and  the  petitioner  hail  leave  to 
withdraw  his  petition. 

The  report  of  the  committee  relative  to  making  the  notes  and  hills 
of  credil  of  this  ami  the  other  colonies,  a  tender,  being  amended, 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  authenticated  ami  printed  in  the  Cam- 
bridge, Water  town,  and  Worcester  papers,  ami  i<  as  follows:  Where- 
as, a  toriner  Congress  of  tin-  colony,  ordered  their  receiver  general  to 
notes  and  bills  upon  the  credit  of  this  colony,  for  the  payment 

a  [cijxsnte] 


416  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  28, 

and  supply  of  their  army,  and  other  necessary  expenses  of  this  colony ; 
and  whereas,  divers  others  of  the  sister  colonies  have  issued  notes  or 
bills,  for  the  payment  of  their  respective  forces ;  and  it  is  necessary, 
that  the  notes  and  bills  of  this  and  the  sister  colonies  should  have  free 
currency  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  notes  and  bills  of  the  colony  of 
Rhode  Island,  at  and  after  the  rate  of  six  shillings  and  nine  pence  an 
ounce  for  silver,  and  the  bills  and  notes  of  this  and  all  the  other  colo- 
nies, excepting  Nova  Scotia  and  Canada,  at  and  after  the  rate  of  six 
shillings  and  eight  pence  an  ounce  for  silver,  shall  be  taken  and  re- 
ceived, and  accounted  a  good  and  sufficient  tender  for  the  payment  of 
all  debts,  and  the  damages  that  may  arise  upon  the  non-performance  of 
any  promises,  and  also  be  received  into  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, without  any  discount  or  allowance  whatever.  And  if  any  person 
whatever,  shall  refuse  to  take  any  of  the  notes  or  bills  of  the  colonies 
aforementioned,  at  the  rates  before  expressed,  for  any  debt,  or  in  satis- 
faction for  the  damages  sustained  by  reason  of  the  non-performance  of 
any  promise,  or  shall  ask,  demand,  or  receive,  any  discount,  gratuity, 
or  premium,  for  receiving  any  of  the  bills  or  notes  aforementioned,  he 
or  she  so  offending,  shall  be  deemed  an  enemy  to  the  country.  And 
the  several  committees  of  correspondence,  inspection,  and  safety  in 
their  respective  towns,  are  required  to  return  the  names  of  all  persons 
who  shall  contravene  this  resolve,  to  this  or  some  future  Congress,  or 
House  of  Representatives,  that  they  may  take  order  thereon  as  to  them 
shall  seem  meet. 

The  resolve  relative  to  the  commencement  of  the  pay  of  the  officers 
and  soldiers,  was  considered,  and  recommitted,  and  Mr.  Batchelder 
and  Major  Fuller  added  to  the  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Webster,  Major  Perley,  and  Mr.  Mighill,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  recommending  to  the 
governor  and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  to  suffer  the  in- 
habitants of  the  eastern  parts  of  this  colony,  to  purchase  and  carry  out 
of  said  colony  such  provisions  as  their  necessitous  circumstances  may 
require. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the 
Continental  Congress,  be  empowered  and  directed  to  communicate  it 
to  the  committee  of  supplies,  and  then  to  forward  the  same  to  the  del- 
egates of  this  colony  at  said  Congress,  without  reporting  it  to  this  Con- 
gress, said  delegates  to  communicate  it  to  the  Continental  Congress,  if 
they  think  proper. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Starkweather,  Capt.  Partridge,  and  Col.  Dexter, 
Mr.  Singletary,  and  Col.  Coffin,  be  a  committee  to  examine  into  the 


I77fi  |  THIRD  PRO!  [NCIAL  O  >NGRE*  n, 

conduct  and  books  of  Mr.   John    Pigeon,  com  mi  !,   m, 

Pigeon  having  desired  that  a  committee  might  be  appointed  for  thai 

purpose,  and  that  said  c littee  consider  the  expediencj  of  furnishing 

.Mr.  Miller,  a  deputy  c missary,  with  a  horse. 

Resolved,  That  tomorrow  morning,  ten  o'clock,  be  assigned  for  the 
purpose  of  considering  the  proposal  <>f  the  commissar]  g(  neraJ,  for  an 
allowance  of  molasses  to  the  soldiers. 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  I >n n lt  in  a  resolve  relative  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  pay  of  the  officers  ami  soldiers,  reported  the  follow- 
ing, which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  t'>  be  published  in  the  papers, 
and  is  as  follow  b,  \  iz. : 

R  wived,  That  each  commissioned  officer  in  the  colon]  army  shall 
draw  pay,  according  t<>  the  present  establishment,  from  1 1 1 •  -  time  of  Ins 
tir-t  engaging  in  the  public  service  or  receiving  beating  orders,  and 
that  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  private  draw  pay  from  the 
time  of  his  enlisting  in  said  sen  ice  ;  al  -<>,  thai  such  of  the  minute  m<  n 
and  militia,  as  marched  into  the  field  on  the  19th  April,  and  booh  after, 
and  have  remained  there,  and  since  engaged  in  said  arm]  for  the  de- 
I'enee  of  the  <-<>l<>n\ ,  -hall  he  paid  for  their  service,  agrecablj  t'»  the 
pre--  Hi  establishment,  from  the  time  of  their  iir>t  inarching  into  the 
field. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Hall.  Major  Brooks,  Mr.  Par- 
tridge, and  I). -aeon  Fisher,  be  a  committee  to  consider  the  written 
proposal  of  Doct.  NN'Int  ihlt.  relative  to  saltpetre.1 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  tomorrow  morning. 

Tin  asn  w  .  .1 1  \r  29,   i * ; .". 

A  petition  from  Mr.  John  Calef9  was  read,  and  committed  to  Majoi 
Fuller,  Col.  Collin,  Mr.  Hopkins,  Capt  Parker,  and  Mr.  Mighill. 

The  commits  e  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of 
recommending  to  the  governor  and  compan]  of  Connecticut,  to  sup- 
ply the  eastern  country  with  provisions,  reported :  the  report  was  ac- 
cepted.' :t 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety,  enclosing  a  lettei   from    Mi 

Samuel  Smith,  chairman  of  the  co ttee  of  Northficld,  was  read,  and 

ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  committee  ofsupplii 

(I  [mill  i.  n.  follow  -.  J 

(I)  Doct.  Whiting  roeommeodod,  thai  inrormalion  in  relation  to  the  manu 
ihoold  be  oblai I  from  -kilt'ul  pen  N    a  \nrk. 

1 

1 

■ 

53 


418  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  29, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  from  Narragua- 
gus  and  other  towns  at  the  eastward,  repotted.  The  report  was  or- 
dered to  subside,  and  the  petitioners  had  leave  to  withdraw  their  peti- 
tion.1 

Ordered,  That  the  President,  Major  Hawley,  Doct.  Whiting,  Mr. 

Hopkins,  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  an  address  to 
Generals  Washington  and  Lee,  to  be  presented  to  them  on  their  arri- 
val here. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  officers  belong- 
ing to  Col.  Prescott's,  Col.  Fry's  and  Bridge's  regiments,  reported  : 
which  report  was  accepted.11  2 

Ordered, That  the  lesolve  passed  the  19th  instant,  relative  to  spears, 
&c,  be  recommitted  to  Major  Goodwin  for  amendment. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  proposal  made  by  Doct. 
Whiting,  for  sending  some  person  to  New  York,  to  advise  with  Doct. 
Graham  and  others,  and  procure  from  them  directions  for  the  manu- 
facture of  saltpetre,  reported ;  which  report  was  ordered  to  lay  on  the 
table,  and  Mr.  Phillips  and  Doct.  Whiting  were  appointed  to  confer 
with  Mr.  Professor  Sewall,  on  the  subject  matter  contained  therein. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  methods  for  supplying 
the  soldiers,  stationed  on  the  sea  coasts,  with  provisions,  reported. 
The  report  was  amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Re- 
solved, that  the  selectmen  of  the  several  towns  or  plantations  on  the 
sea  coast,  or,  where  there  are  no  selectmen,  the  assessors  of  such 
place  where  any  such  soldiers  shall  be  stationed  for  their  defence,  be, 
and  they  hereby  are  directed,  to  supply  the  officers  and  soldiers  with 
suitable  provisions  for  their  support,  so  long  as  said  men  continue  in 
the  colony  seivicc,  and  do  their  duty  of  soldiers  in  their  several  sta- 
tions, for  which  provisions,  the  said  selectmen  or  assessors  shall  be 
paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury,  the  sum  of  five  shillings  for  each  man, 
per  week,  who  shall  be  so  supplied.  And  it  is  recommended  to  the 
owners  of  the  Elizabeth  Islands,  to  supply  the  soldiers  that  may  be 
stationed  on  said  islands,  for  which  they  shall  be  allowed,  out  of  the 
treasury  aforesaid,  the  same  sum  per  week,  which  is  allowed  for  the 

c  fmul  19  as  follows.] 

chusetts,  mi. I  :i  double  fortified  gun  of  New  Hampshire,  were  left  at  Fort  Dummcr  when  tlmt  lbr- 
t  .  -  was  dismantled,  and  a  cannon  ut  Tort  Hinsdale,  above  Notthfield  ;  all  four  pounders,  which 
might  be  cunvi  veil  to  the  army. 

I  The  scarcity  of  provisions  and  the  deficiency  of  arms  were  assigned  aa  the  reasons  for  de- 
cliiiisi    lo  make  the  appropriations  requc  I  "I  by  the  petitioners. 

CIj    report    p  ears  to  have  pointed  out  a  mode  of  adjusting  difficulties  which  bail  arisen  in 
rank  '  <\<f-  officer  of  the  regiments. 


L775.]  THIRD  PRO\  !\<  I  \l.  I  0NGR1  -  no 

Bupplj  of  the  soldiers  to  be  b(  itioned   iu  i 

st 

Ordered, That  Mr.  Elobart,  Col.  Farlej  and  Mi    W< 
mittee  to   inquire  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  in  wl  i  the 

military  stores  in  Watertown  ad  that  tin 

that  thej  be  proper!)  guarded,  and  that  there  be  not  bo  I  i 
quantity  Kept  together,  aa  there  now  is  in  one  plat 

V  letter  from  the  committee  of  safel  pecting  n>u.  Ward'-, 
ordering  thriu  to  deliver  out  small  arm-  to  such  officers  as  ma)  Bpply, 
was   read;  the  consideration  wheieof  w  erred   to  9  ;k,  to- 

morrow morning- 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Mr  John  Calef,  reporl  rhe 

report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.:  It  appearing  to  tins 
Congress  inconsistent  with  the  best  interest  of  this  colony,  that  the 
within  mentioned  ship  should  proceed  <m  bei  voj  ige  as  requested  by 
the  within  memorialist,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  said  ship  do  not 
accordingly  proceed  on  said  voyage,  till  further  order  from  this  I 
gress,  or  some  future  house  of  representative 

\   •  i   Don. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Freeman,  Doct.  Taylor  and    Mr    Lothrop,  b 
committee  to  consider  in  what   manner  enlisting  orders   and  commis- 
sions shall  be  given  to  the  officers  of  the  several  companies  to  be  sta- 
tioned "ii  the  sea  coasts. 

.Mr.  Palfrey  was  introduced  to  this  Congress,  who  brought  with  him 
a  number  of  letters,  which  were   brought   from   England   bv   Cant 

O  I 

Jenkins. 

Resolved,  Thai  Ensign  Campbell,  now  a  prisoner  at  Concord,  be 
sent  for  t<>  this  Congress,  and  that  Duct.  Taylor  and  Capt  Stone  !'<• 
directed  to  search  his  packages,  and  see  that  he  is  brought  to  thi> 
Congress,  and  that  .Mr.  Partridge  be  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve 
empowering  said  gentlemen  to  [perform]  this  service. 

Ordered,  That  the  letter-  directed  to  gentlemen  in  Rhode  [sland, 
be  sent  to  the  officers  of  the  Rhode  [sland  forces;  those  to  Connecti- 
cut to  the  officers  of  the  Connecticut  forces;  and  those  directed  to 
New  Hampshire,  to  the  officers  of  the  New  Hampshire  for 

Ordered,  That  Doct  Whiting,  Mr  Webster  and  Col.  Freeman,  be 
n  committee  to  take  under  consideration  a  resolve  of  Congress,  ent- 
ering the  committee  for  procuring  guns,  to  draw  on  the  tr<  asun  r, 

i    s.i  ...■  of  0i6<o  lei 

lha  roloniei  t.. 


420  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  29, 

for  the  value  of  what  they  purchase,  and  to  report  what  alterations  are 
necessary  to  be  made  therein. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hopkins,  Mr.  Phillips  and  Col.  Farley,  be  a 
committee  to  supervise  the  letters  brought  to  this  Congress  by  Mr. 
Palfrey. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  furnish  the 
committee  appointed  to  go  to  Concord,  with  horses. 

Mr.  Partridge,  agreeably  to  order,  reported  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted. 

Resolved,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Capt.  Stone  of  Framingham,  be 
a  committee,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  repair  to  the  town  of  Concord, 
and  make  search,  or  cause  strict  search  to  be  made,  into  the  pockets 
and  packages  of  Ensign  Campbell,  now  a  prisoner  at  Concord,  and  is 
suspected  of  having  letters  of  public  concernment  concealed  in  his 
possession  ;  and  that  they  cause  said  Campbell  to  be  brought  imme- 
diately to  the  door  of  this  Congress,  in  order  for  examination,  if  they 
judge  it  necessary. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  address  to  the  several 
towns  in  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Worcester,  recommending 
them  to  supply  the  army  with  powder,  reported.  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  ; 

To  the  several  Towns  in  the  Counties  of  Hampshire  and  Worcester: 

This  Congress,  taking  into  their  most  serious  consideration,  the 
great  want  of  powder  in  our  public  magazines,  and  considering  how 
much  depends  on  that  important  and  most  necessary  article,  which, 
under  God,  if  provided,  may  prove  the  salvation  of  America;  and  as 
your  towns  lay  the  least  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  our  enemies,  there- 
fore, it  is  most  earnestly  recommended  by  this  Congress,  to  the  select- 
men of  each  town  and  district  in  the  county  of  Worcester,  that  they 
deliver  the  whole  of  the  towns'  stocks,  in  said  county  of  Worcester, 
to  Mr.  John  Caldwell,  Mr.  Amos  Singletary  and  Deacon  Israel 
Nichols,  a  committee  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  receive  the  same; 
and  it  is  likewise  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  each  town  and 
district  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  to  deliver  their  respective  towns' 
stocks  of  powder,  to  Capt.  Noah  Goodman,  who  is  appointed  by  this 
[Congress]  to  receive  the  same  from  said  county  of  Hampshire  ;  ex- 
cept so  much  as  is  allowed  to  be  kept  in  each  town,  which  will  appear 
by  the  schedule  hereunto  annexed,  and  that  it  be  replaced,  as  soon  as 


{TUB.]  THIRD  l'K<>\  l\n  \i.  <  ONGR]  ui 

tate  of  the  colon)  magazines  will  admit  thereof,  or  otherwise  will 
be  paid  for  in  monei .' 

Ordered,  Thai   Mr.  Caldwell,  Mr.  Singletary  and   D  Nichols, 

be  a  committee  to  procure  powder  from  the  several  towns  in  the  coun- 
ty of  Worcester,  agreeably  to  Baid  schedule,  and  Capt.  Goodman, 
from  the  count]  of  Hampshire. 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.  Brown,  Col.  Davis  and  Mr.  Fairbanks,  be  a 
committee  to  inquire  where  Bafe  and  con  enienl  stores  maj  be  had, 
lor  stormy  whal  gunpowder  is  or  may  I"-  procured  for  the  use  of  this 
colon] ,  and  thai  thej  sil  forth* ith. 

An  accounl  exhibited  bj  Mr.  [chabod  Goodwin,  was  read,  and  com- 
mitted to  Deacon  Stickney,  Capt.  KuiLr  and  Mr.  Th pson. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  motion  of  l>".  L  \\  biting,  was 
again  read,  amended  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.:  The  com- 
mittee appointed  to  take  into  consideration  a  motion  made  t"'>r  Bending 
Borne  proper  person  to  New  York,  in  order  to  advise  with  Doct  <ira- 
liam  ami  others,  and  procure  from  them  directions  t'«>r  the  manufactur- 
ing of  saltpetre,  have  attended  thai  service,  and  beg  leave  t<>  report,  by 
way  of  resolve,  thai  Doct.  William  Whiting  be  a  committee  to  repair 
to  New  York,  and  confer  with  Doct.  Graham,  or  any  other  gentlemi  n 
that  have  had  experience  in  the  manufacturing  of  saltpetre,  and  that 
he  be  directed  to  procure  from  him  or  them,  the  mosl  minute,  partic- 
ular, and  intelligible  account,  relative  to  the  manufacturing  of  this  ar- 
ticle, possible,  ami  that,  if  t"  be  found,  he  procure  and  engage  some 
ingenious  person,  who  has  been  used  t>>  work  in  the  business  of  mak- 
ing saltpetre,  to  come  immediately  to  this  [dace,  who  -hall  be  em- 
ployed in  said  business,  and  thai  the  expenses  of  said  journej  to  New 

\  < >r k ,  and  the  travel    of  Baid    workman    to    this    [dace,  he   paid    out    of 

the  public  treasurj  of  this  colon] . 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  account  of  Mr  Paul  Revere, 
was  read,  whereupon,  Ordered,  thai  tomorrow  morning,  ten  o'clock, 
be  assigned  for  the  consideration  thereof! 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Robert  Slullaher,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  i<  as  follow-,  \i/.  :     Resolved,  thai  Mr.  R 

ert  Slullaher  he,  and  he  herein  1-  permitted,  t<>  exporl  to  th(  R  •  In- 
die-, eighty  hogsheads  of  Jamaica  fish  :  proi  ided,  that  no  other  proi  i- 
Bion  he  -lupped  with  the  -,ud  fish,  except  -o  much  as  will  h.-  sufficient 

uch  a  voyage;  and  the  committee  of  safet]  in  Salem,  are  dire< 

e  tin-  resolve  strict!)  complied  with. 

(I)  Tin   i  ling  thii  n 

louin.il  ■>!  June  30. 


42-2  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  3U, 

Ordered,  That  Major  Goodwin,  Col.  Dwight,  and  Capt.  Bragdon, 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  committee  who  were  ap- 
pointed to  procure  powder  from  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  Wor- 
cester, and  that  they  sit  forthwith. 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  Major  Goodwin,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Resolved,  that  the  re- 
ceiver general  be,  and  he  hereby  is  ordered,  to  pay  to  Major  Ichabod 
Goodwin,  £2  J  7s  8d,  for  his  time,  horse,  and  expenses,  in  going  ex- 
press to  Falmouth,  by  order  of  the  committee  of  safety. 

Adjourned  to  Friday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Friday    June  30,   1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheeler,  Major  Fuller,  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  appointing  some  per- 
son to  convey  one  Green,  a  captive,  to  Worcester  gaol,  there  to  be  con- 
fined till  further  order  of  this  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  was  best  to  be  done  with 
the  supernumerary  sheets  of  colony  notes,  reported.  The  report  was 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  The  committee  appointed  to  consid- 
er what  shall  be  done  with  the  supernumerary  sheets,  struck  off  from 
the  plate  containing  the  twenty,  fourteen,  and  six  shilling  bills,  have 
attended  to  that  service,  and  find,  upon  examination,  that  there  are  one 
hundred  and  twenty-seven  sheets  above  the  number  proposed,  which 
make  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-four  pounds ;  and  beg  leave  to 
report,  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  an  order  of  Congress  be  taken,  for 
committing  said  sheets  to  the  care  of  the  receiver  general,  until  the 
further  order  of  the  Congress  or  House  of  Representatives. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley  bring  in  a  resolve,  directing  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  to  consider  the  expediency  of  granting  a  further  emis- 
sion of  bills  of  credit. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety,  enclosing  one  from  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  of  Portsmouth,  to  Doct.  Langdon,  and  an  anonymous 
letter  wrote  from  Boston  to  Portsmouth,  which  was  intercepted  by  the 
said  committee  at  Portsmouth,  was  read,  and  Ordered,  that  a  copy  of 
the  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety  of  Portsmouth,  be  transmitted 
to  the  committee  of  supplies,  and  that  the  anonymous  letter  lie  on  the 
table.1 

(1)  The  intercepted  letter  was  addressed  to  Hugh  Hen<l<r<on,  mid  h  without   -i  nuinre.    Tin- 
copy  follows  : 

"  Boston,  22  Jons,  1775." 

"Dear  Hoghj— I  take  this  opportunity  of  letting  you  know  our  welfare.     We  have  had  s  vn-.-it 
ileal  of  confusion  last  Saturday  ;  bul  we  have  great  reason  of  thankfulness  thai  1 1  ■  *  •  troops  got  the 


ITfS.]  THIRD  l'K<>\  IV  l  \l.  (  ONGRESS 

Ordered,  That  such  of  the  committee  who  wen-  appointed  to  deliv- 
ei  out  commissions,  as  are  now  present,  \><-  directed  t"  attest  the  list 
of  officers  commissioned. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheeler,  be  directed  t<>  deliver  the  Bupernumer- 
;ir\  bills  to  the  receiver,  and  take  bis  receipt  for  the  same, 

\  petition  ofDoct  William  Whitinj  read,1  whereupon,  Resolv- 

ed, thai  the  receiver  genera]  be,  and  he  is  herebj  directed,  t<>  paj  to 
Doct.  Whiting,  the  Bum  of  eight  |> nl-.  m  colonj  notes,  towards  de- 
fraying the  expenses  of  the  said  Doct,  Whiting,  which  maj  accrue  in 
In-  journey  to  New  N  ork,  Baid  \\  bitinc  to  I"-  accountable  for  the  same 
to  tin-  Congress  or  Borne  future  House  i      \    embly  of  this  colony. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  m<  to  prevent  the 

spreading  of  the  small  pox,  were  din  cted  to  sit  forthwith. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher,  Mr.  Lothrop,  and  Col.  Richmond, 
l>e  a  committee  i"  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  Bsiety,  rela- 
tive t<>  artificer's  accounts,  and  that  Baid  committee  be  directed  t<>  con- 
sider such  accounts  as  raaj  be  transmitted  tu  this  Congress,  bj  tlu* 
committee  of  safety,  and  to  report  thereon. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  of  this  Congress  relative  to  procuring 
powder  from  the  counties  of  Hampshire  and  \\  orc<  ster,  l>c  reconsider- 
ed, and  that  the  same,  together  with  the  report  of  the  committee  ap- 
pointed to  prepare  instructions  to  the  committee  appointed  to  procure 
powder  from  -aid  counties,  be  recommitted. 

On!, ml.  Thai  ('apt.  Stone,  Mr.  Plympton,  and  .Mr.  Johnson,  be  a 
committee  t>>  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of  maki  -i"n  f'>r 

the  poor  of  the  t'»u  ii  of  <  lharlestow  n. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Coffin,  Mi  Lothrop,  Capt.  \  <  pt.  Bragdon, 
and  Col.  Mitchell,  be  a  committee  to  impure  into  the  state  of  the  two 

Lnn,  and  the  light  house  at  the  entrance  of  B 
ton  harbor,  and  also,  thai  at   Plymouth,  and  consider  whether  ii  is  ex- 
pedienl  to  continue  the  lights  therein. 

better  of  the  people.    1 

ii  ;  but  the)  di.l  not  keep  il  fifteen  minutoa  a'i.  r  the  ind  -u.-li  t.         i 

I  ii  all  the  time.    Thi 

thi  in  i-  Doctoi  Worn  n  :     About  tl 

...  i   , :  ,  .  .  :  them 

■ 
'•I:  I  iliink  you  Ii"!  urn." 

C 

I     |)..  toi  Whiting  Hated,  that  ho  had  nol 

■ 


424  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  30, 

Major  Hawley,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  a  committee,  forthwith 
to  consider,  whether  the  exigencies  of  this  colony  do  require,  that 
there  should  be,  as  soon  as  possible,  a  grant  made  by  this  Congress  of 
a  further  emission  of  notes  or  bills  of  credit,  and  that  they  consider  of 
what  sum  it  is  proper  that  grant  should  consist,  and  of  what  denomina- 
tions such  bills  should  be,  and  whether  they  should  bear  any  interest, 
and  if  any,  what  the  rate  of  such  interest  should  be,  and  at  what  time 
such  notes  or  bills  should  be  payable  or  redeemed,  and  whatever  other 
regulations  the  said  committee  shall  judge  it  expedient  such  notes  or 
bills  should  be  issued  upon,  and  that  the  said  committee  report  as  soon 
as  may  be. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Fisher  bring  in  a  resolve,  directing  the  re- 
ceiver general  to  pay  the  sum  of  three  pounds  ten  shillings,  to  the  com- 
mittee appointed  to  procure  powder  from  the  county  of  Worcester,  and 
two  pounds  ten  shillings,  to  Capt.  Goodman,  who  is  appointed  to  pro- 
cure powder  from  the  county  of  Hampshire. 

Afternoon. 
The  form  of  a  warrant  for  surgeons  of  the  hospital,  was  read  and 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  


Greeting. 

Being  informed  of  your  skill  in  surgery,  and  reposing  special  trust 
and  confidence  in  your  ability  and  good   conduct,  [we]    do   by  these 

presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you,  the  said  to  be  a 

surgeon  of  the  hospital,  established  by  order  of  the  Congress,  in , 

for  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  colony  army.  You  are,  therefore, 
carefully  and  diligently  to  discharge  the  duty  of  a  surgeon  of  said  hos- 
pital, in  all  things  appertaining  thereto,  observing  such  orders  and  in- 
structions as  you  shall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  any,  your  su- 
perior officers,  according  to  the  rules  and  discipline  established  by  said 
Congress,  for  which,  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

Dated  the day  of A.  D.  1775. 

Ordered,  That  warrants  be  made  out  to  the  following  officers,  viz  ■ 
Doct.  Lemuel  dishing,  surgeon  ;  Doct.  Gad  Hitchcock,  surgeon's 
mate;    Adam  Bayley,   quarter  master;    Luthei   Bayley,  adjutant;  in 


i  .  75.]  THIRD  PKO\  l\«  IAL  I  I  >NUK  I 


General  Thomas  -  regimeul       Docl    !•■  umel  Howard, 
Roxbury  Hospital. 

Mr.  Jabez  Matthews  \\ .1-  admitted  to  give  an  accouul  ol  bin 
bj  to  Quebec. 

Ordered,  That  commissions  be  delivered  to  sundrj   officers  iu  < 
Whitcomb's  regiment,  >1\   to  .1  lisl  of  this  date,  by  bim  exhib- 

ited. 

Deacon  Fisher,  agreeabl)  to  order,  rep<    ted  the  followiug  resol 
u  bich  were  accepted 

R  olved,  Thai  the  sum  of  three  pounds  and  ten  shillings,  be  paid 
out  of  the  public  treasury,  by  the  receiver  general,  who  is  directed  to 
pa)  the  same,  to  John  ;  Caldwell,]  Esq.,  for  the  use  of  the  committee 
thai  was  chosen  to  collect  gunpowder  within  the  count]  of  Worcester, 
for  the  use  oi  the  army,  and  that  they  be  accountable  t"  this  Con 
or  some  future  II-  R,ep 

Resolved,  That  the  sura  of  two  pounds  and  ten  shillings,  be  paid  oul 
of  the  public  treasury,  by  the  receiver  general,  who  is  herein  «1 1 r< 
i"  paj  ihe  same,  unto  Mr.  Noah  Goodman,  to  bear  bis  expeuses  in  col- 
lecting gunpowder  within  the  county  of  Hampshire,  for  ihe  use  of  the 
army,  he  to  be  accountable  for  ihe  same  to  this  Con  tress  <>r  Borne  fu- 
lure  I  louse  of  Etepresentatii  es. 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  prepare  a  form  <>f  a  commission,  «.\  c  . 
for  the  "liner.-  of  those  companies,  who  are  to  be  stationed  <>n  tbi 
coasts,  reported.     The  reporl  was  acc<  pted,  and  i-  as  follows  : 

Tin'  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  in  whal  manner 
and  form  commissions,  beating  and  enlisting  orders,  be  made  onl  to 
the  officers  to  be  appointed  and  raised  \'<<r  defence  of  the  sea  co 
baviug   taken   the   premises   into  consideration,  would  humblj    reporl 
the  following  draught  ofa  blank  for  commissions,  viz.  . 

'/"//.  Congress  of  tht    Colony  of  tlu    Massachusttti   Day,  to 

,  Gentleman,  Greeting 


We,  reposing  especial   trusl  and  confidence  in  \"m   co  and 

good  conduct,  do,  by  these  presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you,  the 

said in  be  a ,  of  ;i  company   of  foot,  appointed 

ud  Congress,  to  be  raised  for  the  protection  and  defence  of  th< 
'   in  this  colony.     You  are,  therefore,  carefullj   and  diligent!)  to 

discharge  the  dot)  <>\   a  ,  in  leading,  ordering,  uid  exert  ising 

the  said  compan)  in  arms,  both  infe Dicers  and   soldier*   and  lo 


■      lull 

-.1 


426  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  30, 

keep  them  in  good  order  and  discipline  ;  and  they  are  hereby  com- 
manded to  obey  you  as  their ,  and  you  are  yourself  to  observe 

and  follow  such  orders  and  instructions  as  you  shall,  from  time  to  time, 
receive  from  your  superior  officers,  or  from  those  who  are  or  may  be 
appointed  to  have  the  direction  of  the  said  company  or  companies,  in 
the  several  towns  or  counties  where  you  may  be  stationed,  according  to 
military  rules  and  discipline  in  war,  in  pursuance  of  the  trust  reposed 
in  you.  By  order  of  Congress. 

,  President. 

the day  of ,  A.  D.  1775. 


Attest,     ,  Secretary. 

Also,  your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  the  following  blank  or 
form  for  beating  orders,  viz.  : 

To . 


Sir  : — You  are  hereby  empowered,  immediately,  to  enlist  a  compa- 
ny, to  consist  of  forty-seven  able-bodied,  effective  men,  including  ser- 
geants, corporals,  drummers,  &c,  as  soldiers  in  the  Massachusetts 
service,  for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast  in  this  colony,  and  cause  them 
to  pass  muster  as  soon  as  may  be. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

,  President. 

day  of ,  A.  D.  1775. 

Attest, ,   Secretary. 

Your  committee  likewise  report  the  following  form  of  an  enlist- 
ment, viz.  : 

We,  the  subscribers,  do  hereby  solemnly  engage  and  enlist  our- 
selves, as  soldiers  in  the  service  of  the  Massachusetts  colony,  for  the 
defence  and  protection  of  the  sea  coasts  in  said  colony,  from  the  day  of 
our  enlistment  to  the  last  day  of  December  next,  unless  the  said  service 
should  admit  of  a  discharge  of  a  part,  or  the  whole,  sooner,  which  is  to  be 
determined  by  the  Congress  or  General  Court,  or  Assembly  of  said  colony. 
And  we  do  hereby  promise  to  submit  ourselves  to  all  the  orders  and 
regulations  of  the  army,  and  faithfully  to  observe  and  obey  all  such  or- 
ders as  we  shall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  our  superior  officers. 

Your  committee  also  beg  leave  to  report,  that  the  committees  in  the 
several  counties,  appointed  by  this  Congress,  to  give  out  beating  and 
enlisting  orders,  be  directed  to  fill  up  said  commissions  and  orders,  and 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  <  «  WGRESS 

to  deliver  the  commissions  to  the  officer!  their  compai 

are  roll  ;  also,  that  a  person  be  appointed  in  each  of  il count'u 

apon  the  sea  coast,  to  administer  the  « » n 1 1 1  to  officers  and  soldi* 

N  I  I'll  LNIEL  FREEM  W.  Chairman. 

I!  whed,  That  there  I"-  one  hundred  ami  twentj  blank  commis- 
sions printed,  sixty  beating  orders  and  one  hundred  and  twenty  enlist- 
ing orders. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Freeman,  Doct  Taj  or,  and  Col.  Farley,  t» 
committee  to  consider  in  what  manner  crimes  -hall  be  punished,  which 
may  he  committed  by  anj  of  the  officers  <>r  Boldiers  of  the  foi 
tioiifd  i>n  the  -  rts. 

/.'  tofoed,  That  all  warrant-  for  staff  officers,  which  mav  m  future  be 
delivered,  he  dated  the  da]  they  arc  delivered. 

Resolved,  That  all  commissions  t"  till  up  vacancies,  be  dated  the 
day  they  arc  delivered. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  measures  for  making  pro- 
vision for  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Charlestown,  reported.     The  n  j »« . r t 
recommitted. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Grout,  ami  Mr.  Woodbridge,  be  added  to  the 
committee  appointed  to  consider  the  account-  which  the  committi 
safety  may  transmit  to  tin-  Congp 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  inspect  the  letters 
brought  by  ('apt.  Jenkins,  he  a  committee  to  consider  what  i-  best  to 

be  done  with  them  :    ami  that   Mr    DickinsOQ  he   of  that    committee',  m 

the  room  of  .Mr.  Phillips. 
The   committee   appointed  to  inquire  where  Bafe  and  convenient 

.stores  for  securing  gunpowder  might  be  had,  reported.  The  repoii 
WES  accepted,  ami  i<  a-  follow  ~  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  look  out  for  a  place,  or  plac<  -.  for  the 
safe    keeping    the    powder  that  is,  or  may  he  lodged  in  this  town,  have 

attended  that  service,  and  heir  leave  to  report,  as  their  opinion,  that 
some  part  of  tin-  powder  he  kept  in  the  middle  school-house,  and  some 
part  in  the  easl  school-house,  also,  some  part  in  a  building  belonging 
to  Mr.  Josiah  Capen,  near  the  great  bridge;  also,  that  a  building  he 

erected,  a-  BOOn  as  possible,  within  the  limits  of  the  -aid  Capen-  land, 

nol  far  from  the  great  bridge  in  Baid  Watertown,  which  place  was  pro- 
posed  Bometime  since,  to  build  a  provincial  magazine  at.  I\  to 

a  law  of  tin-  colony.     All  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

.K  >\  \  I'll  \\    BRt  »\\  \.  ]>.<■  ordt 
The  Bame  committee  [were  directed]  I  that  the  powder  is  well 

guarded,  and  to  consider  and  report  what  sorl  of  n  building  shall  be 
erected 


428  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [June  30, 

The  committee  directed  to  prepare  instructions  to  the  committee 
who  were  appointed  to  procure  powder  from  the  counties  of  Worces- 
ter and  Hampshire,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  : 

To  the  several  towns  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  on  the  easterly 
side  of  Connecticut  river,  and  the  towns  in  the  county  of  Worcester. 

This  Congress,  taking  into  their  most  serious  consideration  the 
great  want  of  powder  in  our  public  magazines,  and  considering  how 
much  depends  on  that  important  and  most  necessary  article,  which, 
under  God,  if  provided,  may  prove  the  salvation  of  America;  and,  as 
your  towns  lay  the  least  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  our  enemy  :  there- 
fore, it  is  most  earnestly  recommended  by  this  Congress  to  the  select- 
men of  each  town  and  district  in  the  county  of  Worcester,  that  they 
deliver  the  whole  of  the  towns'  stock  of  powder,  in  said  county  of 
Worcester,  to  John  Caldwell,  Esq.,  Mr.  Amos  Singletary,  and  Mr. 
Israel  Nichols,  or  either  of  them,  a  committee  appointed  by  this  Con- 
gress to  receive  the  same,  except  so  much  as  is  allowed  to  be  kept  in 
each  town,  which  will  appear  by  the  schedule  hereunto  annexed ;  and 
that  it  be  replaced  so  soon  as  the  state  of  the  colony  magazines  will 
admit  thereof,  or  otherwise  will  be  paid  for  in  money. 

And  it  is  likewise  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  each  town  and 
district  in  the  county  of  Hampshire,  except  those  on  the  westerly  side 
of  Connecticut  river,  to  deliver  the  respective  town  stocks  of  powder 
to  Mr.  Noah  Goodman,  who  is  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  receive 
the  same  from  the  county  of  Hampshire,  agreeably  to  the  annexed 
schedule :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  said  committees,  appointed  by 
this  Congress  to  collect  the  powder  from  the  counties  of  Worcester 
and  Hampshire,  be  directed  to  give  a  receipt  to  the  selectmen  of  such 
towns  as  they  shall  receive  powder  from,  in  the  form  following: 

The day  of ,  1775.      Received  of  A.  B.,  selectmen  of  the 

town  of ,  the  town  stock  of  powder,   containing weight,  to 

the  use  of  the  Massachusetts'  Ray;  which  powder  is  to  be  replaced 
again,  as  soon  as  the  state  of  the  colony  magazine  will  admit  of  it,  or 
paid  for  in  money. 

And  the  committee  appointed  to  receive  the  powder  are  hereby,  sev- 
erally, empowered  and  directed,  to  employ  such  wagoners,  or  team- 
sters, as  shall  be  necessary,  with  great  despatch,  to  convey  the  same 
to  the  committee  of  supplies:  for  which  service,  said  wagoners  and 
teamsters,  when  they  have  delivered  said  powder  to  the  committee  of 
supplies,  and  shall  produce  a  certificate  from  either  of  the  committee 
men    appointed    to   collect   said  powder,  setting  forth  the  sum  agreed 


L775  ] 


THIRD  l'K<>\  [NCI  \l.  (  <  >\<;m  — 


for  the  conveyance  of  said  powder,  then  the  coi itti  Mipplie* 

Bhall  give  orders  to  the  receivei  general  <>r  the  colony,  foi  ihe  bui 
agreed  !<>r,  to  !>r  |>:ml  in  cash;  and  the  receiver  general   ia  herebj  i!i- 
rected  to  pay  the  same  accordingly. 

The  schedule  is  as  follow  s,  viz. : 


Towns' 

1  ■ 

powtloc. 

COUNTY    OF 

\VOH(    f.S  I  1    K. 

Worcester, 

- 

- 

- 

•J.'.  1 

.11  ivU, 

l 

barrel, 

4 

barrel. 

Lancaster, 

- 

. 

-' 

da 

I 

il<>. 

4 

d". 

Afendon,  - 

- 

. 

_ 

da 

■.' 

da 

1 

<l". 

Brookfield, 

- 

- 

. 

6 

<l«>. 

3 

da 

4 

da 

Oxford,    - 

- 

- 

. 

3.J 

da 

1 

do. 

4 

da 

Charlton, 

_ 

- 

_ 

l 

da 

4 

da 

i 

<l<>. 

Sutton, 

. 

- 

. 

1'. 

da 

- 

- 

1 

da 

Leicester, 

- 

. 

_ 

■j 

do 

1 

do. 

1 

da 

Spencer,  - 

- 

- 

- 

I 

.In 

- 

- 

i 

da 

I'axloli, 

- 

- 

_ 

- 

- 

- 

- 

A 

<l... 

Rutland,  - 

. 

. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

■'• 

da 

<  >akhaiii. 

- 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

da 

Hubbardston, 

_ 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

•  In. 

New  Braintrei 

) 

_ 

_ 

I 

do. 

- 

- 

i 
i 

da 

Southborough 

. 

- 

n 

do. 

- 

- 

K 

da 

North  borough 

. 

. 

2 

da 

1 

da 

da 

Shrewsbury, 

. 

- 

5 

da 

- 

- 

i 

■  1". 

Lunenburg, 

- 

- 

2 

do. 

- 

- 

>■ 

da 

Fhchburg, 

- 

. 

. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

\ 

do, 

Uxbridge, 

. 

. 

- 

2 

da 

- 

- 

4 

da 

Harvard,   - 

- 

- 

21 

do. 

- 

4 

da 

Dudley,    - 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

4 

da 

Hutchinson, 

- 

. 

- 

-.* 

do. 

>■ 

da 

A 

da 

Bolton, 

. 

. 

2 

da 

- 

- 

4 

■  I". 

1  pton, 

- 

- 

- 

I. 

do. 

- 

! 

da 

Sturbridge, 

- 

- 

- 

34 

do. 

- 

- 

J 

da 

1  ..  ominster, 

- 

. 

- 

I 

da 

- 

- 

do. 

Hardwick, 

- 

- 

- 

2 

da 

- 

- 

J 

do. 

\\  estern, 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

. 

1 

do. 

Holden,    - 

- 

. 

4 

da 

- 

- 

\ 

do. 

Douglas,  - 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

! 

da 

Grafton,   - 

- 

- 

- 

24 

.1... 

- 

- 

A 

da 

Petersham, 

- 

- 

- 

3 

do. 

- 

- 

4 

da 

Royal  ston, 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

do. 

\\  estminster, 

- 

. 

- 

h 

ili). 

- 

- 

! 

da 

Athol, 

. 

. 

. 

- 

- 

- 

i 
i 

.In. 

Templeton, 

- 

. 

- 

2 

do. 

- 

- 

4 

do. 

Princeton, 

- 

- 

- 

H 

do. 

- 

- 

1 

•  I<>. 

Ashburnham, 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

J 

do, 

Winchendon, 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

1 

do. 

\\ .  stborougb, 

- 

- 

:i 

da 

4 

da 

4 

do. 

Northbridge, 

- 

- 

- 

. 

- 

- 

- 

1 

da 

I'm  \tv    OF 

u  ufPSHiax. 

Springfield, 

- 

- 

- 

1! 

do. 

- 

- 

: 

da 

\\  ilbraham, 

. 

. 

. 

1 

da 

- 

- 

\ 

do 

Hadley, 

- 

. 

. 

1 

do. 

- 

- 

i 

do 

South  Hadley 

■ 

- 

- 

11 

da 

- 

- 

i 

do 

130 


THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS. 


[July  I 


SCHEDULE— Continued. 


Town's  stock  of 

To  be  left  in 

Towns'  names. 

powder. 

Supplied  already. 

town. 

Amherst,           - 

i   barrel, 

Granby,    - 

£    barrel, 

_ 

k       do. 

Montague,         - 

- 

- 

4       do. 

Northfield,         - 

li      do. 

- 

i       do. 

Brimfield,          - 

1        do. 

- 

4       do. 

South  Brimfield, 

_ 

_ 

i       do. 

Monsoii,   -         -         _         _ 

h       do. 

- 

4       do. 

Pelham,    - 

- 

- 

4       do. 

Palmer,    - 

- 

- 

i       do. 

New  Salem,      - 

1       do. 

_ 

4       do. 

Belchertown,    - 

1        do. 

_ 

i       do. 

Warwick,          - 

1       do. 

... 

i       do. 

Shutesbury,       - 

- 

- 

i       do. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  make  provision  for  the  two  poor 
women,  late  of  the  town  of  Charlestown,  now  at  the  door,  till  to-mor- 
row morning. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kollock,  Col.  Grout,  and  Mr.  Dickerson,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  Major  Barber,  agreeably  to  his 
letter. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  inspection  of  the  town  of  Biddeford, 
was  read,  and  committed  to  Col.  Richmond,  Capt.  Stone,  and  Mr. 
Langdon,  who  are  directed  to  examine  the  prisoner,  Thomas  Neat, 
brought  from  Biddeford,  and  report.1 

Adjourned  to  8  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 


Saturday,  July  1,  1775. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  of 
making  provision  for  the  poor  of  the  town  of  Charlestown,  reported 
the  following,  which  was  accepted,  viz  :] 

Whereas,  the  distressed  circumstances  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town 
of  Charlestown,  calls  for  the  charitable  aid  of  this  colony:  therefore, 
Resolved,  that  such  of  those  inhabitants  as  are  unable  to  remove  or 
support  themselves,  be  removed  to  the  several  towns  in  the  county  of 
Worcester,  mentioned  in  the  schedule  hereunto  annexed. 

And  it  is  further  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  the  aforesaid 
towns  to  provide  for,  and  employ  said  inhabitants,  in  the  best  and  most 
prudent  manner  that  may  be,  and  render  their  accounts  to  this  or  some 

(1)  A  suspicious  person,  named  Thomus  Neat,  a  deserter  from  one  of  the  lung's  ships,  was  ar- 
rested in  Biddeford,  and  sent  as  prisoner  to  Walcrtow  D. 


I".-».J  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  (  0NGRE8S.  13] 

future  Congress,  or  House  of  Representatives,  which  reasonable 
counts  shall  be  paid  <>ut  of  the  public  treasury  of  said  colony. 

And  it  is  further  Resolved,  that  Di  ■  >n  Cheever,  CapL  Brown,  and 
Major  Fuller,  of  Newton,  be  a  committee  to  agree  with  teamsters,  not 
exceeding  the  rate  of  nine  pence  per  ton  per  mile,  for  transporting  such 
inhabitant-  as  are  unable  to  travel,  with  their  effects,  and  give  certifi- 
cates to  such  teamsters,  expressing  that  they  arc  thr  poor  of  the  town 
of  Charleston  n,  and  the  sum  tiny  arc  to  re<  live  tor  Buch  service  J  and 
upon  said  teamsters  producing  -aid  certificate  to  the  committee  of 
supplies,  endorsed  with  the  test  of  thr  selectmen  of  the  town  where 
such  poor  and  their  effects  arc  lodged,  that  said  teamster  ha-  done  the 
service  agreed  for,  per  said  certificate,  the  committee  of  supplies  are 
hereby  directed  to  draw,  on  the  receiver  general  of  said  colony,  for  the 
payment  of  said  teamster;  and  the  said  receiver  general  is  hereby 
ordered  to  pay  the  same. 

Count)/  of  Worcester.     Lancaster,   30;    Mendon,  -51) :     Brookfield, 
•20;  Oxford,  15;   Charlton,  10;   Sutton,  30;    Leicester,  12;  Spencer, 
10;  Paxton,  7;    Rutland,   15;    Oakham,  (i;    Hutchinson,  20 j    V 
Braintree,  15 ;    Southborough,  6;    Westborough,  20;    Northborough, 
10;  Shrewsbury,  10;  Fitchburg,  10:   Uxbridge,  10. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  whal  methods  would  be  proper 
to  try  and  punish  crimes  which  may  he  committed  b)  the  soldiers  sta- 
tioned on  the  sea  coasts,  reported.  The  report  was  recommitted,  and 
Major  Haw-ley  and  Mr.  Greenleaf  added  to  the  committee. 

Two  letters  from  Rev.  John  Murray  were  read,  and  committed  to 
Col.  Grout,  Major  Fuller,  of  Newton,  and  Major  Goodwin. 

An  account  of  Jabez  Matthews  [for  a  journey  to  Quebec]  was 
read,  and  committed  to  Major  fuller.  Col.  Mitchell,  and  Mr.  Engalls. 

Ordered,  That   Mr.   Lothrop,    Mr.   Dickenson,   and    Mr.  Nye, 
committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committi  fciy,  respecting 

whaleboats. 

A  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  proposing  that  electrical  points 
should  be  erected  over  the  powder  magazines,  was  read,  and  commit- 
ted to  the  committee  w  ho  were  appointed  to  l.uild  a  More  tor  depositing 

gunpowder  therein,  ami  seeing  that  it  is  well  guarded. 

A  petition  from  eighteen  Stockbridge  Indians  was  read,  ami  com- 
mitted to  Mr.  Kollock,   Mr.  Crane,  and  Major  White. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  Thorn  -  V  it,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  i-  as  follows:  The  committee  appointed  to 
examine  Thomas  Neat,  have  attended  that  service,  ami  are  humbly 
of  opinion,  that  he  ought  to  he  discharged,  ami  set  at  liberty,  ami  do 


4&J  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  1, 

recommend  him  for  a  pass,  to  be  signed  by  the  secretary,  to  go  to  New 
York,  there  to  apply  for  a  further  pass,  as  he  proposes  to  go  to  Vir- 
ginia.    Submitted.  EZRA  RICHMOND,  pr.  order. 

Resolved,  That  the  following  persons  be  appointed  deputy  commis- 
saries in  the  Massachusetts  army,  being  one  to  each  regiment: 

Mr.  Samuel  Norton,  recommended  by  Col.  Lincoln. 

Capt.  Ebenezer  Craft,  of  Sturbridge,  recommended  by  Col.  Learned, 

Rev.  Mr.  Paine,  &c. 
Mr.  Jedediah  Easterbrooks,   Lunenburg,    recommended   by  Mr.  Gill 

and  Dr.  Taylor. 
Mr.  Ezekiel  Cheever,  Boston,  recommended  by  "[Col.  Pigeon.] 
Mr.  Samuel  Russell  Gerry,  Marblehead,  recommended  by      do. 
Mr.  Ebenezer  Warren,   Boston,  recommended   by  the  hon.  committee 

of  supplies. 
Mr.  John  Fenno,  Boston,  recommended  by  Secretary  Ward. 
Mr.  Alexander  Sheppard,  Newton,  recommended  by  a[Col.  Pigeon.] 
Mr.  Ephraim  Russell,  Stow,  recommended  by  Col.  Doolittle,  and  the 

paymaster  general. 
Mr.  Daniel  Bell,  Boston,  recommended  by  Mr.  Pitt. 
Mr.  William  Mollineaux,  Boston,  recommended  by  do. 
Mr.  Daniel  Henshaw,  Jr.,      "  "  by  Doct.  Church. 

Mr.  John  Checkley,  "  "  by  do.  and  others. 

Mr.  Jabez  Brown,  Stow,  recommended  by  the  paymaster  general. 
Mr.  Joseph  Clark,    Boston,    recommended   by   Gen.    Warren,    Doct. 

Church,  &,c. 
Mr.  Gillam  Taylor,  Boston,  recommended  by  Gen.  Warren  and  others. 
Mr.  Andrew  Newell,  Charlestown,  recommended  by  Mr.  Cheever. 
Capt.  James  Littlefield,   Wells,   recommended   by  Col.  Scammon  and 

others. 
Mr.  Waterman  Thomas,  Marshfield,  recommended  by  Gen.  Thomas. 
Mr.  Peter  Clark,  Newfoundland,  recommended  by  Col.  Palmer  &  Son. 
Mr.  Timothy   Newell,   Sturbridge,   recommended    by  Capt.   Timothy 

Parker. 
Mr.  John  Story,  Ipswich,  recommended  by  Col.  Farley. 
Mr.  Eliakim  Atherton,  Bolton,  recommended  by  Col.  Whitecomb. 
Mr.  Abraham  Tuckerman,  Boston,  recommended   by  Col.  Palmer  and 

Col.  Brewer. 
Mr.  William  Holmes,  Boston,  recommended  by  his  father. 
Mr.  Eaoch  Woodbridge,  Stockbridge,   recommended   by  Col.  Porter 

fur  Col,  Paterson's  regiment. 

;i  fin)  --  If,] 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  \.\.\ 

Resolved,  That  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  see  that  a 
sufficient  number  of  deputy  commissaries  be  placed  at  or  Dear  Prospect 

Hill,  for  the  more  convenient  supply  of  the  forces  Btationed  there. 

The  president,  by  leave  of  Congress,  brought  in  a  resolve,  directing 
General  Ward  to  order  two  companies  to  Plymouth,  which  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follow-,  viz  : 

Whereas,  the  town  of  Plymouth  appears  to  I"-  in  danger  of  being 
attacked  by  the  enemy:  therefore,  Resolved,  that  General  Ward  be  and 
hereby  is  directed,  immediatelj  to  issue  bis  orders,  that  two  full  com- 
panies, from  Col.  Cotton's  regiment,  under  proper  officers,  march, 
without  delay,  to  Plymouth,  and  there  remain  for  the  guard  and  de- 
fence of  the  inhabitants,  till  tiny  can  he  relieved  by  such  companies 
a-  are  to  be  raised  for  th"  defence  and  protection  of  the  sea  coasts, 
and  i'>  In-  Btationed  there  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Palmer  bring  in  a  resolve,  directing  that  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  the  army  he  frequently  read  to  the  soldiers. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  method  of  trying  crimi- 
nal- on  the  sea  coast,  reported  again.  The  report  was  accepted,  and 
is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  all  offences  committed  by  any  of  the  force-  raised 
for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast,  -hall  he  tried  by  a  court  martial,  con- 
sisting of  the  field  officers  of  the  regiment  of  militia  within  which, 
that  company  to  which  the  offender  belongs  i-  stationed,  together  with 
the  commissioned  oilier-  of  that  company,  according  t"  the  rule-  and 
regulations  for  the  M  issachusetts  army,  agreed  upon  by  a  formei  <  !on- 
gress,  excepting  those  offences  and  causes  wlm-h  are  punishable  with 
death,  which  are  to  be  tried,  agreeably  to  the  laws  of  the  land,  bj  the 
civil  authority. 

Al-o  Resolved,  That  in  case  any  of  the  soldiers  shall  lose,  destroy,  or 
unnecessarily  tire  away  any  of  hi-  powder,  ammunition,  or  cartridges, 
without  giving  reasonable  satisfaction  to  Ins  commanding  < >lliitr  there- 
for the  captain  -hall  deduct  four  [times]  the  \alue  thereof  out  of  hi- 
wages,  to  he  applied  a-  i-  directed  in  the  tir.-t  article  of  the  rule-  and 
regulations  abo\  ^mentioned. 

Uso  [Resolved,]  That  each  ol  the  officers  of  which  these  court- 
martial  shall  consist,  shall  be  supplied  with  a  pamphlet,  containing  said 
rule-  and  regulations,  with  these  resolves  annexed  thereto,  which  shall 
be  read,  once  a  week,  by  the  captain  or  commanding  officer  of  each 
comp  tnj  to  their  respective  companii 

B    order  of  Congrt  .    P        ■", 

Attest, ,  Secretary. 

iubli 

i  • 


434  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  1, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  brought  in  the  foregoing  resolves 
get  a  number  of  them  printed ;  and  that  they  also  procure  as  many 
pamphlets,  containing  rules  and  regulations  of  the  army,  as  they  think 
proper. 

A  petition  from  James  Fry,  requesting  that  his  son  might  be  ap- 
pointed a  deputy  commissary,  was  read :  whereupon,  Ordered,  that 
the  petitioner  have  leave  to  withdraw  his  petition. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kollock,  Mr.  Ellis,  and  Mr.  Fox,  be  a  committee 
to  consider  a  petition  and  account  of  Mr.  Josiah  Stearns.1 

A  petition  from  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of 
Sandwich  was  read,  and  committed  to  Col.  Richmond,  Col.  Grout, 
and  Col.  Mitchell.2 

A  number  more  of  letters  from  London  were  laid  upon  the  table, 
and  committed  to  the  secretary,  Mr   Langdon,  and  Col.  Richmond. 

The  committee  to  whom  were  committed  a  number  of  letters,  re- 
ported, that,  in  a  letter  directed  to  John  Rowe,  Esq.,  was  enclosed  a 
number  of  blank  bills  of  exchange,  designed  for  the  use  of  the  army  at 
Boston  :  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  said  committee  draw  up  a  true 
state  of  this  matter,  and  keep  the  blank  bills  as  vouchers  thereof. 

Col.  Palmer,  agreeably  to  order,  reported  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted,  viz. :    Whereas  certain  rules  and  regulations  for 

(1)  Josiah  Stearns  prayed  for  compensation  for  services  in  bringing  letters  written  in  London, 
from  the  island  of  Nantucket,  where  they  had  been  received  on  the  arrival  of  a  vessel  commanded 
by  Capt.  Seth  Jenkins. 

(2)  The  committee  of  Sandwich  requested  the  advice  of  Congress  in  relation  to  vessels  owned  by 
Simeon  Wing  and  Jesse  Barlow,  captured  by  the  British  cruiser  Falcon,  Capt.  Linsey,  and  retaken 
by  a  schooner  from  Dartmouth,  commanded  by  Capt.  Egery.     They  state  these  facts: 

"  Mr.  Wing's  vessel,  commanded  by  his  son  Thomas,  hath  been  plying,  as  a  wood  boat,  between 
Sandwich  and  Nantucket  for  some  years,  and  it  hath  been  the  usual  practice  to  settle  with  the 
custom  house  once  a  year,  the  officer  always  giving  them  their  choice  of  paying  twelve  pence  per 
trip,  or  the  whole  at  the  year's  end:  and  this  hath  been,  we  rind,  on  examining,  the  common  prac- 
tise with  other  vessels  which  have  followed  the  same  business  at  the  same  place.  Upon  Captain 
Wing's  returning  from  Nantucket  through  the  Vineyard  Sound,  his  sloop  was  taken  by  a  barge  from 
Capt.  Limey's  brig.  An  Indian  fellow,  on  board  of  Wing's  vessel,  informed  Capt.  Linsey  of  said 
Barlow's  vessel,  which  had  brought  a  cargo  lately  from  the  West  Indies,  and  was  laden  with  pro- 
visions, in  Buzzard's  Bay.  Captain  Linsey  employed  Captain  Wing's  vessel,  putting  fourteen  men 
on  board,  to  proceed  up  the  bay  and  take  said  Barlow's  vessel,  which  they  carried  off.  The  master 
of  the  latter  vessel  was  taken  with  Wing,  being  then  on  board  as  a  passenger,  so  that  both  vessels, 
with  all  the  crews  and  passengers,  were  taken,  and  proceeded  to  the  cove  to  Captain  Linsey.  Mr. 
Barlow  made  application  to  some  people  at  Dartmouth,  who  went  with  a  sloop,  one  half  of  which 
Barlow  ventured,  and  retook  tin-  vessels  and  men,  with  their  arms,  and  carried  them  into  Dart- 
mouth. Messrs.  Wing  and  Barlow  applied  to  the  Dartmouth  people,  who  took  the  vessels,  for 
them  again  :  the  people  offered  them  their  vessels,  upon  Wing's  paying  them  eight  dollars,  and 
BarloVv  ten  dollars,  with  which  they  complied,  and  Wing  paid  tlie  money  ;  after  which,  the  Dart- 
mouth people  drt  lined  the  vessel*  until  the  orders  of  Congress  could  lie  known,  and  refuse  to  give 
them  up,  without  Barlow  and  Wing  (laying  forty-five  dollars,  and  giving  bonds  to  indemnify  the 
Dartmouth  people." 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINC1  \l.  CONGRES 

ilic  Massachusetts  army,  were   resolved   and  d  upon  bj  a  fonnei 

Congress  of  this  colony,  but  no  provision  was  therein  made  for  the 
regular  reading  the  same  t"  the  several  corps  in  said  arm)  :  therefore, 
"Resolved,  that  -  ml  rules  and  regulations  be  read,  at  l<  ;i-t,  on< 
mouth,  at  the  head  of  each  regiment,  nr  other  corps  in  Baid  army,  and 
that  the  genera]  he  directed  to  order  bis  officers  to  Bee  that  this  resolve 
be  dul)  observed. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the  governor  and 
company  of  Connecticut,  reported  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is 
as  follous,  \  i/.  : 

May  it  pleast  your  honors: 

The  distressed  situation  of  tin-  eastern  parts  of  this  province,  calling 
foi  the  serious  attention  of  the  humane,  this  Congress  beg  leave  to 

address  you  in  their  behalf.  By  reason  of  a  number  of  our  friends 
removing  from  the  sea  ports  into  the  interior  towns,  and  a  large  army 
before  Boston,  to  support  the  rights  of  the  colonies,  this  colony  is  un- 
able to  spare  the  necessary  supplies  of  grain  and  provisions  to  our 
friends  in  the  province  of  Maine:  by  which  means,  and  an  embargo 
laid  upon  grain  and  provisions  in  your  colony,  they  are  reduced  to  the 
alternative  of  starving,  or  supplying  the  ministerial  troops  with  lumber, 
either  of  which  they  deprecate. 

We  would  therefore  suggest  to  your  honors  the  expediencj  of  taking 
oil"  the  embargo,  bo  Far  as  to  permit  the  inhabitants  of  the  eastern  parts 
of  this  province  to  purchase  grain  ami  provisions  for  themselves,  they 
producing  a  certificate  from  any  of  the  committee-  mentioned  in  the 
enclosed  list,  and  giving  bonds  to  your  officers,  that  they  will  deliver  il 
to  such  committee. 

We  are,  with  the  greatest  sincerity, 

Your  honor-'  most  obedienl  humble  servants 

To  the  honorable  the  Governor  and  Company 

of  tin    ki/oii)/  iif  Cuiiin  i  ti'iit . 

[List  enclosed  in  the  foregoing  hit.  r  | 

Wachias;  .lames  Lyon,  George  Stillman,  Jeremiah  O'Brian,  Ben- 
jamin Poster,  Samuel  Scott,  Manwaring  Beal,  Nathaniel  Sinclair 
Number  four;  .lolm  Stevens,  Phineas  Whitten :  Goldsborougk ;  Ben- 
jamin Glasher,  William  Shaw  :  Narraguagus;  Joseph  Wall  is,  ilex- 
ander  Campbell :  St.  Georges;  [blank]:  Penobscot;  [blank  B 
/<//;  [blank]:  Boothbay;  David  Reed,  [Joseph]  Emerson  Poumal- 
borough;  Timothj  Langdon,  Ebenezer  Whittier,  John  Getchell,  John 


43G  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  1, 

Huse,  Timothy  Parsons  :  Georgetown  ;  Dummer  Sewall,  John  Wood  : 
Brunswick;  Aaron  Hinckley,  Esq.,  Benjamin  Stone:  North  Yar- 
mouth; Samuel  Stanwood :  Falmouth,  Casco  Bay;  Hon.  Jedediah 
Prebble,  Esq.,  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  Mr.  Richard  Codman, 
Capt.  John  Waite,  Mr.  John  Butler,  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman,  Mr.  Ben- 
jamin Winslow :  Bertoiclc ;  Hon.  Benjamin  Chadburn,  Mr.  John 
Hill,  Mr.  Robert  Furnass. 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  Mr.  Jabez  Matthews,  reported. 
The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

[Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  Mr.  Jabez  Matthews  or  order,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  nine 
shillings  and  eleven  pence,  lawful  money,  in  colony  notes  or  bills  of 
credit  of  this  or  the  other  governments,  which  are,  by  a  resolve  of  this 
Congress,  made  payable  on  the  said  treasury,  in  discharge  of  an  ac- 
count exhibited  by  him  to  this  Congress,  for  the  time  and  expense  of 
himself  and  three  persons  on  an  embassy  to  Canada.  And  the  com- 
mittee of  supplies  are  hereby  ordered  to  furnish  Mr.  Jabez  Matthews 
with  four  pounds  of  powder,  for  himself  and  associates.] 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  resolve  of  the  committee 
of  safety,  relative  to  whale  boats,  reported.  The  report  was  recom- 
mitted, 

Afternoon. 

Mr.  Kollock  was  appointed,  in  the  room  of  Major  Goodwin,  on  the 
committee  for  making  provision  for  the  reception  of  Generals  Wash- 
ington and  Lee. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mitchell  deliver  the  215  spears,  which  he  has 
procured  for  the  use  of  the  army,  to  General  Thomas,  at  Roxbury. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Fox,  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  directing  how  the  sick  and  wounded 
shall  be  removed  to  the  hospitals. 

Thomas  Rice,  Esq.  was  appointed  to  swear  the  soldiers  in  the 
county  of  Lincoln,  in  the  room  of  David  Fales,  Esq.  John  Lee,  Esq. 
was  appointed  to  swear  the  soldiers  in  the  county  of  Essex,  and  Rush- 
worth  Jordan  for  the  county  of  York,  in  addition  to  those  already 
appointed. 

A  petition  from  the  selectmen  of  Mendon  was  read,  and  the  petition- 
ers had  leave  to  withdraw  their  petition. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  how  the  soldiers  shall  be 
supplied  with  coats,  reported,  and  Tuesday  next,  at  9  o'clock,  A.  M., 
was  assigned  to  consider  the  report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  memorial 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  \r, 

from  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Sandwich,  re- 
ported. The  committee  were  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  to  recom- 
mend to  the  parties  in  said  petition  mentioned,  to  leave  the  matti  r-  in 
dispute  to  arbitration. 

Major  Hawley,  by  leave  of  Congress,  brought  in  a  resolve,  directing 
the  receiver  general  to  pay  out  of  the  treasury,  the  bills  of  credit  of  the 
other  colonies.     The  resolve  was  accepted    and  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  receii  er  general  of  this  colony,  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  directed,  as  far  as  shall  he  in  his  power,  to  pay  and  satisfj  any  drafts 
and  orders  of  this  Congress,  or  of  any  person  or  persons,  who  are,  or 
shall  be  empowered  by  this  Congress  to  draw  on  him  for  any  sum  or 
sums  whatsoever,  in  such  notes  or  hills  of  credit  of  any  of  the  American 
colonies,  which,  by  a  resolution  of  this  Congress,  passed  on  the  28th 
day  of  June  last,  are  made  payable  into  t lie  treasury  of  this  colony, 
where  such  orders  do  not  expressly  direct  the  payment  of  silver  or  gold 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  means  for  the  better  accommo- 
dation of  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  colony  army,  reported.  Tho 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  In  order  that  all  the  siclj 
and  wounded  in  the  army  may  be  provided  for,  and  taken  care  of,  in 
the  best  way  and  manner  possible,  Resolved,  and  it  is  hereby  Ordered, 
that  when  any  person  in  the  army  is  so  ill,  either  by  a  wound  or  oth- 
erwise, that  the  surgeon  of  the  regiment,  to  which  the  sick  or  wounded 
person  belongs,  finds  the  sick  or  wounded  as  abovesaid  cannot  ho 
properly  taken  care  of  in  tlic  regiment  to  which  he  belongs,  said  sur* 
geon  shall  send  the  sick  or  wounded  as  ahovesaid,  to  the  hospital  pro- 
vided for  the  use  of  the  camps  to  which  they  belong,  and  a  certificate 
of  the  man's  name,  and  the  company  and  regiment  to  which  he  belong-: 
and  in  that  case,  the  surgeon  of  the  said  hospital  shall  receive  said  sick 
or  wounded  under  his  care;  and  in  case  said  hospital  shall  become  too 
full,  in  that  case,  the  surgeon  of  said  hospital  shall  send  such  of  his 
patients  as  may  with  safety  be  removed,  to  the  hospital  in  Watertown, 
and  a  certificate  setting  forth  the  man's  name,  what  company  and 
regiment  each  belongs  to;  and  in  that  case  the  surgeons  of  the  N\  ater- 
town  hospital  shall  receive  said  sick  or  wounded  under  his  care. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  last  mentioned  resolve  he  sent  to  Gen- 
erals Ward  and  Thomas. 

The  report  of  the  committee  upon  the  account  of  Mr.  Paul  Revere, 
was  considered  and  not  accepted. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley,  Mr.  Dexter,  and  Mr.  Pickering,  !»•  a 
committee  to  draw  up  a  resolve  to  be  prefixed  to  the  addresses  to  Gen- 
erals Washington  and  Lee,  which  are  as  follow. 


438  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  1, 

To  His  Excellency  George  Washington,  Esq.,  general  and  com- 
mander in  chief  of  the  continentcd  army  : 

May  it  please  your  excellency  : — The  Congress  of  the  Massachu- 
setts colony,  impressed  with  every  sentiment  of  gratitude  and  respect, 
beg  leave  to  congratulate  you  on  your  safe  arrival,  and  to  wish  you  all 
imaginable  happiness  and  success  in  the  execution  of  your  elevated 
station. 

While  we  applaud  that  attention  to  the  public  good,  manifested  in 
your  appointment,  Ave  equally  admire  that  disinterested  virtue,  and  dis- 
tinguished patriotism,  which  alone  could  call  you  from  those  enjoy- 
ments of  domestic  life,  which  a  sublime  and  manly  taste,  joined  with  a 
most  affluent  fortune  can  afford,  to  hazard  your  life,  and  to  endure  the 
fatigues  of  war,  in  the  defence  of  the  rights  of  mankind  and  the  good 
of  your  country. 

The  laudable  zeal  for  the  common  cause  of  America,  and  compas- 
sion for  the  distresses  of  this  colony,  exhibited  by  the  great  despatch 
made  in  your  journey  hither,  fully  justify  the  universal  satisfaction  we 
have  with  pleasure  observed  on  this  occasion,  and  are  promising  presa- 
ges, that  the  great  expectations  formed  from  your  personal  character 
and  military  abilities,  are  well  founded. 

We  wish  you  may  have  found  such  regularity  and  discipline  already 
established  in  the  army,  as  may  be  agreeable  to  your  expectations. 
The  hurry  with  which  it  was  necessarily  collected,  and  the  many  dis- 
advantages, arising  from  a  suspension  of  government,  under  which  we 
have  raised  and  endeavored  to  regulate  the  forces  of  this  colony,  have 
rendered  it  a  work  of  time;  and  though,  in  great  measure  effected,  the 
completion  of  so  difficult,  and  at  the  same  time  so  necessary  a  task,  is 
reserved  to  your  excellency,  and  we  doubt  not  will  be  properly  consid- 
ered and  attended  to. 

We  would  not  presume  to  prescribe  to  your  excellency,  but  suppos- 
ing you  would  choose  to  be  informed  of  the  general  character  of  the 
soldiers  who  compose  the  army,  beg  leave  to  represent,  that  the  great- 
est part  of  them  have  not  before  seen  service;  and  although  naturally 
brave,  and  of  good  understanding,  yet,  for  want  of  experience  in  mili- 
tary life,  have  but  little  knowledge  of  divers  things  most  essential  to 
the  preservation  of  health  and  even  life.  The  youth  of  the  army  are  not 
possessed  of  the  absolute  necessity  of  cleanliness  in  their  dress  and 
lodging,  continual  exercise,  and  strict  temperance,  to  preserve  them 
from  diseases  frequently  prevailing  in  camps,  especially  among  those, 
who,  from  their  childhood,  have  been  used  to  a  laborious  life. 

We  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  this  Congress  will,  at  all  times,  be 


1775.]  THIRD  PR<  »\  l\<  I  \l.  <  I  INGRESS  139 

read)  to  attend  to  Biicfa  requisitions  as  you  ma]  have  occasion  to  make 
to  us;  and  t'>  contribute  all  the  aid  in  our  power,  to  the  cause  of  Amer- 
ica, and  your  happiness  and  ease  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  your 
exalted  office. 

We  most  fervently  implore  Almighty  God,  that  the  blessings  of  Divine 
Providence  ma)  resl  on  you;  that  your  head  maj  be  covered  in  the  day 
of  battle;  that  everj  necessarj  assistance  may  be  afforded,  and  that  you 
maj  be  long  continued,  in  life  and  health,  a  blessing  to  mankind. 

[The  following  answer  was  returned  bj  General  Washington:] 

Gentlemen  — Your  kind  congratulations  on  my  appointment  and  ar- 
rival, demand  my  warmest  acknowledgments,  and  will  ever  be  retain- 
ed in  grateful  remembrance. 

In  exchanging  the  enjoyments  of  domestic  life  for  the  duties  of  my 
present  honorable,  but  arduous  station,  I  only  emulate  the  virtue,  and 
public  spirit  of  the  whole  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  which, 
with  a  firmness  and  patriotism  without  example  in  modern  history,  has 
sacrificed  all  the  comforts  of  social  and  political  life  in  support  of  the 
rights  of  mankind,  and  the  welfare  of  our  common  country.  Mj  high- 
est ambition  is,  to  be  the  happy  instrument  of  vindicating  those  rights 
and  to  see  this  devoted  province  again  restored  to  peace,  libertj  and 
safety. 

The  Bhorl  space  of  time  which  has  elapsed  Bince  mj  arrival,  does  not 
permit  me  to  decide  upon  the  state  of  the  army.  The  course  >>\  hu- 
man affairs  forbids  an  expectation,  that  troop-  formed  under  such  cir- 
cumstances,  should,  at  oner,  possess  the  order,  regularity,  and  disci- 
pline of  veterans.  Whatever  deficiencies  there  may  be,  will,  I  doubt 
not,  soon  be  made  up  by  the  activity  and  zeal  of  the  officers,  and  the 
docility  and  obedience  of  the  men.  These  qualities,  united  with  their 
native  bravery  and  .-pirit,  will  afford  a  happy  presage  of  success,  and 
put  a  final  period  to  those  distresses  which  now  overwhelm  this  once 
happ\  country. 

1  most  sincerely  thank  yon,  gentlemen,  for  your  declaration  of  read- 
iness, at  all  times,  to  assisl  me  in  the  discharge  of  the  dutiesofmj  sta- 
tion.    They  are  so  complicated  and  extended,  that  I  Bhall  need  thi 

Bistance  of  ever)  -s 1  man  and  lover  of  his  country ;  I  therefore  repose 

the  utmost  confidence  in  your  aids,  [n  return  for  your  affectionate  wish- 
es to  myself,  permit  me  to  Bay,  that  I  earnestly  implore  that  divine  be- 
ing, in  whose  hand-  are  all  human  events,  to  make  you  ami    yOUI    COU 


440  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  1, 

stituents,  as  distinguished  in  private  and  public  happiness,  as  you  have 
been  by  ministerial  oppression,  by  private  and  public  distress. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

To  the  Honorable  Charles  Lee,  Esq.,  major  general  of  the  continen- 
tal army  : 

Sir : — The  Congress  of  the  Massachusetts  colony,  possessed  of  the 
fullest  evidence  of  your  attachment  to  the  rights  of  mankind  and  regard  to 
the  distresses,  which  America  in  general,  and  this  colony  in  particular, 
are  involved  in,  by  the  impolitic,  wicked,  and  tyrannical  system  adopted 
by  administration,  and  pursued  with  relentless  and  savage  fury,  do,  with 
pleasure,  embrace  this  opportunity  to  express  the  great  satisfaction  and 
gratitude  they  feel  on  your  appointment  as  a  major  general  in  the 
American  army.  We  sincerely  congratulate  you  on  your  safe  arrival 
here,  and  wish  you  all  possible  happiness  and  success  in  the  execution 
of  so  important  a  trust. 

We  admire  and  respect  the  character  of  a  man,  who,  disregarding 
the  allurements  of  profit  and  distinction  his  merit  might  procure,  en- 
gages in  the  cause  of  mankind,  in  defence  of  the  injured,  and  relief  of 
the  oppressed.  From  your  character,  from  your  great  abilities,  and 
military  experience,  united  with  those  of  the  commander  in  chief,  un- 
der the  smiles  of  providence,  we  flatter  ourselves  with  the  prospect  of 
discipline  and  order,  success  and  victory 

Be  assured,  sir,  that  it  will  give  us  great  pleasure  to  be  able  to  con- 
tribute to  your  happiness.  May  the  favors  and  blessings  of  Heaven  at- 
tend you.  May  Divine  Providence  guard  and  protect  you,  conduct 
you  in  the  paths  of  honor  and  virtue,  grant  you  the  reward  of  the  brave 
and  virtuous  here,  the  applause  of  mankind,  and  the  approbation  of 
your  own  conscience  and  eternal  happiness  hereafter. 

[The  following  answer  was  returned  by  General  Lee :] 

To  tin  Gentlemen  of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  the  Massachusetts: 

Gentlemen  : — Nothing  can  be  so  flattering  to  me,  as  the  good  opin- 
ion and  approbation  of  tin-  delegates  of  a  free  and  uncorruptcd  people. 
I  was  educated  in  the  highest  reverence  for  the  rights  of  mankind,  and 
have  acquired,  by  a  long  acquaintance,  a  most  particular  regard  for  the 
people  of  America.  You  may  depend,  therefore,  gentlemen,  on  my 
zeal  and  integrity;  1  can  promise  you  nothing  from  my  abilities.  God 
Almighty  grant  us  success  equal  to  the  righteousness  of  the  cause.     I 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  Ill 

thank  you,  gentlemen,  for  an  address  which  does  me  bo  much  honor, 
ami  shall  labor  to  deserve  it. 

Ordi  rt  d,  that  the  Bum  of  fifty  pounds  be  paid  to  .Mr.  Paul  Ri  r<  re,  in 
full,  tor  engraving  four  plates,  and  printing  14,500  impressions,  and 
that  Mr.  Langdon  1  •  r i n ^r  in  a  resolve  for  that  purpo 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Phillips,  Col.  Grout,  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  devise  means  for  supporting  the  poor  of  the  town-  ol  Boston 
and  Charlestown  to  the  plates  of  their  destination. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  procuring  and  furnishing  a  house 
foi  1 1  '.'.    •  hington  and  Lee,  be  directed  to  purchase  what  things 

,■  \ ,  thai  thej  cannot  hire. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Goodwin  and  Col.  Richmond  be  added  to  the 
committee  last  mentioned. 

Ordered,  That  the  lasl  mentioned  committee  be  directed  to  procure 
(reshmenl  for  the  Generals,  Washington  and  Lee. 

Mr.  Langdon,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted,  \  i/.. : 

Resolved,  Thai  there  be  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, to  Mr.  Paul  ltevcrc,  or  order,  the  sum  of  fifty  pounds,  in  full,  foi 
procuring  and  engraving  lour  [date-,  and  printing  14,500  impressions 
ofcolonv  notes;  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed  to  pa)  the 
same  sum  accordingly. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  means  for  securing  sundrj 
whale  boats,  procured  for  the  use  of  tins  colony,  and  now  lying  at 
Weymouth  and  Braintree,  be$  leave  to  report :  That  ('apt.  Edmund 
Soper,  oi  Braintree,  be  empowered  to  take  charge  of  the  same,  and 
with  the  assistance  of  ('apt.  Seth  Turner's  and  Capt.  Vinton's  compa- 
nies, now  posted  in  Braintree,  to  convej  and  secure  them  in  some  sale 

and   COnvenienl    place,  where    they    will   not   he   expo-ed,  either    to   the 

enemy, or  the  weather,  and  there  to  remain  till  the  further  order  of  this 
or  some  future  Oongri  --.  or  House  of  Representatn 
Adjourned  till  eight  o'clock,  tomorrow  morning. 

S  \i;i;  \  i  II    i)  w  ,    Ji  i  \     J.    \'.  . 

Ordered,  'I' hat  Mr.  Bliss  ami  .Mr.  Cutt,  be  of  the  committee  foi  de- 
vising means  lor  the  support  of  the  poor  of  the  town-  of  Boston  ami 

Charlestown,  to  tin-  places  of  their  destination,  in  the  room  ol    Mi 

Phillips  and  Mr.  ( '1  am-. 

'I'h.    i.  poii  of  the  committee  foi     ecuring  the  lamp-  ol   the  li 
iiou-.   ,  was  read,  accept!  d,  ami  i    a-  follow  3,  vb 
56 


442  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  2, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  expediency  of  removing 
and  securing  the  lamps,  with  the  oil,  &c,  from  the  several  light  houses 
within  this  colony,  have  attended  that  service,  and  beg  leave  to  report 
as  follows,  viz. : 

That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of  correspondence,  or  se- 
lectmen of  the  town  of  Chelsea,  to  remove  and  secure,  if  practicable, 
the  lamps  and  oil  from  the  light  house  at  the  entrance  of  Boston  har- 
bor, with  all  the  appurtenances  thereto  belonging ;  also,  that  it  be 
recommended  to  the  committee  of  safety  of  the  town  of  Gloucester, 
that  the  same  measures  be  taken  with  respect  to  the  light  houses 
on  Thatcher's  Island,  so  called,  and  that  the  keeper  of  said  lights,  with 
the  several  boats,  cattle,  6lc,  be  also  removed  from  thence. 

Furthermore,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of  corres- 
pondence for  the  town  of  Plymouth,  to  remove  and  secure  the  lamps, 
oil,  &lc,  from  the  light  house  at  the  Gurnet,  so  called,  with  all  the  ap- 
purtenances thereto  belonging ;  and,  that  the  keepers  of  the  several 
light  houses  as  above  specified,  be  discharged  from  the  service  of  this 
colony,  till  the  further  order  of  this  or  some  future  Congress,  or  House 
of  Representatives. 

Ordered,  That  three  copies  of  the  last  mentioned  report  be  sent  to 
the  places  in  said  report  mentioned,  and  that  the  committee,  who  drew 
the  report,  forward  the  copies. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be 
a  committee  to  write  to  Mr.  Russell,  desiring  him  to  pay  the  money 
due  from  him  to  the  treasury,  immediately. 

The  petition  of  Joseph  Barrell  for  himself  and  others,  [was]  read,  and 
ordered  to  lie  upon  file.1 

(1)  This  petition  bears  date  June  30,  1775,  and  is  as  follows  : 

"  The  petition  of  Joseph  l!;irrell,  late  of  Boston,  humbly  sheweth,  that  in  the  fire  in  Boston, 
which  began  in  the  soldiers'  barracks,  on  the  evening  of  the  17th  of  May  last,  his  store,  together 
with  bis  effects  to  a  very  considerable  amount,  were  consumed.  Vour  petitioner  humbly  appre- 
hends, that  this  loss  is  entirely  occasioned  by  the  cruel  oppression  of  the  British  administration;  as, 
nt  the  general  desire  of  the  friends  of  tin'  country,  he  removed  with  his  family  from  Boston,  that 
scene  of  distress,  and,  by  the  chicanery  of  General  Gage,  was  prevented  from  carrying  bis  effects 
with  him  ;  as  be,  with  his  distressed  townsmen,  were  shamefully  deceived  by  the  fairest  promises 
of  a  speedy  removal,  with  their  effects,  without  molestation,  until  the  end  of  the  capitulation  on  the 
side  of  the  general  was  fully  answered,  and  then  they  were  insulted,  by  the  most  cruel  perversion 
of  that  comprehensive,  plain  English  word  effects,  confining  it  to  a  few  trifles,  which,  when  they 
were  suffered  to  depart,  was  clogged  with  such  restrictions  as  will  forever  disgrace  him.  But,  not- 
withstanding all  this,  Btill  your  petitioner  had  been  safe,  in  all  probability,  had  not  the  General,  by  an 
order,  :i*  i  xtraordinary  as  it  was  new,  secured  from  the  inhabitants  the  fire  engines,  and  given  the 
use  of  i  in' m  to  his  troops ;  whereby,  as  roar  petitioner  is  informed,  it  was  a  very  considerable  time 
bi  lor.  tb.  y  were  in  use  at  all,  and  then  were  conducted  with  such  consummate  ignorance  as  to  be 
of  no  seriiee;  in  which  tune,  the  Humes  raged  to  that  degree,  that  no  human  help  could  prevent 
them  ;  ami  \c.nr  petitioner  is  further  informed,  thai  -nun  of  his  effects,  saied  from  the  fire  by  his 
friends,  were  aftorworda    wantonlj    destroyed  by  tin    aavagi   order  of  tin'   officer  of  the  armj 


1775.]  THIRD    PROVING  l  \l    <  ONGR1   5*  143 

The  letter  of  Mr    Mexander  Sheppard,  Jun    to  the  committee  ol 
safet]  |  u .(- 1  read.1 

The  report  of  the  committee  tor  devising  means  for  the  Bupporl  of 

the  | r  of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  to  the  pi  ices  of  their  destination, 

was  read,  and  accepted,  and  i-  as  follows 

Whereas,  il  is  necessary,  thai  further  provision  be  made  for  the  Buf- 
fering poor  of  the  towns  of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  therefore,  />'<  50/0- 
"/.  thai  Buch  person  or  persons  as  Bhall  produce  a  certificate  from  anj 
•  >r  either  of  the  selectmen  or  overseers  of  the  poor  of  the  Baid  town-. 
thai  thej  are  of  the  poor  of  the  town  to  which  the  Baid  selectmen  or 
overseers  do,  or  *  1  i <  1  in  March  last,  belong,  thai  then  th<-  commissaries, 
in  the  towns  of  Watertown  and  Roxbury,  .•  i r < ■  herebj  directed  to  deliv- 
er, out  of  the  | » r< » \  1 1 1  <- .  •  stores,  to  them,  a  sufficiency  of  provisions  to  car- 
r\  tin  in  to  the  place  of  their  destination,  the  commissar]  i"  take  a  re-_ 
ceipl  from  BUCb  selectmen  or  over-i  rr-  therefor. 

\nil  i!  i-  recommended  in  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  to  treal 
-mil  poor  with  humanity,  by  affording  them  shelter  in  their  houses 
from  the  weather,  and,  if  desired,  to  exchange  such  provisions  with 
tlirin  a-  Baid  poor  may  have  occasion  tor  mi  their  way. 

Unl< nd.  That  the  foregoing   resolve  be  published    in  the   Water- 
town,  Cambridge,  ami  Worcester  newspapers. 

Adjourned  to  four  o'clock,  P.  M 

\t  lour  o'clock,  P.  M  .  the  Congress  met,  and  adjourned  to  Mondaj 

morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Monday,  .1i  i  \   :'»,   I '  '■'> 
Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  of  safety,  who  were  appointed  a  com 
mittee  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  a  new-  emission  of 
notes  or  bills  of  credit,  be  directed  to  sit,  and  report  as  soon  as  possi- 
ble. 

/«'-  soht '/.  That  the  resoh  e  of  the  first  instant,  ordering  the  rules  and 
regulations  of  the  army  to  be  read  monthly,  be  reconsidered. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  receiver  general  be  directed  to  paj  to  Mr  Josiah 

Wherefore,  yoor  petitioner  humbly  hopet,  that  hi  ogethor  with  e  I  I  ■  i  -«  follow  inf 

.  b]  the  honorable  Congrats,  be  represented  to  the  grand  Continental  CongrcM,  thnl  theyi 

in  il..  ir  great  wisdom,  may  take  inch  me  i  •  them  ihnJl m  lit,  '•>  alloviate  Ibeii  iufl<  i 

ills'! ,  nrnl  that  what  it  thus  t  foil  to  very  heavily  on  any  indi 

i. " 

■    \  i  •  '    1 1 1  \ .  \  -  .  ■ 


444  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  3, 

Stevens,  the  sum  of  two  pounds,  in  colony  notes  or  bills  of  credit,  pay- 
able to  said  receiver,  for  his  services  in  bringing  a  number  of  letters  to 
this  Conoress,  taken  out  of  a  vessel  from  London. 

Afternoon. 

A  vote  of  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire  [was]  read,  and  Messrs. 
Child  and  Ashley,  the  bearers  thereof,  [were]  admitted  on  the  floor.1 
They  produced  a  letter  from  Messrs.  Bucknam  and  Wales,  to  Col.  Bay- 
ley,  of  New  Hampshire,  and  his  answer. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Dexter,  Col.  Lincoln,  Doct.  Church,  Mr. 
Pitts,  and  Capt.  Bragdon,  be  a  committee  to  confer  with  Messrs.  Child 
and  Ashley,  from  the  province  of  New  Hampshire. 

Ordered,  That  the  addition  of  the  words  "  overseers  of  the  poor,"  be 
added  to  the  resolve  of  yesterday,  respecting  the  poor  of  the  towns  of 
Boston  and  Charlestown. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Cutt,  Col.  Farley,  and  Col.  Dwight,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  of  Thomas  Morton,  [for 
leave  to  export  fish.] 

Ordered,  That  a  letter  for  Thomas  Irving,  Esq.,  be  opened,  and  or- 
dered to  be  committed  to  the  committee  who  were  to  take  under  con- 
sideration, what  should  be  done  with  the  letters  from  London. 

The  petition  of  the  selectmen  of  Abington,  [relating  to  donations  for 
the  poor  of  Boston,]  was  read,  and  committed  to  Col.  Mitchell,  Mr. 
Lothrop,  and  Mr.  Ellis. 

Major  Goodwin,  who  was  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  direct- 
ing the  committee  of  supplies  to  furnish  the  non-commissioned  officers, 
who  lost  their  clothes  and  blankets,  in  the  late  engagement,  with 
clothes  and  blankets,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows : 

Whereas,  in  consequence  of  a  letter  from  General  Ward,  provision 
was  made,  by  a  resolve  of  this  Congress,  for  private  soldiers  who  had 
lost  their  clothes  and  blankets  in  a  late  engagement,  but  no  provision 
was  made  for  non-commissioned  officers  in  similar  circumstances, 
therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  directed,  to  furnish  said  non-commissioned  officers  with  clothes 
and  blankets,  in  such  manner  and  form  as  they  were  directed  by  said 
resolve  to  supply  said  privates. 

Adjourned  to  Tuesday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

(1)  The  communication  from  New  Hampshire  related  to  (ho  establishment  of  friend];  inter 
course  and  union  with  the  people  of  Canada. 


1775]  THIRD  PROVING]  \l.  CONGRESS  145 

Ti  i  BD  v  n  .    .Ii  i  \      I,    I 

Ordered,  That  the  honorable  the  president,  Bon.  Major  Bawley, 
and  Mr.  Greenleaf,  be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  Governor 
Trumbull,  desiring  Imu  t'>  forward  to  this  colony,  aa  Boon  as  may  be, 
whatever  Bow  may  arm.-  at  Connecticut  for  the  use  of  the  army. 

A  letter  from  Col.  Gridlej  was  read,  [relating  t«i  the  commission 
officers,]  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  labia 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pickering,  Air.  Partridge,  and  Mr.  Goodwin,  be 
a  committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  <o  aeral  Washington,  informing  him 
of  the  provision  this  C  has  made  for  the  nek  and  wounded  of 

the  army. 

An  account  of  Ephraira  Fenno  was  read,  and  committed  to  .Mr. 
Wheeler,  Mr.  Jewett,  and  Col.  Dwight 

Ordered.  That  Asa  Barns,  and  other  officers  of  Col.  Woodbrid<*e's 
regiment,  recommended  by  the  committee  oi'  safety,  be  commissioned, 
agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  said  committee. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  the  selectmen  of  Abington,  report- 
ed, verbally,  that  the  matter  respecting  the  donations  for  the  poor  of 
Boston,  be  considered  at  large. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mitchell,  Capt  Stone,  Mr.  Kollock,  Col.  Joi: 
and  .Mr.  Crane,  be  a  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Johnson,  Mr.  Fairfield,  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  the  accounts  of  those  persons  who  were  empow- 
ered to  procure  arms  for  of  the  colony  army. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Thomas  Morton,  reported.  The 
report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  for  the  present 

\  r<  solve  of  the  committee  relative  to  the  goods  ol  Thomas  Hutch- 
inson, Esq.,  and  others,  hid  in  and  about  Milton,  was  read,  and  com- 
mitted to  Major  Bliss,  Col.  Gront,  and  .Mr.  Crane. 

Resolved,  Thai  three  o'clock,  P.  M.,  b  the  choice  ol 

Borne  gentleman  to  si  the  committee  of  supplies,  in  the  rooi 

Mr.  Vose.  who  declines  Ben  in 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Jewett,  .Mr.  Lothrop,  Capt.  Thatcher,  Col. 
.ion.  -.  Mr.  Wheeler,  Col.  Farley,  and  .Mr.  Cross,  be  a  committee  to 
consider  the  exp<  diencj  of  making  a  draw  bridge  of  the  bridge  at 
Cambridge,  agreeably  to  the  request  of  General  Washington,  and  thai 
said  committee  be  directed  to  ail  forthwith. 

Al  the  requesl  of  General  Washington,  communicated  bj  Mr.  Gill, 
R  ./<-,,/,  thai  no  more  commissions,  for  the  present,  be  delivered  to 
anj  offia  rs  of  the  colony  army,  those  employed,  more  particularly,  for 
the  protection  of  the  sea  coasts  except  .1 


44G  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  4, 

The  resolve  relative  to  furnishing  the  soldiers  with  coats,  was  con- 
sidered, and  recommitted  for  amendment. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Partridge,  Mr.  Pickering,  and  Doct.  Taylor,  be 
a  committee,  to  consider  in  what  manner  the  late  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Boston,  may  choose  members  to  represent  that  town  in  the 
next  General  Assembly  of  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  hereby  are  direct- 
ed, to  supply  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  with  a  good  horse  to  use  during 
his  service  as  a  chaplain  to  this  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Doct.  Church,  and  Mr.  Johnson,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  appointing  Doct.  [Andrew]  Craigie,  a 
commissary  of  medical  stores,  and  that  said  committee  be  directed  to 
consider  what  is  a  proper  establishment  for  his  pay. 

Afternoon. 

A  recommendation  of  the  committee  of  safety  relative  to  an  Indian's 
having  a  horse,  was  read,  and  committed  to  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Par- 
tridge, and  Mr.  Glover. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown,  Capt.  Parker,  and  Mr.  Richmond,  be 
a  committee  to  sort  and  count  the  votes  for  a  member  of  the  commit- 
tee of  supplies,  in  the  room  of  Major  Vose,  and  Capt.  Partridge  was 
chosen  in  the  room  of  Major  Vose. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  making  out  commissions,  be  di- 
rected to  make  out  a  commission  for  Samuel  Brewer,  as  adjutant  gen- 
eral, and  date  it  the  day  of  his  appointment. 

The  committee  appointed  to  write  a  letter  to  Governor  Trumbull, 
reported.  The  report  was  read,  and  ordered  to  be  recommitted  for 
additions  and  amendments. 

Ordered,  That  any  three  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  of  which  Mr. 
Gill  is  to  be  one,  in  the  absence  of  Mr.  Cheever,  be  a  quorum  to  do 
business. 

The  committee  upon  the  letter  relative  to  the  Indian's  having  a 
horse,  reported.     The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  a  small  horse,  taken  by  Henries  Vomhavi,  from  Nod- 
dle's Island,  be  granted  to  the  said  Henries  for  his  own  use,  to  encour- 
age his  further  brave  conduct  and  good  behaviour  in  camp. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Spalding,  Mr.  Woodbridge,  and  Mr.  Johnson, 
be  a  committee  to  take  under  consideration  the  sufferings  of  Abraham 
Nimham.1 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Glover,  Doct.  "[Taylor,]   and  Col.  Grout,  be  on 

(1)  This  person  met  with  simir  pecuniary  loss,  while  employed  m  the  pul>li<?  service,  in  hearing 
a  lettei  to  the  Western  Indians. 

a   [Glo\  I 


L775.]  THIRD  PRO\  IN(  I  \l.  (  ONGRESS  n; 

tin-  committee  of  conference  with  the  members  from  .N.w  Hampshire, 
in  the  room  of  Mr.  Pitts,  Col.  Lincoln,  and  <  'apt.  Bragdon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Ben!  be  <>n  the  committee  for  the  Abington 
petition,  in  the  room  of  I  ktci.  Jones. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  President,  .Mr.  Langdon,  and  Major  Bliss,  I"-  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  conduct  of  the  people  of  Nan- 
tucket, and  report  what  is  expedient  to  be  done  with  respect  to  them. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheelock,  with  letters  from  the  Congress  of 
New  Hampshire,  be  admitted  upon  the  Boor. 

Ordered,  [That]  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Hopkins,  and  Major  l!li--.  be 
a  committee  to  introduce  Mr.  Wheelock,  and  also  t"  deliver  a  cop]  <>i 
the  letter  from  New  Hampshire  to  his  excel!  enc]  General  Washington, 
and  also  ("  draw  an  answer  to  the  letter  from  New  Hampshire. 

The  report  of  the  committee  upon  the  account  of  Mr.   White   was 
■  pted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  accounts,  transmitted  to  this 
Congress  bj  the  committee  of  safety,  beg  leave  to  report,  by  nay  of 
resolve,  that  William  White  be  paid  the  sum  of  six  pounds,  lawful 
money,  for  -mice  done  by  said  William  White,  by  order  of  the  com- 
mittee of  safety,  and  that  the  receiver  general  be  directed  t'>  pay  said 
Bum  to  the  said  William  White. 

The  committee  appointed  to  write  to  (Jmrrnor  Trumbull,  reported. 
The  report  was  read,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  ; 

May  it  pleas(  your  honor: 

four  favor  of  the  27th  June,  we  received,  and  heartily  thank  you 
for  the  information  therein  given  us.  The  arrival  of  the  dour  from 
New  York  to  .Norwich,  gives  us  great  pleasure,  as  we  stand  in  need  of 
large  supplies  of  that  comi lity.  We  request  your  honor  to  give  or- 
der- that  the  same  mav  be  forwarded,  a>  soon  as  possible,  to  our  com- 
mittee of  supplies  at  Watertown;  and  any  further  quantities  that  ma] 
arrive  hereafter,  we  desire  ma]  be  sent,  immediately  upon  its  arrival, 
to  the  same  committee:  almosl  all  the  grain  in  this  colon]  being 
already  brought  in,  and  our  stock  not  equal  to  the  demand-  for  bread. 

We  have  the  pleasure  to  be  able  to  acquainl  your  honor,  that  Gen- 
erals Washington  ami  Lee,  with  Mr.  Mifflin,  aid-de-camp  to  General 
Washington,  arrived  at  Cambridge,  last  Sabbath,  in  g 1  health,  a  lit- 
tle after  12  o'clock,  at  noon,  and  have  great  reason  to  expect,  from 
their  known  characters,  and  then-  activity,  and  vigilance,  alread]  dis- 
ered,  that  then  presence  in  the  arm]  will  be  attended  with  most 
happ)   consequ <  >m    camp     at   Cambridge   and   Roxbur]    ar< 


448  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  4, 

daily  putting  on  a  more  defensible  appearance ;  the  health  in  our  army 
is  as  general  as  we  could  expect.  Several  privates  in  the  Cambridge 
camp  were  last  week  taken  down  with  the  small  pox,  but  we  have  great 
reason  to  hope,  that  the  precautions  taken  on  this  occurrence,  will,  by 
the  divine  blessing,  prevent  the  spreading  of  that  distemper  in  the 
camp. 

We  are,  with  the  greatest  respect,  your  honor's 

Most  obedient  humble  servants. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Grout,  Mr.  Langdon,  and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a 
committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  letter  from  Mr.  Sheppard, 
relative  to  the  eastern  plans  of  the  sea  coasts. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  appointing  Mr. 
Craigie,  medical  commissary,  reported.  [The  report]  was  read,  and  is 
as  follows,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Andrew  Craigie  be,  and  he  is  hereby  appointed 
a  medical  commissary  and  apothecary  for  the  Massachusetts  army,  and 
that  said  Craigie  be  allowed  five  pounds  per  month,  for  his  services  as 
abovesaid. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  making  out  commissions  make 
out  a  warrant  for  Mr.  Craigie,  medical  commissary. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  loss  of  In- 
dian Nimham,  reported.  The  report  was  read,  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. : 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  losses  of  Abraham  Nim- 
ham, in  his  journey  to  Cagnawauga,  in  carrying  a  message  to  the 
Indians,  beg  leave  to  report  by  way  of  resolve  :  That  the  said  Abra- 
ham Nimham  be  paid  the  sum  of  thirty-six  shillings,  lawful  money,  and 
that  the  receiver  general  be  directed  to  pay  the  said  sum  to  Jahleel 
Woodbridge,  Esq.,  and  he  to  account  with  the  said  Abraham  Nimham. 

Resolved,  That  this  Congress  will  attend  to  matters  of  the  greatest 
importance,  that  they  may  finish  the  business  and  dissolve,  sometime 
before  the  sitting  of  the  General  Court. 

Ordered,  That  the  matter  contained  in  a  resolve  of  the  committee 
of  safety,  relating  to  the  effects  of  refugees,  being  before  provided  for 
by  this  Congress,  subside. 

Adjourned  to  Wednesday  morning,  8  o'clock. 

Wednesday,  July  5,  1775. 

A  letter  from  William  Tollman,  of  Dartmouth,  was  read,  and  com- 
mitted to  the  committee  appointed  to  con.sider  at  large  of  the  donation^ 
for  the  poor  of  IJo.ston. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  149 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  petition  of  Thomas  Morton  was 
rr;nl,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  \i/..:    The  committee  appointed 
insider  the  memorial  of  Thomas  Morton,  ve  to  report  l»v 

u  aj  of  i  esoh  e  : 

Resolved,  Thai  tin-  [>r;i\ »r  of  the  memorial  be  granted,  and  that 
William  I'd  well,  Esq.,  late  of  Boston,  have  leave  to  exporl  one  thousand 
quintals  of  Jamaica  <>1<1  codfish,  to  the  Wesl  Indies,  and  that  the  com- 
mittee of  correspondence   in   Newburyporl   Bee  thai  the  said  William 

Powell,  Esq  strictly  c plies  with  the  resolutions  of  the  continental 

and  ]>r<>\  incial  ( longresa 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Greenleaf,  Col.  Richmond,  Doct  Taylor,  Mr. 
Glover,  and  Capt  Holmes,  be  a  committee  t"  wait  upon  General  Wash- 
ington, to  inform  him  that  tin-  Congress  have  il  in  contemplation  to 
rise  tin-  week,  and  to  know  if  he  has  any  matter  t<»  lay  before  the 
( longresa. 

A  J i — t  of  surgeons  who  have  been  examined  and  approved  of,  by  a 
committee  of  this  Congress,  was  laid  before  the  Congress,  and  read, 
and  i-  as  follow  g 

Doct  David  Jones,  surgeon;  Samuel  Blanchard,  mate,  in  Col.  Ger- 
rish's  regiment;  Aaron  Putnam,  mate,  in  Col.  Frj  s  regiment;  Joseph 
Hunt,  mate  to  Doct.  Joseph  Foster,  in  Cambridge  hospital;  Jacob 
Bacon,    mate  in  Col.   Scammon's  regiment;    Harris  Clarj    Frid 

Edward  Durant,  Burgeon,  Col.  Mansfield's  regiment;  Josiah 
Harvey, mate,  Col.  Fellow's  regiment  ;  Abraham  \\  atson,  Jr.,  Burgeon, 
William  \inal.  n  i .- 1 1 « ■ ,   Col.  Gardner's  regiment;  Doct.  John  Geoi 

.  General  Heath's  regiment;  Doct.  Isaac  Spafford,  mrgeon,  Col. 
s i\on  -  [regiment]  Doct.  John  Crooker,  Burgeon  in  Col.  Scammon's 
regiment;  Doct.  Walter  Hastings,  surgeon  in  Col.  Bridges'  [regi- 
ment] ;  Doct.  Timothy  Child,  surgeon,  in  Col.  Patterson's  [  regimenl  ] ; 
Doct.  Levi  Willard,  Burgeon,  in  Col.  Reed's  [regiment] ;  Doct.  Daniel 
Parker,  Burgeon,  in  Col.  Walker's  [regiment];  and  Don.  Thomas 
Kittrid  ■•  .  surgeon,  in  Col.  Fr\  's  regiment. 

Thereupon,  Ordered,  Thai  warrants  !>»•  made  ou1  for  them  agreea- 
blj  thereto. 

I,',  wived,  'Thai  the  order  of  Congress  r<  lative  to  the  date  of  the  war- 
rants for  the  staff  officers,  be  bo  far  reconsidered,  as  thai  the  wan 
for  the  surg< s  be  dated  the  28th  June,  ultimo. 

Ordered,  Thai  the  committee  who  wire   appointed   to  deliver  oul 
commissions  to  the  officers  of  the  army,  be  a  committee  to  prep 
and  laj  before  this  Conj  r<        i  li~i  ol  such  a->  have  been  commission 
ed 


450  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  5, 

A  form  of  a  warrant  for  a  medical  commissary,  was  read  and  accept- 
ed, and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 


The  Congress  of  the  Colony  of  the  31assachusctts  Bay,  to 


Greeting. 


We,  being  informed  of  your  skill  in  medicine,  and  reposing  especial 
trust  and  confidence  in  your   ability  and  good  conduct,  do,  by  these 

presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you  the  said  ,  to  be 

medical  commissary  and  apothecary  to  the  army  raised  by  this  Con- 
gress, for  the  defence  of  this  colony.  You  are,  therefore,  carefully  and 
diligently  to  discharge  the  duty  of  a  medical  commissary  and  apothe- 
cary in  all  things  appertaining  thereto,  observing  such  orders  and  in- 
structions as  you  shall,  from  time  to  time,  receive  from  any  your  su- 
perior officers,  according  to  the  rules  and  discipline  established  by  said 
Congress,  for  which  this  shall  be  your  sufficient  warrant. 

By  order  of  Congress, 

,  President. 

Ordered,  That  Col  Smith,  Mr.  Plympton,  Mr.  Ellis,  Mr.  Bigelow, 
Deacon  Stone,  Capt.  Brown,  Major  Fuller,  and  Capt.  Stone,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  procure  two  hundred  axes  with  helves,  immediately,  for  the 
use  of  the  army,  and  when  procured,  to  forward  them  immediately  to 
General  Washington,  or  his  order,  and  lay  before  the  Congress  a  list 
of  the  persons  of  whom  they  shall  be  procured,  with  the  price  agreed 
on,  and  that  the  committee  assure  the  persons  of  whom  they  may  pro- 
cure said  axes,  that  they  shall  be  paid  for,  as  soon  as  the  Congress  can 
make  provision  therefor. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  in  what  manner  the  late  in- 
habitants of  the  town  of  Boston,  should  choose  representatives,  report- 
ed. The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  and  was  ordered  to 
be  sent  immediately  to  Mr.  William  Cooper;  viz.  : 

As  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  fit  and  reasonable,  that  the  good  peo- 
ple of  the  town  of  Boston,  though  at  present  in  a  dispersed  state,  should 
have  a  just  and  equal  representation  in  the  great  and  general  assembly 
of  this  colony  ;  and  as  the  choice  of  representatives  for  that  purpose, 
in  legal  town  meeting,  convened,  in  the  common  and  ordinary  way,  is, 
af  present,  utterlj  impracticable,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Mr.  William 
Cooper,  town  clerk  of  Boston,  be,  and  he  hereby  is  empowered  and  di- 
rected, by  notifications,  under  his  hand,  in  the  several  newspapers,  im- 
mediately to  notify  and  give  warning  to  the  freeholders  and  others  who 


1775.]  PHIRD  N!<>\  |\(  i  \|.  CONGR  I  I  .1 

were  inhabitants  of  the  aaid  town  of  Boston,  and  were  qualified  ac« 
cording  to  law,  to  vote  for  representative!  in  May,  l"  I.  nnd  are  now 
dispersed,  to  assemble  and  meel  at  the  me<  ting-house  in  Concord,  on 
Tuesday,  the  18th  daj  of  July,  instant,  at  three  o'clock,  in  the  after- 
noon, then  and  there,  to  eleel  and  depute  "in-  or  more  freeholders  in 
said  town,  according  to  the  numbers  limited  by  a  law  of  this  colony,  to 
serve  for,  and  represent  them  in  a  great  and  general  court  or  assembly, 
to  be  convened,  held,  and  kept,  for  the  service  of  said  colony,  until  the 
daj  next  preceding  the  last  YVednesdaj  of  Maj  next,  if  necessary,  and 
no  longer,  at  the  meeting-house  in  Watertown,  upon  Wednesday  the 
19th  instant,  l>\  nine  o'clock,  in  the  forenoon,  and  so,  from  daj  to  daj . 
during  their  session  <>r  sessions.  Bereof  be  is  desired  not  to  fail,  and 
make  return  of  this  resolve,  with  the  name  or  nam.-  ol  the  person  and 
person-  elected  or  deputed  by  a  major  part  of  the  electoi  -  present,  unto 
the  great  and  general  assembly,  al  the  time  and  place  above  mentioned 
lor  K-  meeting. 

The  committee  appointed  the  2d  instant,  to  prepare  a  letter  to  the 
Hon.  James  Russell,  Esq.,  reported.  The  draft  prepared,  was  accept- 
ed, ori le red  to  l.c  signed  by  the  president,  and  forwarded,  and  is  as  fol- 
lOW  3,   \  I/. 

Sir  : — The  presenl  necessity  for  cash  is  such,  tint  it  1-  n<  c<  ssary  tor 
this  Congress  to  direct  you  to  p:u  m  Lo  Elenrj  Gardner,  Esq.,  receive  1 
genera]  of  this  colony,  all  the  public  monej  111  your  hand-  01  care,  be- 
longing to  -aid  colony,  without  further  delay. 

By  order  of  CongTt 

,   President 

Tn  tin  Hon.  James  Russell,  Esq.,  oj  Dunstable. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.   Holmes,  ('apt.  Carpenter,   Mr.  Glover,   Mi 
Jewett,  and  .Mr.  Parker,  be  a  committee  to  consider  some  method  to 
present  conveying  intelligence  to  our  enemies,  and  also  to  put  a  stop 
to  supplj  m_r  them  wit  li  provisions. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  request  of  General  \\  ash- 
ington,  relative  to  making  a  draw  bridge  of  the  bridge  at  Cambridge, 
reported.     The  report  was  accepted,  and  1-  as  follows,  \i/..  : 

The  committee  appointed  to  wan  on  his  excellency  General  Wash- 
ton,  relative  to  making  the  bridge  over  Charles  river,  in  Cambridge, 
a  draw  bridge,  have  attended  thai  service,  ami  beg  leave  to  report,  that 
In-  excellency  suggested,  thai  he  apprehend-  i<   1..  be  of  great   impor- 
tance, that  this  business  be  immediatelj  entered  upon     also,  he  men- 


452  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [  July  5, 

tioned,  that  he  did  not  intend  the  passing  and  repassing  should  be  im- 
peded. His  excellency  recommends  to  the  Congress  the  doing  it,  as 
they  are  the  best  judges  of  proper  persons  to  be  employed.  His  excel- 
lency hinted,  that  it  would  be  agreeable  to  him,  to  be  consulted  as  to 
the  manner  of  its  being  done.  Per  order,  Dummer  Jewett. 

[The  same  committee,  being  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  relative 
to  said  bridge,  reported  the  following,  which  was  accepted,  viz. :] 

Whereas,  his  excellency  General  Washington,  has  signified  to  this 
Congress  his  desire,  that  the  bridge  over  Charles  river,  in  Cambridge, 
should  be  made  a  draw  bridge,  and  that  the  Congress  would  see  to  the 
doing  of  it,  immediately,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Capt.  Thatcher,  Mr. 
Whittemore,  Mr.  Temple,  Mr.  Cross,  and  Capt.  Parker,  be  a  commit- 
tee to  procure  materials,  and  employ  a  suitable  number  of  artificers, 
for  accomplishing  the  aforementioned  business,  agreeably  to  the  direc- 
tion of  his  excellency  General  Washington ;  the  same  to  be  done  at 
the  immediate  expense  of  this  colony;  and,  that  the  committee  render 
to  this  Congress  or  some  future  House  of  Representatives,  their  account 
of  said  expense. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  be  assigned  for  the 
choice  of  some  person  to  serve  on  the  committee  of  supplies,  in  the 
room  of  Mr.  Partridge,  who,  at  his  request,  has  been  excused,  and  that 
in  such  choice,  the  members  of  the  Congress  may  have  liberty  to  vote 
for  any  person  who  may  not  belong  to  the  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  of  the  donations  for  the  poor 
of  Boston,  reported.     The  report  was  recommitted. 

A  petition  of  Jonathan  Brewer,  [relating  to  recruits  for  his  regi- 
ment,] was  read,  and  committed  to  Deacon  Stickney,  Doct.  Taylor,  and 
Col.  Spaulding. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Lothrop,  and  Mr.  Jewett,  be  a 
committee  to  distribute  the  pamphlets  which  contain  depositions  rela- 
tive to  the  battle  of  Lexington. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Glover  be  of  the  committee  for  stationing  the 
soldiers  in  the  county  of  Essex,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Gerry,  excused. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  committee 
appointed  to  procure  fire-arms,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted, 
and  is  as  follows,  \  iz.  : 

Where;!-.  Messrs.  John  Bliss,  William  Page,  Abiel  Sadler,  and 
Lemuel  Kollock,  were  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  collect  a  number 
of  fire-arms,  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  and  have  delivered  said  arms  to 
the  committee  of  safety,  at  Cambridge,  as  appears  by  receipts  from 
said  committee,  and    have   exhibited  their   accounts  for  said  service, 


1775.]  THIRD  PRO\  l\<  I  \l.  CONGB  ESS  i  •.  I 

which  accounts  appear  to  be  reasonable:  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
there  !><■  paid  by  the  receiver  general,  to  the  persons  aforesaid, 

the  following  sums,  viz. :  t"  John  Bliss,  the  sum  of  '  •">  II-  .  to  Wil- 
liam P  '•'■  I"  to  M'i'l  Sadler.  €5  10s.:  to  Lemuel  Kollock, 
i':{  I0s.8d.\   being   I  -I   18     Sd.,  in  full  of  the  aforesaid  account. 

Ordered,  That  the  li-t  of  persons  of  whom  the  arms  were  procured, 
be  lodged  « itli  the  rec<  iver  general. 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Partridge,  Col.  Bowers,  and  Mr.  Jewett,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  ;i  letter  from  General  Ward.1 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  eighteen 
Stockbridge  Indian-,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  b)  a  petition  from  the  Stock- 
bridge  Indian-  enlisted  in  the  American  army,  thai  they,  in  1 1 1 « - i r  more 
serious  hours,  being  sensible  of  their  want  of  prudence  in  disposing  of 
their  money,  arc  desirous  that  this  Congress,  in  their  wisdom,  would 
devise  some  method  to  prevenl  their  getting  too  much  strong  drink, 
and  they  also  request  that  all  their  wages,  that  are  now  (\uo,  or  shall 
hereafter  he  dm- to  them  for  their  services,  be  paid  to  Timothy  Ed- 
wards, and  Jahleel  Woodbridge,  Esq.,  <>r  to  their  order:  therefore, 
Resolved,  that  Timothy  Edwards,  or  Jahleel  Woodbridge,  Esqrs.be, 
and  are  hereby  empowered,  to  draw  the  wages  of  the  aforesaid  Indians, 
and  deal  "in  the  same  as  they  shall  rind  said  Indians  have  need  thereof, 
according  to  an)  order  <>r  orders  of  this  Congress,  thai  have  been,  or 
shall  hereafter  l»'  made,  for  paying  all  or  an)  [tart  of  the  wages  due  to 
the  soldiers,  and  render  an  arconnt  of  their  doings  to  this,  or  some 
future  Congress,  or  House  of  Representatives,  when  required.  And 
the  receiver  general  is  accordingly  directed  to  pay  the  same  to  the  said 
Timothj  Edwards,  or  Jahleel  Woodbridge,  Esqrs.,  as  aforesaid,  and 
take  their  receipt  therefor.  And  it  is  also  recommended  and  enjoined 
by  this  Congress,  thai  all  persons  who  sell  spirituous  liquors,  be  par- 
ticularlj  careful  not  to  lei  said  Indian-  have  too  much  strong  drink,  as 
that  wholly  unfits  them  for  any  service. 

The  committee   appointed  to  consider    a  letter  of  Mr.   Alexander 

Sheppard,  repented.      The  report   was  accepted,  and   i-  a-  follows,  \i/. 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  under  consideration  the  letter  from 
Mr  Sheppard,  beg  leave  to  report,  bj  wa)  of  resolve,  as  follow-,  viz.  : 
/.'    olved,  thai  n  !>e,  and  it  hereby  is  rec mended  to   Mr.   Alexander 

Sheppard,  jiin.,  that  he  retain  m  hi-  hands  all    the  plans  he  hath  of  the 
(I)  The  loUoi  ol   G  .'.  •  la.  d  '" 


454  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  5, 

province  of  Maine,  and  that  he  do  not  suffer  them  to  go  out  of  his 
possession,  to  any  person,  upon  any  consideration,  until  the  further 
order  of  this,  or  some  future  Congress,  or  House  of  Representatives. 

Ordered,  That  part  of  the  resolve,  relative  to  the  light-houses,  which 
empowered  the  selectmen  and  committees  of  correspondence  to  remove 
and  secure  the  lamps  and  oil  from  the  light-house  at  the  entrance  of 
Boston  harbor,  be  reconsidered,  and  that  Mr.  Crane,  Capt.  Holmes, 
and  Deac.  Washburn,  be  a  committee  to  consider  at  large,  on  some 
measures  for  removing  and  securing  the  lamps  and  oil  aforesaid. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Bancroft,  Mr.  Fox,  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  a  letter  from  Mr.  James  Lyon,  dated  Machias,  June 
17,  1775.1 

Afternoon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  state  of  the  donations  for 
the  poor  of  Boston,  reported.  The  report  was  recommitted,  and  Mr. 
Batchelder  added  to  the  committee,  in  the  room  of  Capt.  Stone,  absent. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  for  the  purpose  of 
calling  the  general  assembly  together,  at  any  time  sooner  than  the  19th 
instant,  if  occasion  should  require,  [reported.]  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  this  Congress,  pursuant  to  the  recommendation  of  the 
General  Congress  of  this  continent,  have  sent  out  their  letters  to  the 
several  towns  in  this  colony,  desiring  that  representatives  might  be 
elected  and  returned  by  them,  to  serve  in  a  great  or  general  court,  or 
assembly,  to  be  convened,  held,  and  kept,  for  the  service  of  this  colony, 
at  Watertown,  on  the  19th  day  of  July  current ;  and  whereas,  such 
unforeseen  events  may  take  place,  between  this  time  and  the  said  19th 
day  of  July,  as  may  render  the  convening  of  such  general  court  or  as- 
sembly, at  Watertown  aforesaid,  at  the  time  aforesaid,  very  improper 
and  unsafe  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  Mr.  Gill, 
Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  White  of  Brookline,  and  Capt.  Thatcher,  be  a 
committee,  in  case  they,  or  the  major  part  of  them  should  judge  it  im- 
proper and  unsafe,  that  such  general  assembly  should  be  convened  at 
the  said  Watertown,  at  the  time  aforesaid,  to  agree  upon,  and  deter- 
mine, at  what  other  place  in  this  colony,  the  said  general  assembly 
should  be  convened ;  and  the  said  committee,  or  the  major  part  of 
them,  are  hereby  fully  empowered  to  determine  at  what  place  it  shall 
be  most  expedient,  that  the  said  general  assembly  should  be  convened, 

(1)  James  Lyon,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  safety,  informs  Congress,  that  the  people  of  the 
town  had  determined  to  arm  a  Bloop,  captured  from  the  enemy,  to  defend  their  harbor,  ami  express- 
ing deep  sense  of  "  their  own  weakness,"  applied  '■  for  adi  ice  ami  support." 


1775.]  THIRD  PRO\  tNCl  \l.  CONGRESS 

and  to  give  notice  thereof  to  the  several  persons  who  have  been,  ox 
may  be  chosen  i"  serve  in   such  assembly,  in  Buch  ivaj  and  manner 
they  Bhall  1 1 1 1 1  li  <  •  most  expeditious  and  effectual. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Church,  Col  Bowers,  and  -Mr.  Bayley,  be  a 
committee  i"  confer  with  General  Washington,  on  Ihe  subject  of  fur- 
nishing his  table,  .-nul  know  what  he  expects  relative  thereto,  and  thai 
thej  -ii  f'Tiliu  ith. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  procure  m  furni- 

ture for  the   bouse  provided   for  General   Washington,  complete  the 
business  of  their  commission  bj  purchase,  or  by  borrowing. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Wheeler,  Col.  Grout,  and  Mr.  Durfee,  be  a 
committee  to  considei  a  letter  from  Mr.  James  Winthrop.1 

A  letter  from  Benjamin  Greenleaf,  Esq.  of  Newburyport,  was  read, 
impanying  sundr)  letters  broughl  l>\  Capt.  Folger,  from  London,9 
a  jacket  enclosed  i«>  Major  Sill,  of  the  63d  regimenl  ;  also,  three  maps 
enclosed  to  said  Major  Sill,  viz.:  one  of  New  England,  one  of  Vir- 
ginia  and  Maryland,  and  one  of  New  York ;  whereupon,  Ordered, 
thai  the  jacket  be  committed  to  the  cure  of  the  secretary,  till  further 
orders  of  Congress,  and  thai  the  maps  be  pul  into  the  hands  of  the 
committee  of  supplies,  and  the)    are  directed  to  get  them  framed  for 

the  use  Of  the  colony. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  General  Washing- 
ton, enclosing  a  resolution  of  Congress  relative  to  the  aick  ami  wound- 
ed, reported.     The  report  was  accepted,  ami  is  as  follows,  viz. 

[To  his  Excellency  General  Washington .*] 

This  Congress  ordered  the  enclosed  resolution  to  be  prepared,  ami 
-.Hi  to  Generals  Ward  ami  Thomas;  hut   by   the  agreeable  event   of 

your  excellency's  appointment    to  the  chief  command  of  the  American 

army,  ami  arrival  at  camp,  the  propriety  of  that  step  ceases.    We  mean 

not  to   dictate   to  your  excellency,   bul   presume,  that  to  secure  the 
health   of  the   army,    ami   [to  afford]  relief  for  the  sick,  will  naturally 
engage  your  attention.      Everj  thing  in  the  power  of  tin-  Congn 
do]  to  enable  you  to  discharge,  with  ease,  the  duties  of  your   exalted 
ami    important    Station,    will    he,    b)    US,    attended    to,  with  the  greatest 

II  :  ! 

ni  for  ins  mpport,  tli.it  In'  had  do  i 

ninl  I 

•  manication  of  B  I  •  I 

,   If. mi   till 

■  roopa  in  Bott 


456  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  5, 

alacrity.     If  the   enclosed  resolution   has  that  tendency,  we  attain  the 
end  intended  hy  transmitting  to  you   the   same,  and  are,  with  respect, 
Your  Excellency's  most  humble  servants. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Pitts,  and  Mr.  Lothrop,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  count  and  sort  the  votes  for  a  member  of  the  committee  of 
supplies  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Partridge.  The  committee  having  attend- 
ed that  service,  reported,  that  Mr.  Lothrop  was  chosen. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve,  directing  the  committee  of  supplies  to 
get  the  three  maps  framed,  be  reconsidered,  and  that  the  secretary  be 
directed  to  take  care  of  them,  as  they  are  for  the  use  of  the  colony. 

The  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to  consider  how  the  soldiers 
should  be  provided  with  coats,  was  again  read  and  accepted,  and  is  as 
follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  thirteen  thousand  coats  be  provided,  as  soon  as  may 
be,  and  one  thereof  given  to  each  non-commissioned  officer  and  soldier 
in  the  Massachusetts  forces,  agreeably  to  the  resolve  of  Congress,  on 
the  23d  day  of  April  last ;  and  in  order  to  facilitate  their  being  pro- 
cured : 

Resolved,  That  the  said  thirteen  thousand  coats  be  proportioned  im- 
mediately on  all  the  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  except  the  towns 
of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  [in  proportion]  as  they  paid  to  the  last 
provincial  tax;  which  towns  and  districts  are  desired  to  cause  them  to 
be  made  of  good  plain  cloth,  preference  to  be  given  to  the  manufac- 
tures of  this  country,  and  to  be  delivered  to  the  committee  of  supplies, 
without  buttons,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  October  next,  and  sooner 
if  possible.  That  for  every  yard  of  such  cloth  of  seven-eighths  of  a  yard 
wide,  they  shall  be  allowed  and  paid  the  sum  of  five  shillings  four 
pence,  and  in  that  proportion  for  cloth  of  a  greater  or  less  width,  and 
the  sum  of  four  shillings  for  making  each  and  every  coat ;  and  the  se- 
lectmen of  each  town  and  district,  respectively,  are  directed  to  lay  their 
accounts  before  the  committee  of  supplies,  who  are  ordered  to  draw  on 
the  receiver  general  for  the  payment  thereof. 

"Resolved,  That  each  coat  be  faced  with  the  same  kind  of  cloth  of 
which  it  is  made;  that  the  coats  be  made  in  the  common  plain  way, 
without  lappels,  short,  and  with  small  folds,  and  that  the  selectmen 
cause  a  certificate  to  be  sewed  to  the  inside  of  each  coat,  purporting 
from  what  town  it  came,  and  by  whom  the  coat  was  made,  and  if  the 
cloth  was  manufactured  in  this  country,  by  whom  it  was  manufactur- 
ed. 

Resolved,  Thai   the  committee   of  supplies  be,  and  they  arc  hereby 


1775.]  i  HIRD  PRO\  INCJ  U.  (  ONGRESS  i  ,; 

directed,  immediately,  to  proportion  the  coats  <>n  the  several  towns  and 
districts  as  afores  rid,  inform  them  of  their  proportion,  and  assure  them 
that  the  coats  the)  supply  shall  l>c  delivered  i<>  th<-  men  of  their  town 
respectively,  so  far  as  circumstances  will  admit,  and  enclose  t<>  them  a 
sample  of  the  goodn<  ss  of  the  cloth  of  which  the  coats  arc  to  be  made, 
with  a  copy  of  this  and  the  foregoing  resolves,  and  i>»  desire  those 
towns  and  districts  who  cannot  supply  the  whole  of  their  proportion  ol 
the  co  i  as  aforesaid,  and  aN< »  tin ►->■  who  ean  supply  more  than  theii 
proportion,  t<>  give  them  information  what  number  they  can  supply,  on, 
or  before  the  tenth  day  of  Augusl  oext. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
directed  to  provide  all  the  coats  proportioned  on  such  towns  and  dis- 
tricts as  give  information  to  them  as  aforesaid,  thai  the)  cannol  -n|>|>ly 
them,  and  they  are  t"  cause  all  thi  coals  to  be  buttoned  with  pewter 
buttons,  and  that  the  coats  for  each  regiment,  respectively,  have  Inii- 
tons  of  the  same  Dumber  stamped  on  the  face  of  them. 

[The  committee  reported  the  following  schedule  of  the  apportion- 
ment of  coats,  which  was  accepted.]1 

[Suffolk  County. — Roxbury,  182;  Dorchester,  !»<i:  .Milton,  ."it; .  Brain- 
tree,  108 ;  Weymouth,  66 ;   Hingham,88;   Dedhain,  104;   Medfield, 
12;    Wrentham,  105;    Brookline,  43;    Needham,   13;    Stoughton, 
-J     Stoughtonham,  37 ;    Medway,  43;    Bellinghara,  29      Bull,  21 
\\  alpole,  :!:'. .  CImI- .,.  :;i     Odia-M-t,  :}ii. 

/       <  County. — Salem,  380;   Danvers,  116;   [pswich,  204;   Newbury, 
I":    Newburyport,  184;    Marblehead,  265 ;    Lynn,  93;    Andoi 
189      Beverly,112;    Rowley,89;    Salisbury,  77 ;    Haverhill,  113 
Gloucester,  163;  Topsfield,  13;  Boxford,  54;  Almsbury,  69;  Brad- 
ford, 63;  Wenham,  II;    Middleton,  34 ;    Manchester,  33 ;    Methu- 
'ii,  .",  |. 

]£iddlesei  County.— Cambridge,  118;    Watertown,  19;    Woburn,  81 
Concord,  73     Newton  66;   Reading,  77;    Marlborough,  89      Bille- 
rica,  61 ;   Framingham,  71 ;    Lexington,  19;  Chelmsford,  55 ;  Sher- 
burne, 36;  Sudbury,  95;    Maiden,  15;   Weston,  15,    Med  ford,  CO 
Littleton,  II     Hopkinton,  15;  Westford,  51;   Waltham,  II.  Stow, 
II      Groton,  69;    Shirley,   25;     Pepperell,   37;    Townsend,    30 

ii'""11"11  i. i , 

58 


45S  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  5, 

Ashby,  12;  Stoncham,  IG  ;  Natick,  23;  Dracut,  39  ;  Bedford,  31 ; 
Holliston,  38  ;  Tewksbury,  31  ;  Acton,  37  ;  Dunstable,  33  ;  Lin- 
coln, 33;  Wilmington,  29. 

Hampshire  County. — Springfield,  71  ;  Wilbraham,  36  ;  Northampton, 
81  ;  Southampton,  29 ;  Hadley,  33  ;  South  Hadley,  25  ;  Amherst, 
33;  Granby,  17;  Hatfield,  37;  Whately,  13:  Williamsburg,  9; 
Westfield,  57;  Deerfield,  41;  Greenfield,  26 ;  Sherburne,  16  ;  Con- 
way, 17  ;  Sunderland,  25  ;  Montague,  20  ;  Northfield,  30  ;  Brim- 
field,  48  ;  South  Brimfield,  30;  Monson,26;  Pelham,  27;  Green- 
wich, 27;  Blanford,  20;  Leverett,  5 ;  Palmer,  28  ;  Granville,  47; 
New  Salem,  25  ;  Belchertown,  31  ;  Colrain,  17  ;  Ware,  14 ;  War- 
wick, 12  ;  Bernardston,  16 ;  Murrayfield,  17 ;  Charlemont,  12  ; 
Ashfield,  14  ;  Worthington,  7 ;  Shutesbury,  16  ;  Chesterfield,  26  : 
Southwick,  23  ;  West  Springfield,  72;  Ludlow  District,  23. 

Plymouth  County. — Plymouth,  100;  Scituate,  125;  Duxbury,  44; 
Marshfield,  54  ;  Bridgewater,  188 ;  Middleborough,  160;  Roches- 
ter, 86  ;  Plympton,  56  ;  Pembroke,  66  ;  Kingston,  38  ;  Hanover, 
37;   Abington,  46;  Halifax,  24;  Wareham,  30. 

Barnstable  County. — Barnstable,  94  ;  Sandwich,  74  ;  Yarmouth,  66  ; 
Eastham,  49  ;  Harwich,  60 ;  Wellfleet,  38  ;  Chatham,  26  ;  Truro, 
33  ;  Falmouth,  53. 

Bristol  County. — Taunton,  105  ;  Rehoboth,  147 ;  Swanzey  with 
Shawamet,  67;  Dartmouth,  244 ;  Norton,  55;  Mansfield,  35;  At- 
tleborough,  88  ;  Dighton,  49  ;  Freetown,  58  ;  Raynham,  37  ; 
Easton,  41 ;    Berkley,  29. 

York  County.— York,  114;  Kittery,  125;  Wells,  89;  Berwick,  134; 
Arundel,  41;  Biddeford,  46;  Pepperellborough,  34  ;  Lebanon,  9 ; 
Sanford,  10;  Buxton,  10. 

Dukes  County. — Edgartown,  36  ;  Chilmark,  44  ;  Tisbury,  32. 

Nantucket  County. — Sherburne,  174. 

Worn  stir  County. — Worcester,  93;  Lancaster,  116  ;  Mendon,  88; 
Brookfiehl,  112;  Oxford,  41  ;  Charlton,  41  ;  Sutton,  111 ;  Leices- 
ter, 41;    Spencer,  37;    Paxton,  24;    Rutland,  53;    Oakham,  16 ; 


1775  j  THIRD  PROA  [NCI  \l    <  I  >NGR  I 

Rutland  District,  16     Hubbardston,  8 ;  New  Braintree,  37 ;  South 
borough,  54;    Westborough,  43 ;    Northborough,  30 ;    Shrewsbury, 
~,'j  ;  Lunenburgh,  57 ;  Fitchburg,  13 ;   Uxbrid       •"»".     Harvard,  56 
Dudley,  37;   Bolton,  55     Upton,  23;    Sturbridge,  51 ;   Leomint 
13;  Bardwick,  61;  Holden,  30;  Western,  38 ;  Douglass,  24 ;  Graf 
ton,  12     Petersham,    13;    Royalston,  9;  Westminster,  37 ;    Athol, 
23;  Templeton,  28 ;    Princeton,  24  j    Ashburnham,  12 ;    Winchen- 
don,  10. 

Cumberland  County. — Falmouth,   146     Car*    Elizabeth,  53      North 
Yarmouth,  54  ;  Scarborough,  52  ;    Brunswick,  l~  \    Harpswell,  26 
Gorham,  27 ;  Windham,  10 ;  Piersontown,  5 ;  New  Boston,  3;  N( 
Glouct  rter,  20. 

Lincoln  County. — Pownalborough,  25 ;  Georgetown,  ;">(),  Woolwich 
15  Newcastle,  13;  Topsham,  13;  Booth-Bay,  14;  Bristol,  20 
Bowdoinharo,  3 ;    Medumcook,  3 ;    Hallowell,  4;    Broad-Bay,   10; 

Vassalborough,  3;    St.  Georges,  10;    Winthrop,  :S :    Window,  ;: 
Gardinerston,  7. 

Berkshire  County. — Sheffield,  61  ;  Great  Barrin<,'ion,  :5T  ;  Stockbridge, 
29;  Pittsfield, 37;  New  Marlborough, 34 ;  Egremont,14;  Richmond, 
26  :  Lenox,  16;  Tyringham,  14 ;  Lanesborough,  37;  Sandisfield, 
2G;  Williamstown,  23 ;  Becket,  10;  Gageborough,  12;  Partridge- 
Geld,  7;  East  Hoosuck,  11;  Jericho,  5;  Plantation,  No.  5,  ' 
Plantation,  No.  7,  7. 

Suffolk,  1M»;  Essex.  2553  Middlesex,  1778;  Hampshire, 
1201;  Plymouth,  1054;  Barnstable,  193;  Bristol,  953; 
York,  612;  Dukes  County,  112;  Nantucket,  174;  Worces- 
ter, 1  —  It; ;  Cumberland,  \l'\ ;  Lincoln,  196;  Berkshire, 
413;      ....  13,000 

/,'.  olved,  Thai  Mr  Dorothy  Coolidgr  lu-  allowed  and  paid  oul  ol 
the  public  treasury  of  this  colony,  the  mm  "I"  £'t  15s  8d,  in  full  <>l  hei 
account,  and  the  receiver  general  <>f  thia  colony,  is  hereby  ordered  to 
paj  the  aforesaid  sum  of  '.  L5  3d,  to  the  said  Dorothy  Coolidge  oi 
.•r<lcr,  accordingly. 

Vdjourned  to  eight  o  clock,  tomorrow  morn  in 


4G0  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  G, 

Thursday    July  G,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Johnson  and  Doct.  Jones,  be  of  the  committee 
to  answer  the  letter  from  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  in  the  room 
of  Doct.  Church  and  Mr.  Hopkins. 

Ordered  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  directed  to  supply  Gener- 
al Washington  with  some  faithful,  expeditious  person,  to  go  on  express 
to  Philadelphia. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  safety  be  a  committee  to  desire 
General  Washington  to  let  them  know  if  there  is  any  house  at  Cam- 
bridge, that  would  be  more  agreeable  to  him  and  General  Lee  than 
that  in  which  they  now  are ;  and  in  that  case,  the  said  committee  are 
directed  to  procure  such  house,  and  put  it  in  proper  order  for  their  re- 
ception. 

The  committee  of  safety,  by  Col.  Palmer,  reported  a  resolve  relative 
to  a  new  emission  of  bills  of  credit,  the  consideration  whereof  was  re- 
ferred to  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Farley,  Mr.  Durfee,  and  Capt.  Holmes,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  Mr.  Joseph  Hallett,  dated  New 
York,  June  26,  1775,  relative  to  a  quantity  of  flour  forwarded  to  Nor- 
wich, &c,  for  the  army. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be,  and  hereby  are  em- 
powered and  directed,  to  impress,  for  the  service  of  the  colony,  the 
saw  mill  at  said  Watertown,  belonging  to  Mr.  John  Cook,  or  any  other 
mill  which  they  have  occasion  for,  for  the  public  service. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Tyng  and  Mr.  Fox,  be  added  to  the  committee 
who  were  appointed  to  consider  the  accounts  that  might  be  transmit- 
ted to  Congress  by  the  committee  of  safety,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Loth- 
rop  and  Deacon  Fisher. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  of  supplies,  be  directed  to  forward  to 
Newport,  the  letter  to  Lieut.  Governor  Cook,  received  by  this  Con- 
gress in  a  letter  from  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  letter  from  John  Fenton,  Esq.,  was  read  [and]  ordered  to  sub- 
side.1 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawlcy,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Col.  Grout,  be  a 
committee  to  prepare  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  committee  of  this  Congress 
this  day  returned  from  their  embassy  to  Ticonderoga. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Baker  be  added  to  the  committee  to  examine 
Major  Barber's  account. 

(1)  Mr.  Fenton,  a  prisoner  at  Medford,  desired  to  lie  removed  to  head  cjuarters,  and  to  have  a  trial, 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  101 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Tyng,  Doct.  Taylor,  and  Mr.  Blisi  be  a  com- 
mittee i"  consider  an  account  <  rfiibited  by  Doct.  Church  and  Mr. Gill, 
of  the  expense  ol  •  ntertaining  and  escorting  Generals  Washington  and 
Lee,  from  Springfield  to  head  quarti 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Langdon,  Major  Bliss,  and  Mr.  Jewett,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  report  of  the  committee  this  daj  returned 
from  Ticonderoga,  and  the  papers  accompanying  it,  and  also  the  rolls 
made  up  by  Capt.  Noble  and  Capt  Herrick 

\  ■••  -rimon. 

\  letter  from  General  Green  was  read,  and  committed  t"  Col.  Davis, 
Col.  Tyng,  and  Mr.  Reed.1 

Ordered,  Thai  Col.  Davis,  Mr.  Pessenden,  and  Capt.  Page,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  petition  of  Josiah  Capen. 

Ordered,  Thai  .Mr.  Whitteraore,  Major  III i . —  and  Col.  Dwight,  l>c  a 
committee  to  consider  the  account  of  Mr.   Ulen  Gray,  and  report. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Wheeler  and  Mr.  Sullivan,  l>r  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  the  services  of  the  secretary,  and  reporl  what  granl 
the]  think  is  adequate  thereto. 

Ordered,  Thai   the    Hon.   Major   Hawley,   Mr.  Sullivan   and    D( 
Taylor,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve  explanatorj  of  the  sense 
of  Congress  expressed  in  a  resolve  of  the  :?l-t  ultimo,  relative  to  the 
estates  of  refugi 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  account  of  Doct  Church 
and  Mr.  Gill,  reported  verbally,  thai  they  had  examined  the  account, 
and  found  it  well  vouched,  and  thought  it  oughl  to  be  allowed. 

Thereupon,  /i'r  >lved,  thai  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  hereb)  is 
directed,  to  pay  Doct.  I5eu|iniin  Church  and  Mr.  Moses  Gill,  or  theii 
order,  the  Bum  of  twenty-eighl  pounds,  five  shillings,  ten  pence,  lawful 
money,  in  discharge  of  an  account  l.\  them  exhibited,  of  the  i  xpenst  - 
of  escorting   and    entertaining   Generals   Washington   and  Lee  from 

DO  O 

Springfield  to  thi  camp  at  Cambridge. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  committee   appointed  by  a  resolve  of  this  Con- 

of  the  first    instant,  to  agree  with  such  teamsters  as  they  ma) 

emploj   to  convey   the  poor  of  the  town  ol  Charlestown  to  certain 

town-  in  the  county  of  Worcestt  r,  !><•  directed  to  pay  them  a  sum  not 

eding  one  -Inline  milej  for  -\\<-h  ser\  ict 

nine  penct  .  i  a<  pnce  fixi  d  in  ■  comn 


462  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  0, 

likewise  directed  and  empowered  to  remove  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Boston  in  like  manner. 

The  report  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  a  new  emission  of 
bills  of  credit,  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  recommitted  to  Mr. 
Spooner,  Major  Hawley,  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt.  Stone  and  Mr.  Wheeler, 
who  are  directed  to  consider  the  sum  of  the  bills  already  impressed 
and  the  propriety  of  striking  off  more  from  the  same  plates. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  pay  the 
selectmen  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  the  colony,  for  the 
blankets  they  have  respectively  furnished  the  soldiers  with,  any  resolve 
of  Congress  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  report  of  the  committee 
[sent  on  an  embassy]  to  Ticonderoga,  reported.  The  report  was  re- 
committed, and  the  last  mentioned  committee  are  directed  to  lay  be- 
fore the  committee  first  mentioned,  a  state  of  their  account,  debt  and 
credit. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  vote  of  thanks  to  the  com- 
mittee who  have  been  on  an  embassy  to  Ticonderoga,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Whereas,  Walter 
Spooner,  Jedediah  Foster  and  James  Sullivan,  Esquires,  a  committee 
of  this  Congress,  lately  ordered  on  a  commission  to  the  important 
posts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  for  divers  purposes  expressed 
in  their  instructions,  have  this  day  returned  and  made  their  report  in 
writing,  and  it  appearing  upon  full  consideration  thereof,  that  the  said 
committee  have  executed  the  various  branches  of  their  instructions, 
with  ability,  fidelity  and  despatch,  and  that  their  services  had  been  at- 
tended with  much  fatigue  and  danger,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the 
services  of  said  committee  do  merit  the  express  approbation  and  thanks 
of  Congress,  and  they  do  hereby  testify  and  render  the  same  to  them, 
and  each  of  them. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hcmmenway,  Mr.  Whittemore  and  Capt.  Par- 
ker, be  a  committee  to  consider  what  allowance  is  proper  to  be  made 
to  Mr.  Edmund  Fowlc,  for  the  use  of  his  house  by  the  committees  of 
this  and  the  former  Congress. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  accounts  transmitted  to 
Congress  by  the  committee  of  safety,  reported  on  the  account  of 
Ebenezer  White  and  others.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  . 

Whereas,  Messrs.  Ebenezer  White,  Daniel  Heinmcnway,  Col. 
Simeon  Spaulding  and  Benjamin  Ely,  were  appointed  to  collect  a 
number  of  fire-arms  for  the  use  of  tins  colony,  and  have  delivered  said 


1776.]  THIRD  PROYINC1  \l.  OONGR] 

arms,  as  appears  by  receipt  from  the  committee,  of  safety,  or  clerk  of 
the  ordnance  stores,  and  have  exhibited  their  accounts  n>  Conm 
which  accounts  appear  to  be  reasonable:  Therefore,  Resolved,  that 
there  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury,  to  the  several  persons  em- 
ployed in  collecting  arms  as  aforesaid,  the  following  Bums,  and  the  re- 
ceiver  general  is  accordingly  ordered  to  pay  the  said  sums,  »iz. : 
to  Ebenezer  White,  the  sum  of  PI  I9s.j  to  Daniel  Hemmenway, 
£4 8s  to  Col.  Simeon  Spauding,  ?4  7s.;  to  Benjamin  Ely, «£13  10 
lid.— •■„•!   Is.  11.1. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Holmes  be  added  to  the  committee  lasl  men- 
tioned. 

Adjourned  to  ei  [hi  o  to-morrow  morning. 

Friday,  Juli   " ,  1"  75. 

Capt.  Ston  Framingham,  was  appointed,  in  the  room  of  Major 

Bliss,   on  tin-  committee,  which  were  chosen  to  prepare  an  an 
to  the  letter  from  the  Congress  of  New  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  Thai  Mr.  Shillaber  have  leave  to  hring  in  a  resolve, 
recommending  to  the  committee  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  to  permit 
him  to  export  from  thence  a  quantity  of  flour. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Bayley,  Major  Brooks,  Mr.  Baker,  Col. 
Grout  and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a  committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the 
committee  of  safety,  recommending  to  tins  Congress  the  seizing  the 
crown  ollicers. 

In   compliance   with   a   resolve  of  the   committee  of  safety,   reeom- 
mending   that   a    committee    he   appointed  to  draw  up,  and  transmit  to 
Britain,    a    fair    ami    impartial    account    of    the    late    battle    at 
Charlestown,  as  soon   as  possible:   Ordered,  thai  the  said  committee 
of  b  tf<  ' |  be  a  committee  tor  that  pur]  ad  thai  they  likewise  be  a 

standing  committee  tor  that  and  the  like  purposi 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Wheeler,  Capt.  Batchelder  and  Doct.  Taylor, 
be  a  committee  to  consider  the  petition  <>['  Mr.  Daniel  Murray,  and  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Joseph  Reed,  seen  tary  to  General  Washington,  on 
tlu'  Bubjecl  thereof.1 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  Nichols,  Mr.  Glover  and  Col.  Mitchell,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  t'1 
the  appointment  of  a  master  workman  for  the  blacksmiths. 

'I       I'  I     \;«:r  LJ  D  Of  I  >0l.    M  ' 

l.llllllt 

■ 


404  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  LJuly  7> 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  services  of  the  secretary, 
reported.  The  report  was  recommitted,  and  the  committee  directed 
to  consider,  in  particular,  his  extra  services  to  this  time,  and  the  ex- 
pense of  his  clerks,  and  the  said  secretary  is  directed  to  lay  before 
this  Congress,  or  some  future  assembly  of  this  colony,  an  account  of 
his  future  services. 

Ordered,  That  a  warrant  be  made  out  for  Doct.  Isaac  Foster,  as 
surgeon  of  the  hospital  at  Cambridge,  and  another  to  Doct.  Isaac 
Rand,  as  surgeon  of  the  hospital  at  Roxbury. 

Mr.  Shillaber,  agreeably  to  order,  presented  the  following  resolve, 
which  was  accepted,  viz.  :  Mr.  William  Shillaber,  of  Danvers,  a 
member  of  this  Congress,  having  represented  to  this  Congress,  that  he 
has  a  vessel  now  at  Philadelphia,  having  there  disposed  of  her  cargo, 
a  schooner  called  the  William,  commanded  by  Samuel  Tucker,  and 
that  he  apprehends,  from  such  instructions  as  he  has  [given]  and  will 
give  the  said  master,  that  the  vessel,  if  laden  with  flour,  or  partly  so, 
might  arrive  safe  at  some  port  in  this  colony,  and  having  applied  for 
the  approbation  of  this  Congress,  and  set  forth  that  he  is  willing  to 
risk  the  same  :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  this  Congress  do  approve 
thereof,  and  it  is  hereby  recommended  to  the  committee  of  inspection 
at  Philadelphia,  that  they  permit  the  said  Capt.  Tucker  to  lade  his 
vessel  as  above  desired,  and  sail  from  that  port :  provided  the  same  be 
not  against  the  resolution  of  the  American  Congress,  or  any  resolu- 
tion formed  in  that  colony. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  resolve  of  the  committee 
of  safety  relative  to  a  new  emission  of  bills  of  credit,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Whereas,  several  per- 
sons have  been  employed  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  and  several 
have  supplied  small  articles,  whose  accounts  amount  severally  to  small 
sums  only,  and  it  appearing  to  this  Congress,  that  the  plates  engraved 
for  impressing  or  striking  off  the  bills  for  the  payment  of  the  soldiers 
in  the  service  of  this  colony  are  still  sufficient  for  the  striking  off  a 
number  of  impressions  on  each  plate  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  there 
be  impressed,  or  struck  off,  on  the  plate  containing  the  engraving  for 
notes  of  ten  shillings,  eighteen  shillings  and  twelve  shillings,  six  hun- 
dred and  sixty-seven  sheets,  and  no  more  ;  and  that  there  be  impress- 
ed, or  struck  off,  on  the  plate  for  notes  of  sixteen  shillings,  fifteen 
shillings  and  nine  shillings,  six  hundred  and  sixty-seven  sheets,  and  no 
more;  and  also  on  the  pluic  for  twenty  shillings,  fourteen  shillings, 
and  six  shillings,  dial  there  be  impressed,  or  struck  off,  five  hundred 
and  forty  sheets,  and  no  more     which  last  number,  together  with  ori 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  165 

hundred  and  twenty-seven  sheets,  or  impressions,  already  struck  off  on 
that  plate,  and  nol  signed,  make  the  like  number  of  biz  hundred  and 
sixty-seven  sheets,  or  impressions,  which,  together,  amount  to  two 
thousand  and  one  Bheets,  or  impressions,  each  Bhe<  I  containing  forty 
shillings,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  '  1002,  which,  together  with  the  Bum 
of  .£25,998,  alreadj  perfected  of  those  ootes,  make  the  sum  of  1 30,000* 

We  also  report,  that  a  committee  be  appointed  to  agree  with  Mr. 
Revere,  or  m>mic  other  -uitable  person,  for  tlie  Btr iking  oil*  the  above 
number  of  sheets.  Also,  thai  a  committee  be  appointed  to  authenticate 
said  Bheets,  when  they  are  struck  off. 

Ordered,  That  Deacon  .Mitchell,  Capt. Holmes,  and  Capt.  Stone,  of 
Framingham,  be  a  committee  to  agree  with  Borne  persons  to  strike  off 
the  lulls,  agreeably  to  the  foregoing  report. 

Ordered,  That  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  supplies  be  direct- 
ed to  attend  this  Congress  with  a  copy  of  such  resolves  as  constitute 
then-  commission. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  Daniel  Murray, 
&c.  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  i<  as  follow-,  viz.  :  The 
committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  letter  from  his 
excellency  General  Washington,  to  the  committee  of  safety,  respecting 
the  petition  of  Daniel  Murray  of  Rutland,  who  has  requested  leave  for 
his  sister,  and  two  of  his  brothers,  to  go  into  Boston,  winch  petition 
the  committee  of  safety  have  referred  to  the  consideration  of  this  Con- 
gress, beg  leave  to  report,  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  the  aforemen- 
tioned petition  ought  not  to  be  granted.  That  the  committee  of  safety 
be  directed  to  acquaint  hi-  excellency  the  General,  of  the  resolution  of 
tin-  house,  of  the  24th  of  June  last,  respecting  the  permitting  of  per- 
sons  to  go  into  Boston,  and  that  it  is  their  opinion,  that  said  resolution 
ought  not  to  be  receded  from  in  the  present  case. 

W  liter  Spooner,  Esq.  was  appointed  in  addition  to  Col,  Richmond, 
to  swear  the  soldiers  to  be  stationed  in  the  county  of  Bristol, 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  report   of  the   commit! 
who  have  been  on  an  embassy  to   Ticonderoga,  reported.     The  report 
was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.: 

The  committee  appointed  to  take  under  consideration  the  report  of 
the  committee  from  Crown  point,  &c,  beg  leave  to  report  bj  way  of 
r<  solve,  a-  follow  -,  viz. ; 

W  bereas,  it  appears  to  this  Congress,  that  the  sum  of  four  hundred 
pound-,  received  by  Walter  Spooner,  Jedediah  Foster,  ami  .lame-  Sul- 
livan, Bsqrs.,  of  the  receiver  general,  the  I  tth  of  June  last,  tor  the  n-e 
of  this  colony,  ha-  been  expended    by    them   tor  the  purpose  lor  which 
59 


466  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  7, 

it  was  designed  by  this  Congress ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  said 
Walter  Spooner,  Jedediah  Foster,  and  James  Sullivan,  Esqrs.,  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  discharged,  from  all  demands,  the  said  colony  at  any 
time  had  upon  them  for  the  same,  and  that  the  receipts  produced  by 
them  be  filed  in  the  treasurer's  office. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, to  Walter  Spooner,  Jedediah  Foster,  and  James  Sullivan,  Es- 
quires, the  sum  of  twenty-six  pounds  three  shillings  and  nine  pence, 
for  the  balance  due  to  them,  from  this  colony,  for  their  time,  and  ex- 
penses to  Crown  point,  &c,  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  the  same  sum  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, to  Mr.  Abijah  Merril,  the  sum  of  four  hundred  pounds,  to  be  by 
him  delivered  to  Col.  Easton,  for  advance  pay  to  two  hundred  men  at 
Crown  point  and  Ticonderoga,  and  the  said  Merril  to  take  a  receipt  of 
said  Easton  therefor,  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed  to  pay 
the  same  sum  accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid,  out  of  the  public  treasury  of  this  col- 
ony, the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  fifty-two  pounds  eleven  shillings  and 
one  penny  halfpenny,  to  Lieut.  William  Satterlee,  or  order,  being  the 
balance  of  the  pay  roll  of  Capt.  Herrick's  company,  from  the  3d  of 
May  to  the  25th  June  last,  and  the  receiver  general  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  the  same  sum  accordingly.  And  the  said  Herrick  and  Satterlee 
are  hereby  discharged  from  all  demands  which  Col.  Arnold,  or  this 
province  had,  for  the  sum  of  twenty-three  pounds  twelve  shillings,  re- 
ceived by  said  Herrick  and  Satterlee  of  said  Arnold,  for  the  use  of  the 
company  of  said  Herrick. 

Col.  Grout  was  appointed  to  accompany  Mr.  Merril  to  the  receiver 
general,  to  know  of  him  if  he  can  pay  him  the  <£400,  agreeably  to  the 
above  resolve. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Shillaber,  Capt.  White,  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  account  of  Mr.  Edward  Mitchell,  and  any 
other  accounts  that  may  be  rendered  of  the  expense  of  procuring  spears 
for  the  army. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Robinson,  Major  Brooks,  and  Deacon  Bayley, 
be  a  committee  to  procure  a  steward  for  his  excellency  General  Wash- 
ington. 

Afternoon. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  the  receiver  general,  till  the  begin- 
ning of  next  week. 
The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letter  of  Mr.  Joseph  Hal- 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  ur, 

Let,  dated   New    Sfork,  June  26,  1775,  reported  verbally,  that  the  same 
be  referred  to  the  committee  of  supplies.1     The  reporl  was  accepted 

:Mr.  Batchelder  was  appointed  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Sullivan,  to  con- 
sider what  grant   was  proper  t"  be  made  for  the  services  of  the 

rotary. 

Ordt rid.  That  Mr.  Johnson,  Major  Perly,  and  Mr.  Hemmenway, 
be  a  committee  to  procure  stores  foi  depositing  the  fish,  which  the 
committee  of  supplies  may  purchase  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  either 
by  hire,  or  by  building  new  stores,  as  they  may  think  best 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Phillips,  Mr.  Kollock,  and  Deacon  Gould,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  subject  of  a  letter,  this  day  received  from 
General  Ward,  and  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  supplies  what  pro- 
vision is  made  for  supplying  the  army  with  the  articles  [of  cloth- 
ing] therein  mentioned. 

Col.  Grout  informed  the  Congress  that  lie  had  accompanied  Mr. 
Merril  to  the  receiver  general's  otlice,  ami  that  the  receiver  general 
informed  them,  that  there  was  not  money  in  the  treasury,  sufficient  to 
pay  said  Merril  the  sum  which  the  Congress  have  directed  the  said 
receiver  general  to  pay  him. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Dwight,  Col.  Robinson,  and  Deacon  William-, 
be  a  committee  to  prepare  a  letter  to  Col.  Gaston,  informing  him,  that 
the  state  of  the  treasury  i-  such,  that  Mr.  Merril  cannot,  at  present,  he 
supplied  with  the  sum  of  £400,  which  this  Congress  has  this  day  di- 
rected the  receiver  general  to  pay  him. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Holmes  be  directed  to  inquire  of  .Mr.  Revere, 
how  many  Bheets  of  notes  or  lulls  of  credit  can  he  -truck  off",  from  the 
plates  he  now  has  by  him,  more  than  six  hundred  and  Bixty-seven, 
which  were  directed  to  be  struck  oil',  by  a  resolveof  this  Congn  as,  this 
day  passed. 

Resolvt  I,  That  to-morrow  morning,  ci«-ht  o'clock,  he  assigned  for 
the  consideration  of  a  request  made  by  Col.  Danielson,  in  behalf  of 
the  officers  of  the  army,  that  they  might  have  a  month's  pay  advanced. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  letters  from  General 
Green,  reported.  The  report  was  recommitted,  and  Mi.  Robinson 
added  to  the  committee. 

Leave  of  absence  was  granted  to  Mr.  Langdon. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  procure  a  Bteward  for 
General  Washington,  he  directed  to  procure  him  likewise  two  or  three 
u  omen,  t'oi  cook-. 

i     rhe  letter  wu  in  relation  to  iluur,  sent  from  t lie  lonthern  coloniea  tor  the  " 


468  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  7, 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  how  General 
Washington's  table  should  be  furnished,  be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a 
resolve  for  the  purpose  of  complying  with  the  requisition  of  General 
Washington  relative  thereto,  and  that  Mr.  Hopkins  be  added  to  this 
committee  in  the  room  of  Col.  Bowers. 

Ordered,  That  the  Hon.  Major  Hawley,  Col.  Grout  and  Col.  Rob- 
inson, be  a  committee  to  wait  upon  General  Lee,  to  know  of  him  what 
provision  he  expects  should  be  made  by  this  Congress  for  the  furnish- 
ing his  table. 

The  committee  who  were  appointed  to  consider  what  sum  should  be 
granted  the  secretary  for  his  services,  again  reported.  The  report 
was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. :  The  committee  appointed  to 
take  into  consideration  the  allowance  that  ought  to  be  made  Mr.  Sam- 
uel Freeman,  for  his  services  as  secretary  of  the  Congress,  to  the 
present  time,  beg  leave  to  report,  that  they  find  there  has  been  much 
business  done  by  the  said  Freeman  in  the  service  of  the  colony,  and 
the  said  Freeman  has  been  obliged  to  employ  several  clerks  to  assist 
him,  which  he  agrees  to  pay  ;  he  has  also  been  at  considerable  ex- 
pense to  be  furnished  with  books,  paper,  ink,  quills,  and  house  to  hold 
his  office  in,  as  secretary  ;  for  all  which  they  beg  leave  to  report  the 
following  resolution,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  of  this  colony  be,  and  he  hereby 
is  directed,  to  pay  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman,  out  of  the  public  money  of 
said  colony,  the  sum  of  thirty  pounds  eight  shillings  and  six  pence,  for 
his  services  as  secretary  to  the  Congress,  and  that  those  further  servi- 
ces, which  he  may  have  to  perform,  in  recording  the  proceedings  of 
this  Congress,  when  performed,  be  exhibited  to  some  future  house  of 
representatives  of  this  province,  for  their  consideration  and  allowance. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  letter  to  Col.  Easton,  report- 
ed the  following,  which  was  accepted  : 

Sir  :  The  committee  appointed  by  the  Congress  to  settle  matters  at 
Ticonderoga,  having  given  you  encouragement,  that  they  would  send, 
by  the  first  opportunity,  the  c£400  due  from  this  colony,  on  advance 
pay,  to  the  men  under  your  command,  it  gives  us  pain  that  we  are 
obliged  to  say,  we  have  not  the  whole  of  the  money  in  the  treasury  ; 
but  you  may  depend,  Sir,  that  so  soon  as  the  notes  can  be  struck  off, 
and  properly  authenticated,  the  same  will  be  immediately  remitted  to 
you.  The  embarrassments  under  which  the  province  labors,  will,  we 
[trust,]  apologize  for  our  not  being  ready  by  the  first  opportunity. 
We  rely  upon  you,  Sir,  that  you  will  do  all  in  your  power  to  make  the 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  |,;<i 

troops  under  your  command  easy,  as  the  good  of  the  colony  so  much 
depends  thereon. 

To  Col.  Easton,  at  Ticonderoga. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  some  method  to  prevent  sup- 
plying our  enemies  with  pr<>\  asions,  &,c,  reported.  The  report  was 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  he  printed  in  the  newspapers,  and  is  as  fol- 
lows, viz.  : 

Whereas,  complaints  have  been  made  to  this  Congress,  of  the  in- 
habitants of  some  of  the  sea  port  town-  frequently  supplying  our  ene- 
mies with  butter  and  cheese,  fresh  provisions,  &c,  also,  [it  is]  sus- 
pected, that  intelligence  has  been  given  them,  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
it  he,  and  herehy  is  recommended,  to  the  committees  of  safety,  corres- 
pondence and  inspection,  and  where  there  are  no  such  committees,  to 
the  selectmen  of  the  sea  port  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  that 
they,  forthwith,  exert  themselves  to  prevent  any  person  or  persons  from 
supplying  our  enemies  with  any  kind  of  provision  whatsoever,  or  intel- 
ligence. And  it  is  further  recommended  to  the  committees  or  select- 
men as  aforesaid,  of  each  town  and  district,  not  to  suffer  any  vessel  or 
boat  of  any  kind,  to  go  from  the  shore  on  hoard  any  vessel  or  vessels 
of  any  size  whatsoever,  in  the  service  of  our  enemies,  without  first  ob- 
taining a  permit,  in  writing,  of  the  committees  or  selectmen  aforemen- 
tioned, for  that  purpose,  and  that  no  boats  be  suffered  to  land  from 
men  of  war,  tenders,  or  any  other  vessels  employed  to  distress  the  sea 
coasts  and  trade  of  this  country,  without  permit  obtained  as  aforesaid. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  account  of  Col.  Mitchell, 
relative  to  the  expense  of  providing  spears,  reported.  The  report  was 
ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  till  Col.  Mitchell  produced  a  receipt  from 
General  Thomas,  or  the  committee  of  safety,  for  the  delivery  of  them. 

The  committee  appointed  to  inquire  of  the  committee  of  supplies 
what  provision  they  had  made  for  shirts,  breeches,  &.c,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  The  committee  appoint- 
ed to  make  inquiry  of  the  committee  of  supplies,  what  provision  they 
have  made  of  the  articles  of  shirts,  breeches,  stockings  and  shoes,  and 
consider  whether  it  is  requisite  to  take  any  further  care  to  procure 
those  articles,  have  attended  the  service,  and  beg  leave  to  recommend, 
thai  persons  be  immediately  despatched  to  the  neighboring  counties,  to 
collect  such  a  proportion  of  the  above  mentioned  articles  from  the  sev- 
eral towns  in  said  counties,  as  may  be  judged  proper. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  who  brought  in  the  above  report,  be  a 
committee  to  bring  in  a  lisl  of  those  towns  from  whence  the  articles 


470  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  8, 

above  mentioned  ought  to  be  procured,  and  the  proportion  each  town 
shall  supply. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  subject  of  supplying  the 
island  of  Nantucket  with  provisions,  reported.  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :] 

Whereas,  by  the  act  of  parliament  called  the  restraining  act,  the  in- 
habitants of  Nantucket  are  exempted  from  the  restrictions  in  said  act 
mentioned.  And  whereas,  the  Continental  Congress,  on  the  17th  of 
May  last,  took  the  matter  under  consideration,  and  thought  it  expedi- 
ent, to  prevent  the  Newfoundland  fishery  from  being  supplied  with 
provisions  through  Nantucket,  to  prohibit  the  exportation  of  provisions 
from  any  of  the  colonies  to  that  island,  excepting  from  this  :  And 
whereas,  the  inhabitants  of  Nantucket  have  by  them,  large  quantities 
of  provisions  in  their  stores,  and  are  fitting  out  a  large  fleet  of  whaling 
vessels,  whereby  they  intend  to  avail  themselves  of  the  act  aforemen- 
tioned, and  the  provisions  they  have  by  them  may  be  unnecessarily  ex- 
pended, in  foreign  and  not  domestic  consumption  :  therefore,  Resolved, 
that  no  provisions  or  necessaries  of  any  kind  be  exported  from  any 
part  of  this  colony  to  the  island  of  Nantucket,  until  the  inhabitants  of 
said  island  shall  have  given  full  and  sufficient  satisfaction  to  this  Con- 
gress, or  some  future  house  of  representatives,  that  the  provisions  they 
have  now  by  them,  have  not  been,  and  shall  not  be,  expended  in  for- 
eign, but  for  domestic  consumption.  And  the  several  committees  of 
correspondence,  inspection  and  safety,  in  their  respective  towns,  are 
required  to  see  that  this  resolve  be  not  contravened. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Saturday,  July  8,  1775. 

A  list  of  surgeons  examined  by  a  committee  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose, was  exhibited  to  Congress,  and  warrants  ordered  to  be  made  out 
agreeably  thereto. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley,  Major  Bliss,  and  Col.  Gerrish,  be  a 
committee  to  inspect  the  commissions  of  the  committee  of  safety  and 
the  committee  of  supplies,  and  report  to  this  Congress,  what  is  expedi- 
ent to  be  done  relative  thereto,  more  especially  in  the  recess  of  the 
Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone  be  appointed  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Sulli- 
van, on  the  committee  who  were  directed  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  explan- 
atory to  the  resolve  of  Congress  relative  to  the  refugees. 

A  petition  of  several  field  officers  in  the  army,  was  read,  relative  to 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  471 

the  appointmenl  of  commissaries  tor  the  regiment  from  the  o « j 1 1 1 1 1 \  «.t 

E       'A. 

Ordered,  That  the  |"  titionera  have  leave  i"  withdraw  their  petition. 

Ordered,  Thai  Capt.    Holmes,  .Mr.   Fox,  and  .Mr.  Perry,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  a   petition  from  a  number  "i  the  inhabitant 
Frenchman's  Bay,  [for  Buppliee  of  provisions.] 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Fessenden,  Mr.  Walker,  ; > i > <  1  Capt.  White,  be  a 
committee  to  examine  and  consider  all  accounts  thai  may  be  rendered 
to  this  Congress,  relative  to  the  expenses  of  procuring  axes  and  shovels 
for  the  use  of  the  army. 

A  *■< >n mi 1 1 1 1 1-  of  this  Congress,  agreeably  to  their  appointment,  re- 
ported the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be 
printed  in  the  several  newspapers.1 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Hay  ward,  repair  t<»  the  receiver  general,  si  Stow, 
uimI  direel  him  t<>  attend  this  Congress,  immediately. 

Didi ml.  That  ('apt.  Carpenter  be,  and  hereby  i.-,  appointed  to  de- 
sire Col.  Timothy  Walker  to  pay  what  public  monies  he  has  in  his 
hands,  into  the  treasury,  immediately,  and  the  committee  of  supplies 
arc  directed  to  employ  some  person  to  be  sent  express  to  Col.  Walker, 
fur  tin-  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Woodbridge,  Col.  Robinson,  and  Deacon  Nich- 
ols, be  a  committee  to  consider  a  proposal  of  exempting  the  soldiers  in 
the  army  from  paying  the  postage  of  letters,  and  to  report  thereon. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  .Major  Brooks,  and  Mr.  Hall,  he  a 
committee  to  examine  and  considi  r  an  accounl  of  Major  Bliss  ;  and 
also,  an  account  of  Doct.  (  hurch. 

Ordt nil,  That  Major  fuller,  Mr.  Hall,  and  Col.  Robinson,  be  a 
committee  to  countersign  and  number  the  ne  i  emission  of  lulls,  who 
are  likewise  empowered  and  directed  to  superintend  the  impression  of 
said  bills. 

The  committee  appointed  to  brinjj  in  a  resolve  for  the  purpose  '<( 
complying  with  the  requisitions  of  General  Washington,  reported  the 
following  order,  which  was  accepted,  viz.: 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Robinson,  Major  Brooks,  and  Deacon  Bailey, 
be  a  committee  to  make  inquiry  forthwith,  for  Borne  ingenious,  active, 
and  faithful  man,  to  be  recommended  to  General  Washington,  as  a 
Bteward;  likewise,  to  procure  and  recommend  to  him  some  capable 

i     '•  iponding  t.i  that  mentioned  in  the  record  ii  pi  ibltoh- 

id  in  i  I  .  u  .ii.  iwiwn,  or  v  try  on  the  journal  U  | 

idy  intended  to  refer  to  tho  resolve  for  restraining  the  s;ilo  <if  ipiriiooui  i  ■•<  U»o  >«»no 


472  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  8, 

woman,  suitable  to  act  in  the  place  of  a  house-keeper,  and  one  or  more 
good  female  servants. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  account  of  Mr.  Daniel  Taylor, 
was  read,  and  ordered  to  lie  upon  the  table. 

The  committee  on  the  petition  of  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  reported. 
The  report   was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  prayer  of  Col.  Brewer's  petition  be  so  far  grant- 
ed, that  said  Col.  Brewer  be  allowed  to  recruit  men  sufficient  to  com- 
plete his  regiment,  or  so  far  as  he  can  complete  his  said  regiment  in 
twenty  days,  he  not  to  enlist  any  person  as  a  soldier  who  shall  not 
furnish  himself  with  a  good  and  sufficient  fire-arm. 

Resolved,  That  three  o'clock,  in  the  afternoon,  be  assigned,  to  con- 
sider the  expediency  of  appointing  a  surgeon  general  for  the  Massachu- 
setts forces. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  artificers'  accounts,  report- 
ed the  following  resolve  on  Mr.  Clark's  account. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed  to 
pay  to  Mr.  Matthew  Clark,  or  order,  the  sum  of  nine  pounds  six  shil- 
lings and  six  pence,  in  full  discharge  of  his  account  for  time  and  mate- 
rials, in  repairing  boats  for  the  use  of  this  colony. 

[The]  order  of  the  day  [was]  moved  for. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Hawley  bring  in  a  resolve  for  the  payment  of 
a  month's  pay  to  the  officers  of  the  army,  as  soon  as  provision  can  be 
made  therefor. 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  Major  Bliss,  reported.  The  re- 
port was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  Major  John  Bliss  be  allowed,  and  paid  out  of  the 
public  treasury  of  this  colony,  the  sum  of  £5  7s,  in  full  discharge  of  the 
above  account,  and  the  receiver  general  of  this  colony,  is  hereby  or- 
dered to  pay  the  aforesaid  sum  of  £5  7s,  to  the  said  John  Bliss,  or  or- 
der, accordingly. 

Major  Fuller,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  the  following  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  paid  out  of  the  public  treasury,  the  sum  of 
twelve  shillings  to  Mr.  John  Cook,  for  the  use  that  Mr.  Paul  Revere 
made  of  his  house,  whilst  he  was  striking  off  the  colony  notes  therein. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  proposal  for  exempting  the 
soldiers  of  the  army  from  the  postage  of  letters,  reported.  The  report 
was  ordered  to  subside. 

Major  fuller  brought  in  a  resolve,  directing  what  notes  each  of  the 
committee  should  sign,  which  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  Abraham  Fuller,  Mr.  Stephen  Hall,  Jun.,  and  Col. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCJ  \l.  (  « INGRESS  i:  I 

Robinson,  the  committee  appointed  to  countersign  the  colon]    n< 
now  ordered  t"  be  Btruck  off,  countersign  and  number  said  not< 
following  denominations,  viz. :   said  Abraham  Puller  counter! 
number  the  notes  of  eighteen  shillings,  twelve  shillings,  and  ten  >lnl- 
lm_r<;  Baid  Stephen  Hall  countersign  and  number  the  notes  of  sh  I 
shillings,  fifteen  shillings,  and  nine  shillings :  Baid  Col.  Robinson  coun- 
tersign   and  number  the  notes  of  twenty  shillings,  fourteen  shillings, 
;iik1  six  shillings. 

Afternoon. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  the  letter  of  General  Green  was 
read,  and  recommitted  to  Col.  Robinson,  Major  Brooks,  and  Col. 
Gerrish. 

M  ijor  Hawley,  agreeably  to  appointment,  reported  the  following  re- 
solve, relative  to  advance  paj  to  the  officers  of  the  army,  which  was 
accepted. 

Whereas,  application  has  been  made  lately  to  this  Congress,  in  be- 
half  of  the  commissioned  officers  of  that  part  of  the  continental  army 
before  Boston,  raised  by  tin-  colony,  that,  for  the  relief  of  the  present 
necessities  of  the  said  officers,  there  might  be  immediately  advanced 
and  paid  to  them,  one  full  month's  pay.  according  to  the  establishment 
I  at  el  3  made  by  Congi —  tor  the  army;  and  the  Congress,  having 
tak.n  the  said  application  into  due  consideration,  do  Resolve,  that  it 
i-  expedient  and  proper,  that  there  should  he  advanced  and  paid  unto 
the  said  commissioned  officers,  one  month's  pay,  in  notes  or  lull-  of 
credit  of  tin-  colony,  a-  soon  a-  provision  can  he  made  therefor  by  a 
further  emission  "f  not,-  or  hills  of  credit,  than  ha-  been  already  or- 
dered by  Congrt 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  how  stores  ma]  he  procured 
furt  ption  of  fish,  reported.     The  report  was  ordered  to  sub- 

side. 

The  committee  appointed  to  agree  with  Mr.  Paul   Revere,  for  strik- 
offa  new  emission  of  colony  note-,  reported.     The  reporl  wa 
cepted,  and  i-  as  follows,  \  iz.  : 

/,'  ,,//■,,/,  That  there  he  eighteen  hundred  seventy-four  sheets  im- 
pressed and  Btruck  off,  according  to  the  resolve  of  this  Congress,  p 

the  7th  instant.     And   that    Mr.  Paul    Revere  l iployed  to  do  said 

service,  at  the  rate  of  six  shillings  for  each  hundred  sheets  so  struck 
off,  provided  -aid  Revere  find  ink,  ami  house  room,  ami  procure  suit- 
able paper,  the  colony  paying  onl)  the  prime  cost  of  said  paper 

[The]  committee  [was]  instructed  to  direct    Mr.  Revere  to  alt< 
of  the  not  i\  8th    if  it  cm  !• 


474  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  8, 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Hall,  Capt.  Batchelder,  and  Mr.  Ellis,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  recommending 
to  this  Congress  to  make  an  establishment  for  four  master  armorers. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Sanger,  Mr.  Johnson,  and  Deacon  Wy- 
man,  be  added  to  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  give  passes  for 
removing  the  poor  of  Boston,  and  Charlestown,  to  the  towns  in  the 
county  of  Worcester,  and  that  Major  Fuller  be  excused  from  serving 
on  said  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Capt.  Brown,  and  Col.  Smith,  be  a 
committee  to  revise  the  resolves  of  Congress  relative  to  the  poor  of 
Boston  and  Charlestown,  and  report  what  they  think  proper  to  be  done 
thereon. 

Agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  committee  of  safety,  Re- 
solved, that  Mr.  Jonathan  Hastings  be,  and  he  hereby  is  appointed,  post- 
master for  the  town  of  Cambridge,  in  the  room  of  Mr.  James  Winthrop. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  several  accounts  of  the  expense 
of  procuring  axes  and  shovels,  reported.  The  reports  were  accepted, 
and  Mr.  Woodbridge  was  appointed  to  bring  in  a  proper  resolve  for 
the  paying  of  the  several  accounts,  agreeably  thereto. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  letter  from 
the  New  Hampshire  Congress,  reported  the  following,  which  was  ac- 
cepted, and  ordered  to  be  transcribed,  authenticated,  and  sent  foward, 
viz. : 

Gentlemen :  We  received  your  favor  of  the  3d  instant,  by  Mr. 
Wheelock  and  Col.  Beetle,  and  much  rejoice  to  find,  that  the  honora- 
ble Congress  of  New  Hampshire,  and  the  good  people  of  your  govern- 
ment in  general,  are  so  warmly  attached  to  the  common  cause. 

We  highly  approve  of  Mr.  Dean's  being  sent  to  the  Continental 
Congress,  more  especially  as  he  is  so  well  acquainted  in  Canada,  and 
lately  came  from  thence,  and  we  think  it  is  a  matter  of  great  importance 
to  New  York,  and  all  the  New  England  colonies  in  particular,  and  to 
America  in  general,  to  satisfy  our  friends  in  Canada,  that  we  are  truly 
friendly  to  them,  and  also  effectually  to  prevent  our  inveterate  enemies 
there  from  making  depredations  on  our  frontiers:  and  as  we  have  the 
greatest  confidence  in  the  wisdom  and  vigilance  of  that  honorable 
body,  therefore,  we  think  it  most  advisable  to  wait  their  determina- 
tion.    We  are,  with  greal  respect,  gentlemen, 

Your  friends  in  the  common  cause. 

Hon    Congress  of  the  Colony  of  Woe  Hampshire. 


1775.]  il  1 1 1 : 1  >  PRO\  rNCl  \l.  CONGREi 

The  coi hi.-.-  appointed   to  consider  the  subject  of  n  letter  From 

General  Green,   reported.     The   report   was   accepted,  and  i-  as  f.-!- 

lov»  3,    \  \/..  : 

The  Conoress  havin<»  taken  into  consideration  the  difficulties  and 
troubles  which  have  [arisen]  and  dailj  are  arising  in  our  camps,  by  reason 
of  divers  evil-minded  persons  selling  Bpirituous  liquors,  by  which  means, 
it  i.  not  in  the  power  <>t'  the  officers,  although  a  constant  exertion  has 
been  hitherto  made,  to  prevent  the  Bame,  ;  i  order  to  keep  thai  stead] 
government  in  camp  so  absolutelj  necessary;  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
it  an]  licensed  person  shall,  after  the  I5tfa  instant,  presume  to  Bell  an] 
spirituous  liquors  to  an]  Boldier,  without  a  permit  from  the  captain,  or 
commanding  officer  of  the  company  he  belongs  to,  specifying  the  quan- 
tity, he  Bhall,  for  the  first  offence,  forfeit  his  license,  and  for  the  second, 
Buffer  such  punishmenl  as  Bhall  be  inflicted  on  him  or  her,  bj  a  court 
martial ;  and  any  person  who  is  not  a  licensed  person,  or  whose  license 
is  without  the  limits  of  said  ramp,  [who]  shall  presume  to  retail  an) 
spirituous  liquor  to  any  of  the  troops,  shall  suffer  for  the  first  offence, 
the  penalties  inflicted  by  a  court  martial:  this  resolve  not  to  extend  to 
any  person  who  shall  have  a  license  or  permit  from  the  general  or 
commanding  officer. 

The  committer  appointed  to  bring  in  a  list  of  such  town-  as  might 
supply  the  army  with  shirts,  breeches,  &c,  reported.  The  report  was 
recommitted  for  introducing  the  form  of  a  receipt. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Frenchman's  Bay,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  i-  as 
follows,  \  i/.. . 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  Thomas  Don- 
nell  and  others,  of  Frenchman's  Bay,  have  attended  thai  service,  and 
beg  leave  to  report  bj  way  of  resolve. 

Whereas,  Mr.  Philip  Hodgkins  has  applied  to  this  Congress  for  a 
suppl)  of  provisions  for  the  inhabitants  of  Frenchman's  Bay,  and  being 
at  a  great   distance  from  the  committees  of  correspondence  of  that 

place,    therefore.     Resolved,    that  it    he  recommended,  and   it   is,  b)    this 

Congress,  accordingly  recommended,  to  the  governor  and  companj  ol 
the  colony  of  Connecticut,  that  they  sutler  the  inhabitants  of  French- 
man's Bay  to  purchase  such  pro)  isions  in  said  colony  as  the)  stand  in 

Herd    Of. 

M  ijor  Hawley,  who  was  appointed  to  bring  in  a  re-.. he  explanator] 
of  the  resolve  of  this  Congress  relative  to  the  refu  ported       The 

report  was  accepted,  and  i-  a-  follows,  viz.: 

Where         i    rtain  resolve  was  made  and  passed,  on  the  21st  da; 


170  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  9, 

June  last,  respecting  the  improvement  of  the  estates  of  several  persons 
who  have  fled  to  General  Gage,  in  manner  as  is  expressed  in  the  said 
resolve,  and  it  being  made  to  appear  to  this  Congress  that  the  said  re- 
solve is  taken  in  such  a  sense,  in  divers  parts  of  this  colony,  as  to  make 
it  necessary,  that  some  explanation  of  the  said  resolve  should  be  made 
by  this  Congress,  it  is  therefore,  Resolved,  that  henceforward  the  said 
resolve  ought  not  to  be  construed  to  extend  to  any  estates  of  such  per- 
sons, excepting  such  estates  as  are  left  unimproved  and  void  of  any 
occupant,  or  possessor,  and  that  no  other  estate  of  such  person  ought 
io  be  treated  in  the  manner  prescribed  in  the  said  resolve,  until  they 
shall  be  regularly  indicted  and  tried  for  their  supposed  offences. 

Ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  several  papers. 

Resolved,  That  eight  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  be  assigned  for 
the  consideration  of  the  expediency  of  appointing  a  surgeon  general  of 
the  Massachusetts  army. 

Ordered,  That  the  account  books  of  Major  Barber  be  committed  to 
the  care  of  the  committee  of  supplies. 

Adjourned  to  Sunday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Sunday,  July  9,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  relative  to  seizing 
the  crown  officers,  reported  by  way  of  resolve.  The  report  was  re- 
committed, and  the  secretary  was  added  to  the  committee,  and  the 
committee  [were]  directed  to  report  by  way  of  letter,  and  to  insert  a 
clause  relative  to  the  desire  of  this  Congress,  that  the  Continental 
Congress  would  adjourn  nearer  the  seat  of  action. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of 
safety,  recommending  the  appointment  of  four  master  armorers,  re- 
ported. The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  till  the  committee 
for  revising  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  com- 
mission of  the  committee  of  supplies,  reported. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Pickering  and  Mr.  Woodbridge,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  a  letter  from  Mr.  John  Scollay,  relative  to  the 
poor  of  the  town  of  Boston.1 

(1)  The  letter  of  .Mr.  John  Scollay,  with  the  paper  enclosed,  follows: 

"  Bostoit,  Jtly  8th,  1775. 

"  Pin  : — His  excellency  the  governor  having,  by  Mr.  Secretary  Flucker,  sent  a  message  to  the  se- 
lectmen, overseers  of  tlie  poor,  and  committee  of  donations,  respecting  the  removal  of  the  poor, 
and  other  inhabitants  ofthe  town  of  Boston,  they  attended  the  same,  and,  after  deliberating  on  the 
matter,  presented  to  Mr.  Secretary  i  li<ir  doings  thereon,  a  copy  of  which  is  here  enclosed,  to  which 
his  excellency  has  been  pleased  t"  accede." 

\-  th<  re  has,  of  late,  been  an  interruption  of  the  inhabitants,  with  their  effects,  passing  out  of 
the  town  into  the  country,  perhaps  the  matter  may  have  dropped  with  you,  and  proper  accommoda- 


1775.]  THIRD  l'i:<>\  [NCIAL  CONGRESS  m 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Major  Brooks,  be  a 
committee  to  •  •  - •  i » i '. •  r  with   Mr.  John  Lane,  on  the  difficulties  which 
tend  the  supplying  the  Indiana  at  Falmouth,  Casco  Bay. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  Hon.  Jedediah  Preble,  and  the  Hon.  Enoch 
Freeman,  Esq.,  be,  and  hereby  an-  empowered,  to  Bupply  the  (ndians 
of  the  Penobscot  tribe,  with  any  quantity  <>i'  goods,  not  excei  ding  1 1  ■•  - 
value  <>f  three   bundred  pounds,  and  t'»  dran  on  the  rec<  eneral 

for  the  Bame,  who  is  hereby  directed  i"  paj    such   drafts,  in   tbi 
months  after  the  date  of  thia  r<  solve,  and  to  take  i'ur>  and  Bkina  of  the 
said   Indian-,  in   exchange,  "ii  the  account  <»i  thia  colony,  they  to  be 
accountable  for  their  proceedin 

Ordered,  Thai    D         i    Cheever    be   a  committee  to  bring   in   a 
resolve,  empowering  the  committee  of  supplies  t<>  furnish  General 
Washington  v.  itli  Buch  art icl<  >  i>t'  household  furniture,  ae  he  has  wrote 
id  committee  t  < » r . 

lioi  providi  .1  fur  the  reception  of  any  more  of  the  pour  of  the  town  tlian   have 

already  left  it  ;  and  as  the  bI  ite  of  the  inhabitant  ia  really  distressing,  «  e  sh  ill  bo  l'I  id  thai  imi 
diate  attention  !"•  given  t"  llie  above,  and  that  we,  is  may  be,  know  your  resolution!  il 

on.     A*  many  of  these  pour  unhappy  people  are  not  in  acondiUon  t"  b 
therefore,  we  should  think  that  1 1  j  -  -  place  of  their  destination  might  bo  as  near  wal  ■•as 

in  l\  !. ivenient :   if  it  would  not  be  thought  assuming,  wo  would  hi  a  r.» 

lem  or  M  trblehoad,  as  proper  pi  ices  for  the  above  pur]  • 
II  a,  thai  h  "r  othei  .  i  this 

business,  ample  security  b<  given  thai  they  shall  I  iili 

ihc  persons  th  turn  withi 

■■I      i,  in  I  int, 

-'  < '  1 1  \  BCOLL  \N 

J   ,  M 

'I    ii    \   lli  I   of  tli.-  ; 

■  the  town,  and  attended  <  •■■•  itli  all  p 

beg  I  the  number  of  the  i r  in  » J » -  -  alms  houso,  amount 

drod,  of  w  hich  thoy  suppo 

moved,  for  which  I  ,  will  mal 

i In- i  providing  boat  'iun  by   waterorla 

thought  llowing  such  qi  of  provisioi  ig,  clothing  and  modi 

proper.     The  few  unhappy  persons  thai  may  be  >ih  *  ile  to 
mostly  recommended  i"  bis  excellency's  well  known  humanity." 
■   \    to  the  poor,  and  othor  inhabitants  of  the  town,  who,  if  nol  alro  uly,  will  io> 
■  I,.  lectmen,  on  nd  committee  approhond,  that  by  for  lh< 

iiirt,  u*  not  the  whole,  would   i diatelj    remove   Ihomselvoa,  «iiii  the  imall 

ir the  committee  of  donations,  provided  they  could  obtain  his  oxcelloncj 

■ii." 

'•  Tl  provious  to  their  re vnl,  bog  for  loavo  to  w 

■  l  to  takt 
thi  find  such  I  noil  particulai 

requi 


478  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  9, 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  consideration  of  the  allowance  proper  to  be 
made  to  Mr.  Fowle  for  the  use  of  his  house,  by  several  committees  of 
this  Congress,  be  referred  to  the  general  assembly. 

The  committee  on  the  letter  of  Mr.  John  Scollay,  of  Boston,  re- 
ported.    The  report  was  ordered  to  lie,  for  further  consideration. 

The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  a  list  of  such  towns,  as  it 
would  be  expedient  to  apply  to,  for  shirts,  breeches,  &c,  again  report- 
ed.    The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

Whereas,  there  is  now  a  very  pressing  demand  for  some  articles  of 
clothing,  more  especially  of  shirts,  breeches,  stockings  and  shoes,  in 
the  army  raised  by  the  colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  there  is 
danger  of  very  mischievous  consequences,  from  a  delay  of  supplying 
the  same :  Rejoiced,  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  respective  towns  and 
districts  in  the  counties  specified  in  a  list  hereunto  annexed,  be  most 
earnestly  desired,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  procure  such  a  number  of 
each  of  the  articles  of  shirts,  breeches  and  stockings,  as  are  affixed  to 
their  said  towns  and  districts  respectively,  of  a  serviceable  quality,  and 
as  many  good  shoes,  as  they  can  obtain,  and  deliver  the  same  to  the 
person  or  persons  now  to  be  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  collect 
them,  who  are  directed  to  give  receipts  to  the  owners,  at  the  prices  for 
which  they  shall  mutually  agree,  keeping  an  account  thereof,  in  the 
form  following : 


o 


The day  of 1775.     Received  of ,  —  shirts, 

at  —  ;  —  pair  of  breeches  at  — ;  —  pair  of  stockings  at  —  :  — pairs 

of  shoes  at  — :   amounting   to   the   sum  of ,  for  the  service  of 

the  colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  ;  which  the  receiver   general   is 

directed,  in  forty  days  after  the  date  hereof,  to  pay  to  the  said  , 

or  order,  in  notes,  or  bills  of  credit  of  this  colony,  and  the  receiver 
general  is  hereby  required  to  pay  the  same  accordingly.  And  that 
this  business  may  be  effected  with  the  greatest  expedition,  the  select- 
men and  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several  towns  and  dis- 
tricts beforementioned,  are  hereby  most  earnestly  requested,  to  afford 
the  utmost  aid  in  their  power,  to  the  person  or  persons  appointed  as 
aforesaid,  in  collecting  said  articles.  Ai\<\  those  persons  are  further 
directed  to  take  such  measures,  as  will  enable  them  to  ascertain  the 
price  of  each  article,  on  its  arrival,  and  to  contract,  at  a  reasonable 
rate,  with  suitable  waggoners  and  teamsters  to  transport  the  effects, 
when  procured,  with  great  despatch,  to  the  committee  of  supplies,  at 
Watcrtown,  giving   them   a  certificate  of  the  sums  to  be  paid  tor  such 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  179 

sen  ice,  h>r  which  ram,  Baid  commits  e  are  berebj  din  cted  to  draw  <<n 
the  public  treasury,  in  favor  of  any  thue  contracted  with,  <>r  their  "r- 
ders,  and  the  receiver  general  is  accordinglj  directed  to  paj  the  same 

Committee. — Suffolk  Mr.  DanielVose,  Milton:  Mr.  Mraer  Ellis, 
"Dedkam;   Deacon  Jabez  Fisher,  IVrentham. 

Essi  \  Major  Asa  Perley,  Boxford;  Col.  Daniel  Thurston,  Brad- 
ford} Major  A.  Fuller,  Middleton. 

Middles]  \  :  .Mr.  Peter  Bent,  Marlbo  ugh;  ('apt.  Timothy  Walk- 
er, Wilmington;  .Mr.  Israel  Hobart,  Townshend;  Mr.  Samuel  Sprague, 
Stoneham. 

Plymoi  mi  .Mr.  Bbenezer Thompson,  Halifax;  Col.  Joseph Cusb- 
iirr,  Hanover;  Mr.  George  Partrid  e    D   tbury. 

Bristol:  Mr.  Thomas  Durfee,  Freetown;  Capt.  Benjamin  King, 
Raynham;   Benjamin  Aikin,  Esq.,  Dartmouth. 

Worcester  :  Mr.  David  Bancroft,  Worcester  ;  .Mr.  Joseph  W  beeler, 
Harvard;  Col.  Jonathan  Grout,  Petersham. 

Barnstable:  Col.  Joseph  Otis,  Barnstable;  Col.  N.  Freeman, 
Sandwich;  Col.  Elisha  Cobb,  Wellfleet. 

DtKi  s  Cot  \iv  :  Janus  Athorne,  Esq. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  hereby  i-  directed, 
to  pa)  Doct.  Benjamin  Church,  Jr.,  or  order,  the  sum  of  £34  5  2d. 
in  full  discharge  of  his  accounl  of  expenses  of  himself  and  servant, 
on  a  journej  to  Philadelphia,  in  .May  la^t. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Phillips  and  Doct.  Taylor,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  provide  a  dinner  on  the  19th  instant,  for  themselves  and  the 
clei 

Ordered,  That  .Mr.  Kollock,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Deacon  Nichols,  he 
a  committee  to  gel  the  resolves  relative  to  procuring  shirts,  breeches, 
&  c,  printed,  and  dispersed,  one  to  each  town  mentioned  in  the  sched- 
ule, and  one  to  each  of  the  committee. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  an  additional  r<  solve  relative 
to  the  pom-  of  Boston,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  i-  as 
follow  s,  \  iz.  : 

Whereas,  it  appears  thai  some  towns   in   this  colony  have  ;i  lai 
number  of  the  poor  of  the  towns  of  Boston  and   Charlestown,  than 
has  been  heretofore  assigned  them,  and  more  than  the)  are  willing  to 

retain  : 

/.'-  \olved,  That  it  lie  recommended  to  the  selectmen  of  those  t<  wns, 
to  cause  Buch  pooi  to  b<  removed  to  some  town,  thai  shall  not  h 


480  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [July  10, 

the  proportion  heretofore  assigned,  or  shall  be  willing  to  receive  them, 
and,  if  convenient,  to  those  of  such  towns  that  said  poor  may  choose  ; 
provided  said  poor  are  possessed  of  a  certificate  from  either  of  the 
selectmen,  or  overseers  of  the  poor,  of  the  towns  of  Boston  or 
Charlestown,  showing  that  they  were  inhabitants  of  either  of  those 
towns,  on  the  first  of  March  last ;  and  the  selectmen,  or  overseers  of 
the  poor  of  the  towns  qualified  as  aforesaid,  to  which  the  before  men- 
tioned poor  may  be  conveyed,  with  a  certificate  as  above  prescribed, 
are  requested  to  receive,  and  make  provision  for  the  same,  as  has  been 
before  directed  :  all  reasonable  charges  attending  such  removal  to  be 
paid  by  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Kollock,  Mr.  Batchelder  and  Deacon  Plympton, 
be  a  committee  to  bring  in  a  resolve,  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the 
Penobscot  Indians  with  a  small  quantity  of  gunpowder. 

Resolved,  That  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Watertown  be,  and 
hereby  are  empowered  and  directed,  to  take  into  their  custody  one 
Daniel  Green,  now  in  this  town,  who  was  wounded  and  taken  a  pris- 
oner the  19th  of  April  last,  and  convey  him  to  the  jail  in  Concord, 
there  to  be  confined  till  the  further  order  of  this  Congress,  or  some 
future  house  of  assembly  of  this  colony. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Monday,  July   10,   1775. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  for  supplying  the 
Penobscot  Indians  with  gunpowder,  reported.  The  report  was  ac- 
cepted, and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :] 

"Whereas,  application  has  been  made  to  this  Congress,  by  Capt. 
John  Lane,  agent  for  the  Penobscot  tribe  of  Indians,  for  a  small  quan- 
tity of  powder,  for  supplying  said  Indians:  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
the  committee  of  supplies  is  hereby  directed  to  deliver,  out  of  the 
public  stori  -  <>f  this  colony,  to  the  said  John  Lane,  twenty-five  pounds 
of  powder,  for  the  use  aforesaid, taking  said  Lane's  receipt  therefor,  to 
deliver  the  same  to  General  Preble  and  Col.  Enoch  Freeman,  on  ac- 
count of  this  colony  :  and  said  committee  are  hereby  directed  to  re- 
place the  same  again,  as  soon  as  may  be,  from  some  town  in  this  col- 
ony,  (if  they  judge  it  necessary,)  thai  can  besl  .-pare  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  the  warrants  for  Burgeons,  adjutant  generals  and 
quarter  master  generals,  be  committed  to  the  committee  of  safety  to 
be  delivered. 

Ordered,  Thai  Deacon  Bakei  bring  in  a  resolve,  directing  the  re- 
ceiver  general  to  paj  Mr.  Hastings,  for  his  services,  as  door-keeper. 


1775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  1-1 

Ordered,  That  ihe  lettei  from  John  Scollay,  Esq,  [relating  to  the 
poor]  of  Boston,  and  the  paper  accompanying  it,  !><•  j»ut  into  th<-  bands 
of  the  committee  of  safetj . 

Ordered,  That  the  President,   I)<><-t.   Church   and   Mr.  Gerry,  b» 
committee  to  prepare  an  answ<  r  to  a  letter  this  daj  receired  from  Gen- 
eral I ,  and  that  II  o'clock  be  assigned  for  the  choice  of  some  per- 
son to  attend  Genera]   Lee,  on  an  interview  with  General   Burgoyne.1 

Ordered,  Thai   Mr.   Pickering,   Mr.   Spear  and   Mr.    Phillips,  fa 
committee  to  examine  a  number  <>i  letters  this  day  laid   before  the 
Congress,  brought  from  London  bj  ('apt.  Folger. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  i>  herebj  ordered,  that  the  committee 
of  supplies  immediately  furnish  General  Washington  with  ten  £>«»\ 
horses,  with  Baddies  and  bridles,  ii>r  the  public  use 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Batchelder  count  and  -<<x\  the  rotes  t'>r  a  person 
to  attend  General  Lee  on  an   interview  with  General  Burgoyne.     Mr 

(1)  The  following  i-  r i ...  letter  Irom  Gen.  I. 

Ilivii  Gti  KiiiN,  Ji  i.t  nir  10th,  1775 

'.    leral  Lee  ;  -  to  the  president  and  »entlemen  of  the   Provincial  Congress  of 

Massachusetts,  and  submits  to  their  perusal  a  letter  which  he  yesterdaj  Q  flur- 

goyne,  in  which   was  read  and  approved  of  by  the  d  t' this  province  and 

oth'  I  nitincntal  Congress.     Be   bi  ga   leave   t'>  receive  their  commands  with  re- 

spect to  the  proposed  interview.     If  they  approve  of  it,  he  thill   be   glad   t.v   accept  of  n  ;    if  they 
disapprove,  he  shall  reject  it;  hut   if  they  approve  of  it,  he   mi  thai   they  will  d<  pute 

iomo  one  gentlem.m  «.f  their  bo  !y  to  a  '     e,  ami  be  witness  of  tho  conversation. 

B  res  their  answer  imni.  i  inform  Gen.  Burgoyne  I  iock 

afternoon,  whether  the  in'.  in  i>  u  it  to  take  place.     He  shall  obliged  to  tho 

■lemen,  if  they  will  return  thi  sve  noobjer- 

• 

On  the  ar-  royne  in  Boston,  G  r  to  that  • 

pressing  wana  of  persooaj    regard    for   his   former  companion   in   arms,  and  explaining   his 

rs  of  the  right*  of  the  Americans,  and  their  determination  and  power  to  maintain  them.  Gen- 
eral  B  .  in  reply,  proposed  ■  \  .1  ihould  find  an   i   I 

bapp]  if  n  il Id  induce  snch  et,  igbt  tend  in  their  oonseqnenoes  to  peace.     I  (i 

in  common  with  all  around  me,  fur  the  unhappy  p'  this   country:   th  mil    the    dis 

tress  that  is  impending  ov<  r  them.     I  k  Bril  tin  is  r.  idj  to  opt  n  her  arms  upon  tho  rlr«t 

rtore  of  accommodation.    I  know  she  j<  equally  resolute  to  main)  i  in  il  rights,  snd  if 

the  war  proceeds,  your  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  men  will  not  be  a  match  for  her  power." 

The  proposed  interview  w  i.  declined  in  the  following  note: 

CaMBJUDOE,   linn  Q.UARTCU,  J'lr    11.    IT! 

"  General  I^c's  compliments  to  General  Burgoyne — would  ly  happy  in  an  intt 

•  kindly  proposi  be  perceivi     tbatG  i  Burgoyne  has  alremlv  made  •  t [ >  bis  mind  on 

thi<  in  1  it  it  is  impossible  thai  be,  General  Lee,  should  ever  alter  his  opinion,  h« 

i«  appi-  thai  the  interview  might  ci  •  nn.i  suspicion 

in  the  dearest  of  all    Causes,  th  it  of  their    liberty,  prop-  •  .    in. I  fu 

tore  generations,     II t,  therefore,  defer  the  happiness  of  ei  i  man  whom  h 

cerely  lores,  until  I  rsionoftbi  rannii  J  ministry  an  srhicbheii 

>  month*,  as  hs  know*  Great  Britain  <-mnoi  stand  th"  contost.     B 

I  •     ".  I    the    |»tl»T»    «  hi.  h   h|»   lid    H»    C*m|  If 

•  hi.  Inve  tn  hi 

61 


482  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [July  10, 

Batchelder  having  attended  that   service,  reported,  that  Mr.   Elbridge 
Gerry  was  chosen. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Porter,  Doct.  Taylor  and  Major  Brooks,  be  a 
committee,  whose  business  it  shall  be,  in  conjunction  with  the  committee 
of  safety,  to  make  thorough  inquiry  into  the  subject  matter  of  a  letter 
this  day  received  from  General  Washington,  [relating  to  reenforce- 
ments  lor  tbe  army.]  And  that  the  committee  be  directed  to  confer 
with  General  Washington  on  the  subject  of  his  letter,  and  particularly 
inform  him  of  the  number  of  men  we  had  generally  estimated  in  the 
Massachusetts  forces,  from  the  returns  of  the  general  officers,  from 
the  money  paid  out  of  the  treasury,  for  a  month's  advance  pay  to  the 
soldiers,  and  from  the  provision  made  for  billeting  the  said  forces.1 

(I)  The  following  is  the  letter  of  General  Washington  mentioned  in  the  text,  addressed  to  the 
President  of  Congress  : 

Head  Quakteiis,  Cambridge,  July  9,  1775. 

'•  Sib  : — After  much  difficulty  and  delay,  I  have  procured  such  returns  of  the  state  of  the  army  as 
will  enable  us  to  form  a  judgment  of  its  strength.  It  is  with  great  concern  1  find  it  far  inadequate 
to  our  general  expectations  and  the  duties  which  maybe  required  of  it.  The  number  of  men  fit 
tor  duty  in  the  forces  raised  in  this  province,  including  all  the  out  posts  and  artillery,  does  not 
•  in, mint  to  nine  thousand.  The  troops  raised  in  the  other  colonics  are  more  complete  ;  but  yet 
fall  short  of  their  establishment.  So  that  upon  the  whole,  I  cannot  estimate  tho  present  army  at 
more  than  fourteen  thousand  live  hundred  men  capable  of  duty." 

"  1  have  the  satisfaction  to  find  the  troops,  both  in  camp  and  quarters,  very  healthy  ;  so  that  the 
deficiency  must  arise  from  the  regiments  never  having  been  filled  up  to  the  establishment,  and  the 
number  of  men  on  furlough  :  but  the  former  is  much  most  considerable.  Under  all  these  circum- 
Btances  I  yesterday  called  a  council  of  war;  and,  enclosed,  I  send  you  an  extract  of  our  determi- 
nations, so  far  as  they  respect  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Hay." 

'•Your  own  prudence  will  suggest  the  necessity  of  secrecy  on  this  subject,  as  we  have  the  utmost 
reason  to  think  the  enemy  suppose  our  numbers  much  greater  than  they  are  :  an  error  which  it  is 
Dot  our  interest  to  remove." 

"Tho  great  extent  of  our  lines,  and  the  uncertainty  which  may  be  the  point  of  attack,  added  to 
the  necessity  of  immediate  support,  have  induced  me  to  order  that  horses,  ready  saddled,  should  be 
kept  at  several  posts,  in  order  to  bring  the  most  speedy  intelligence  of  any  movement  of  the 
enemy." 

"  For  Ibis  purpose  I  should  be  gl  .1  thai  ten  horses  might  be  provided  as  soon  as  possible." 

'•  I  have  the  honor  ti  your  most  obedient  and  very  bumble  servant, 

GEOEGE  WASHINGTON." 

••  I',  s.  \s  |  Kin  informed  the  Congress  propo  immediately,  I  should  be  glad  to  know 
what  committei  whom  the  executive  business  devolves.  G.  tV n." 

••  \  i  t.  Council  "i  War,  held  at  Head  Quarters,  July  9, 1775. — Present:  His  excellency  General 
Washington,  General    \'\  ird,  Lee,  Putnam,  Thorn   s,  Heath,  Green,  Gati    ." 

•■  lh-  .  rxellency  proposi  d  to  the  consideration  of  tin-  council — What  number  of  troops  may  be  nc- 
■  in  and  neai  Bo  Ion,  to  defend  the  posts  already  occupied,  against  the 
force  supposed  i"  be  employed  against  us?" 

"  I 'pon  which  it  was  agreed,  tli  i    for  the  above  purpose  ought  to  consist  of  at  least  22,000 

men." 

"As  it  !•  [  >  i  > '  ars  bj  the  returns  now   mi  the  number  of  effective  men  is  far  short  of  the 

..  estimate,  a  qui  Jtion  was  proposed,  \i/..:" 

"  In  what  manner  this  deficiency  si 1 1  In-  supplii 

"And  il  v  ■-  unanii jlj  hi  i<>  i"  done  bj  sending  an  officer  from  each  comporj 


1775.]  rilllM)  PRO\  [NCI  \l.  CONGR1  189 

The  committee  appointed  t'>  prepare  a  letter  to  General   I 
ported.     The  report   was   accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  authenticated, 
and  sent  forward  to  General   Lee,  bj  Doct.  Church,  Doct   Taylor  and 

Mr.  (jerry,  a  committee  for  thai  purpose 

Sir: — The  Congress  have  perused  the  letter  from  General  15m- 
goyne,  which  you  was  kind  enough  i->  submit  to  1 1 n ■  i r  inspection. 
Thej  can  have  do  objection  to  the  proposed  interview,  from  a  want  of 
the  highest  confidence  in  the  wisdom,  discretion  and  integritj  of  Gi  n- 
i  ral  Lee,  but  beg  leave  to  suggest,  that,  a<  the  confidence  of  the  p 
pie  in  their  General,  is  so  essentially  necessary,  i<>  the  well  conducting 
the  enterprize  in  which  we  are  engaged,  and  as  a  people  contending  for 
their  liberties  art-  naturally  disposed  to  jealousy,  and  not  inclined  to 
make  the  most  favorable  constructions  <>f  the  motives  of  conduct 
which  they  are  not  fully  acquainted  with,  whether  Buch  an  interview 
might  not  have  a  tendency  to  lessen  the  influence,  which  the  Congress 
would  ui-h  to  extend,  to  tin'  utmost  of  their  power,  to  facilitate  and 
succeed  the  operations  of  war. 

The  Congress,  agreeably  to  your  request,  have,  to  prevent,  as  far  as 
we  are  aide,  any  disagreeable  consequences,  which  may  arise  from  the 
jealousy  of  the  people  on  such  an  occasion,  appointed  .Mr.  Blbrid 
Gerry  to  attend  you  at  the  proposed  inten  lew,  it'  you  shall  think  proper 
to  proceed  in  it.  and  as  the)  do  not  think  themselves  authorized  to 
counteract  the  general's  inclination,  they  would  submit  it  to  bis  opin- 
ion, whether  the  advice  of  t he  council  ol    war  might  not  be  taken  in  a 

matter  of  such  apparent  delic 
/  i  tin  Tionorabk  General  Lee. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Mitchell,  Capt.  Batchelder,  and  Deacon  Nich- 
ols, be  a  committee  to  consider  the  circumstances  of  the  town  of  Hull, 
and  report  what  is  bi  st  to  be  done. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phillips,  Deacon  Nichols,  and  Capt.  Stone,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  puhln-  stock  of  powder,  and 
report  n  hat  shall  be  done  with  it. 

'"  '.  ,  which  tin 

b)  Hi"  Provim  iul  l 

\    l  thnt,  in  the  ii 
era!  ili>  Bpplj  lo         P  I  .  for  llioii 

|x>i  i»j  '■  •  <•<•■"  ■  mi  lit,  su  ilitarj  ml.  <  .1-  iho 


484  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  10, 

Afternoon. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  which  passed  yesterday,  relative  to  Dan- 
iel Green,  be  reconsidered,  and  that  Capt.  Stone  be  appointed  to  bring 
in  a  resolve  with  regard  to  him. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Baker,  Mr.  Kollock,  and  Capt.  Parker,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  an  account  of  Mr.  John  Gill. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Vose,  Mr.  Jewett,  and  Mr.  Bigelow,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  an  account  of  Mr.  Moses  Lammon,  for  a  gun  sold 
Barnabas  Evans. 

Ordered,  That  the  committee  for  signing  the  bills,  &c,  be  directed 
to  sit,  and  despatch  the  business,  that  the  soldiers  may  be  paid  off,  ac- 
cording to  the  order  of  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Stone,  Mr.  Bigelow,  and  Capt.  Harnden,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  account  of  Mr.  Isaac  Bissell. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  supplies,  be  directed  to  write  to  the 
selectmen  of  Charlestown  and  Walpole,  in  the  government  of  New 
Hampshire,  and  desire  them  to  inform  them,  what  cannon  there  are  in 
those  towns  belonging  to  this  colony,  and  the  said  committee  are  to 
take  into  their  custody  such  as  they  shall  find  to  be  the  property  of  this 
colony. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Stephen  Hall  be  on  the  committee  in  the  room 
of  Doct.  Gunn,  to  sign  the  colony  notes. 

Mr.  Israel  Nichols'  account  was  passed  upon,  and  Ordered,  that  the 
receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to  pay  Mr.  Israel  Nich- 
ols, the  sum  of  eighteen  shillings,  in  full  of  his  account. 

Capt.  Stone,  agreeably  to  order,  brought  in  the  following  resolve, 
respecting  Daniel  Green,  which  was  accepted  : 

Resolved,  That  the  selectmen  of  Watertown  be,  and  hereby  are  di- 
rected, to  take  Daniel  Green,  a  prisoner,  taken  in  the  late  battle  on 
the  19th  of  April  last,  who  is  now  in  this  town,  and  safely  convey  him 
to  Mr.  Jones,  prison  keeper  at  Concord ;  and  said  prison  keeper  is 
hereby  directed  safely  to  keep,  and  properly  support  the  said  Green, 
until  further  order  of  the  Congress  or  House  of  Representatives. 

The  committee  on  Capt.  Lane's  account,  reported.  The  report  was 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Risidvnl,  Thai  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed, 
to  pay  John  Lane,  the  sum  of  three  pounds  six  shillings,  for  horse  hire, 
and  expenses,  from  Falmouth  to  Watertown,  and  back  again,  in  be- 
half of  the  Penobscot  tribe  of  Indians. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed, 
to  pay  to  Mr.  Simon  Hastings,  the  sum  of  eight  pounds  four  shillings, 


i"5]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  185 

for  attending  this  Congress  as  a  doorkeeper,  for  forty-one  days,  the 
present  session. 
Adjourned  to  Tuesday  morning,  eight  o'clock. 

Tuesday,  Juxi    !  I ,   \~~.~> 

A  letter  from  ,  of  New  York,  to  the  committee  of 

donations  for  the  town  of  Boston,  was  read:  apon  which,  the  Con- 
gress :i--unied  the  consideration  of  a  report  relative  to  such  donations, 
which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  pi  Dted  in  the  newspapers,  and 
i-  as  follows,  vi/. 

Whe/eas,  the  poor  of  Bo-ton  and  Charlestown,  who  hare  been  as- 
signed to  the  several  towns  in  this  colony,  and  have  been,  and  -til!  are 
supported  at  the  public  expense,  for  reasons  that  are  obvious;  th< 
fore,  Resolved,  thai  the  money,  grain,  flour,  &c.  that  have,  or  shall  he 
generously  given  for  the  support  of  said  poor,  and  lodged  within  tin- 
colony,  ought  to  he  considered  as  belonging  to  the  public  stock  of  this 
colony,  for  the  use  aforesaid;  and  the  committee  of  supplies  are  hereby 
directed  to  take  care  of  such  donations  accordingly,  till  the  further  or- 
der of  this  Congress,  or  House  of  Representatives;  and  when  any 
town  shall,  by  order  of  said  committee,  or  otherwise,  receive  or  make 
use  of  such  donations,  or  any  part  thereof,  the  selectmen  of  such  town 
arc  hereby  ordered  to  exhibit  an  exact  account  thereof,  to  this  Con- 
gress,  or  some  future  Hon-.'  of  Representatives,  as  credil  to  their  ac- 
counts of  charges  for  the  support  of  the  poor  abovesaid. 

A  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  soldiers  who  had 
enlisted  a  second  time,  was  read,  and  committed  to  the  committee  who 
were  yesterday  appointed  to  impure  into  the  subject  of  General  Wash- 
ington's  letter. 

Resolved,  That  if  this  committee  is  not  ready  to  report  to  the  Con- 
gress at  it-  present  se--ion,  that  they  be  directed  to  report  to  the  next 
General  Assembly  or  House  of  Representatives. 

Onlirul,  That  Doct.  Church,  Capt.  Stone,  and  .Mr.  Woodbridge, 
be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  subject  of  a  resolve  of  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  relative  to  Mr.  W  in  slow  s  employing  one  William  Lightly, 
to  carry  a  load  of  molasses  fr Connecticut  to  New  ><>rk. 

Resolved,    That    this   Congress   has   no   objection    to    Mr-.    Marj 

(Jreenwood  ha\  ing  a  permit  to  go  into  Boston. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  circuui-t  nice-  of  the  town 
of  Hull,  reported.     The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  riz, 

The  committee  appointed  by  this  Congress  to  consider  of  a  request 
of  a  committee  from  the  town  of  Hull,  Betting  forth  that  thej  are  now 


486  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  11, 

invested  by  an  armed  vessel,  and  expect  that  the  communication  be- 
tween them,  and  their  neighbors,  will  soon  be  cut  off,  beg  leave  to 
report  the  following  resolve,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  accordingly  recommended  to 
the  selectmen  and  committees  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Hing- 
ham,  and  district  of  Cohasset,  that  they  cause  all  convenient  assistance 
to  be  given  to  the  inhabitants  of  Hull,  in  removing  their  effects  from 
that  place,  and  securing  and  removing  the  crops  of  grain,  and  other 
produce,  from  said  town,  to  some  secure  place  for  the  use  of  the  pres- 
ent proprietors  of  the  same. 

Mr.  Pickering,  by  leave  of  Congress,  presented  the  following  resolve 
in  behalf  of  Capt.  Samuel  Williams,  which  was  accepted  : 

On  an  application  made  to  this  Congress,  setting  forth  that  a  number 
of  o-entlemen  at  Salem,  in  this  colony,  have  employed  Capt.  Samuel 
Williams  of  that  town,  to  procure  for  them,  at  their  cost,  a  number  of 
barrels  of  powder,  at  New  York,  or  elsewhere  to  the  southward :  Re- 
solved, that  the  intention  of  those  gentlemen  is  agreeable  to  this  Con- 
gress, and  that  Capt.  Samuel  Williams  appears  to  be  a  friend  to  his 
country,  and  possesses  the  confidence  of  his  townsmen,  and  that  if  he 
executes  his  commission,  it  will  be  of  great  service  to  this,  and  the 
other  colonies. 

Resolved,  That  the  persons  employed  in  cutting  the  grass  on  the 
land  of  the  refugees,  be  allowed  half  a  pint  of  rum,  each,  per  day. 

Afternoon. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Phillips,  and  Col.  Porter,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  repair  immediately  to  General  Wa>hington,  and  know  of  him 
what  number  of  men  he  would  have  this  Congress  raise,  for  a  tempo- 
rary reinforcement  of  the  army;  and  to  inform  the  General  of  the 
powers  vested  by  this  Congress,  in  the  committee  of  safety,  and  to 
confer  witli  the  General,  at  large,  on  the  state  of  the  army,  and  in  par- 
ticular, with  respect  to  some  soldiers  of  the  army  who  have  enlisted 
twice. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Jewett,  Capt.  Stone, 
and  Col.  Farley,  be  a  committee  to  devise  some  means  of  raising 
speedily  a  temporary  reenforcenu  nt  of  the  army,  and  to  bring  in  an 
establishment. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown,  Mr.  Glover,  and  Major  Fuller,  he  a 
committee  \<>  procure  three  courier-.  h\  ten  o'clock  tomorrow  morning. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  rec<  i  teral    be  empowered  and  directed  lo 

employ  some  person  to  number  the  colony  not' 


1775.]  I  IIIKD  PROTON  I  \l.  (  ONGRES  Iff; 

Ordered,  Thai  .Mr.  Fox,  and  Mr   Bigelow,  l»-  added  i>>  ih>-  commit- 
who  were  appointed  to  consider  what  waa  proper  to  be  done  with 
the  public  stock  of  powder. 

(h<li r<<l.  Thai  Col.  Lincoln  bring  in  a  resolve,  determining  whal  is 
besl  i<>  I"-  done  \\  ith  the  «  bale-boats. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Shillaber,  .Mr.  Johnson,  and    Mi    Brown,  hi 
committi  ••  thai  the  fish,  procured   b)  the  committee  of  rapplies 

for  the  use  of  this  colony,  be  proper!)  taken  care  "t". 

\  memorial  of  William   Hunt   waa  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the 

table. 

Major    B  rbei  -   accounl   was  allowed,  and  the  receiver  general  di- 
(1  I.,  pa)  it. 

I        Lincoln,  •'■.    to   appointment,   brought   in  the   following 

resolve,  relative  to  whale-boats,  which  was  acci  pted  : 

\\  hen        the  I  sometime  past,  directed  and  empowered,  in 

the  absence  ■  >!  Capl  Joshua  Davis,  Capt.  Edmund  Sop<  i  to  take  care 
of  a  number  of  whale-boats,  then  lying  in  the  river  al  Braintree,  jmr- 
chased  by  said  Davis  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  and  as  he  hath  procured 
and  brought  there,  a  ver)  considerable  number  more,  which  require 
his  care  and  inspection;  and  as  one  person  is  sufficient  t"  have  the 
of  the  whole  of  them :  therefore,  Resolved,  that,  as  Capt.  Davis  i- 
now  returned,  Capt.  Edmund  S  ised   from  any  car.'  of  said 

boats,  until   further  orders;  that    he   give  information  to  -.ml    Davis, 
where  they  are  lodged,   and   if  he   hath   delivered   any  of  them  to  ilu- 
onlrr  of  the  officers  in  the  army,  to  whom  the)  were  delivered,  in  o 
to  In-  receiving  them  into  bis  pos  soon  as  the  public  service 

u  ill  adiiiit  of  it. 

Adjourned  to  eight  o'clock  tomorrow  morning. 

Wednesoay,  Juli   12,  IT 75. 

The  committi  ••  appointed  to  considi  F  the  committee  of 

safety,  relative  to  Mr.  Winslow's  employing  one  William  Lightl)  to 
carr)  a  load  of  molasses  t<>  New  York,  &c,  reported  the  following 
letter  to  G  mot  Trumbull,  which  was  accepted,  and  ordered  t"  be 
authenticated,  and  sent  forward  : 

[latf  if   jili  OSt    your  honor  : 

The  brigantine   Nam  i    in  the  harbor  of  Stonington,  in  Con- 

necticut, being  laden  with  molasses,  the  propert)  of  the  late  Joshua 
\\  inslov*    of   B  •!,   Hud   active  friend   i"  administration; 

which,  as  we  are  well  informed,  is  now  directed  to  be  conveyed  to  N 


488  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [July  11, 

York,  and  from  thence  as  we  conjecture,  from  sundry  suspicious  cir- 
cumstances, to  be  sent  to  Boston ;  the  master  who  has  undertaken  this 
business,  being  now  in  custody,  having  given  the  information  before- 
mentioned,  the  Congress  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  beg  leave  to  ob- 
serve to  your  honor,  whether  prudence  and  good  policy  do  not  suggest 
to  detain  said  ship  and  cargo,  or  such  part  of  it  as  belongs  to  said 
Window,  for  the  use  of  the  colonies,  rather  than  to  suffer  them  to  fall 
into  the  hands  of  General  Gage,  where  they  will  be  improved  to  the 
support  of  our  enemies,  and  to  augment  the  distress  of  these  colonies. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  &x. 
To  the  Hon.  Governor  Trumbull. 

Resolved,  That  said  William  Lightly  be  confined  in  Concord  jail, 
and  that  Mr.  Davis  be  dismissed,  and  that  Mr.  Woodbridge  bring  in  a 
resolve  for  this  purpose. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Crane,  and  Mr.  Fox,  make  out  warrants  for 
several  surgeons  and  surgeons'  mates,  agreeably  to  a  list  this  day  ex- 
hibited by  Doct.  Taylor,  and  that  such  warrants,  when  made  out,  be 
transmitted  to  the  committee  of  safety. 

Mr.  Glover,  by  leave  of  Congress,  brought  in  a  resolve,  recommend- 
ing to  such  able-bodied  men  as  have  left  their  sea-port  towns  to  return  ; 
which  resolve  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. : 

Whereas,  many  able-bodied  men,  who  were  inhabitants  of  the  sea- 
port towns  of  the  colony,  have  removed  their  families  into  the  country, 
and  have  themselves  left  said  towns,  and  carried  with  them  their  arms 
and  ammunition ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  this  Congress  do  approve 
of  the  conduct  of  such  persons,  so  far  as  it  respects  the  removing  the 
women,  and  children,  and  valuable  effects.  It  is  recommended  to  the 
male  inhabitants,  fit  to  bear  arms,  that  they  return  to  their  respective 
towns,  and  there  continue  with  that  dignity  and  firmness  which  ought 
ever  to  distinguish  an  American,  and  to  defend  them  from  the  ravages 
of  the  enemy,  until  it  shall  be  judged  by  the  inhabitants  of  such  towns, 
at  a  meeting  for  that  purpose,  expedient  to  vacate  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Capt.  Stone,  and  Col.  Moseley,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  the  subject  of  a  letter  from  Capt.  Noble,  dated 
Pittsfield,  July  3,  1775,  and  report.1 

Mr.  Woodbridge,  agreeably  to  appointment,  brought  in  the  following 
resolves,  which  were  accepted. 

I  ("apt.  Noble  a«krr)  th<»  allowance  of  the  pay  roll  ofhi>  rompany  engaged  in  the  public  service, 
under  Col.  Benedict  Arnold. 


1775.]  THIRD  l'i:<  >\  i\<  I  \i.  I  I  >NGR1  Sfi  189 

Resolved,  That  Ihe  receiver  general  be,  and  hereb)  is  directed 
pat   to   Mr.  Jacob  15i_'l<>w,  tin-  sum  «'t    £13,  for  sundry  axes,  shovels, 
and  spades,  anil  for  pr<priirin_'  ami  carting  the  same,  for  the  use  of  1 1 » •  - 
army,  agreeabl)  to  tin-  directions  of  this  Congr< 

"Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  In',  ami  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  Jonathan  Brown,  the  Bum  "i  I  5  -  for  sundrj  axes,  and  i'>r 
collecting  the  Bame  for  the  use  of  the  army,  agreeably  t"  the  direction 

of  \\\\>  <  iongress. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  md  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pa)  Major  A.  Full<  i      7  2     3d.  for  axes,  &  c  ,  as  above. 

Resolved,  Thai  the   receiver  general  be.  and   he  is  hereb]  directed 

- 

to  pa\  Deacon  Jonas  Stone,  the  sum  of  I  I"  12$.  -</.  for  ax<  s,  vS>  i 

alni\  e. 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  g<  oeral  be,  and  he  is  hereb)  directed  to 
pa)  Mr.  Enoch  Klli>,  the  sum  ol    €8  3s.  Id.  i«>r  axes,  &  c  .  as  above. 

The  committee  appointed  t<>  confer  with  the  General,  relative  i"  the 
number  of  men  necessar)  to  I"-  raised  for  a  lemporarj  reen  for  cement, 
reported  a  letter  from  him,  which  was  committed  t<i  the  committee  a[>- 
pointed  t'>  devise  means  of  raising  such  reenforcement,  to  wlm-h  com- 
mittee Col.  Porter,  Mr.  Glover,  and  Capt.  Parker,  were  added. 

Resolved,  Thai  Doct.   Church,   Duct.  Taylor,  and    Doct.  Whiting, 

!>••  a  con ttee  t<»  take   into  their   custody  all  the  medicines,  medical 

stores  and  instruments,  which  arc.  or  ma)  be  provided  l"<>r  the  use  of 
the  irmy,  b)  this  colony,  and  to  distribute  them  at  their  best  discretion, 
so  that  no  peculation  "i  needless  waste  be  made  "I  the  medicinal 
stores  belonging  to  the  public. 

It,  solved,  That  the  president  have  leave  to  go  home  in  the  after n 

Adjourned  u>  three  o'clock,  1'.  M. 

All.  rii    on 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  situation  of  the  public 
stock  of  powder,  reported.  The  report  being  amended,  was  drawn 
anew,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  \i/. 

This  Congress  taking  into  consideration  the  situation  of  the  public 
-tuck  of  powder  that  is  now  in  Watertown:  Resolved,  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  committee  of  supplies,  to  make  a  division  of  said  powder 
into  two  or  more  parcels,  as  the)  shall  judge  requisite;  that  they  de- 
posile  one  pan  in  this  town,  and  the  remainder  in  such  other  town  or 
towns  as  the)  shall  think  most  expedient 

Ordered,  Thai  ('..I    Lincoln,   Mr.  Gill,   and  Capt   Stone,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  examine  fifteen  persons    taken  prisoners  ti  Long  Island 
it  to  thi    I  b)  the  committee  of  alt  >  ■ 


490  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  11, 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Taylor,  Mr.  Phillips,  and  Major  Fuller,  be  a 
committee  to  enlarge  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  safety. 

A  letter  from  the  committee  of  safety,  requesting  this  Congress  to 
appoint  a  special  committee  to  make  provision  for  the  poor  of  Boston 
and  Charlestown,  was  read.  The  matter,  after  debate,  was  ordered 
to  subside. 

The  report  of  the  committee  for  devising  means  of  raising  a  tem- 
porary reenforcement,  was  taken  into  consideration,  and  after  much 
debate  was  recommitted ;  and  Col.  Palmer,  and  Mr.  Phillips,  were 
added  to  the  committee. 

The  committee  appointed  to  examine  the  fifteen  prisoners,  sent  to 
the  Congress  by  the  committee  of  safety,  reported,  verbally,  facts  as 
they  found  them  :  whereupon,  Ordered,  that  Jonathan  Winship,  and 
Jacob  Whipple,  two  of  the  prisoners,  be  discharged  immediately;  that 
Jacob  Davis,  another  of  the  prisoners,  be  sent  to  the  main  guard  at 
Cambridge,  the  Congress  having  great  reason  to  suspect,  that  he  en- 
listed in,  and  deserted  from  the  army  raised  by  this  colony,  and  that 
the  officers  of  the  guard  be  certified,  in  writing,  of  what  crime  the  said 
Jacob  now  stands  charged  ;  that  John  Freeman,  a  negro  man,  said  to 
be  the  servant  of  Mr.  Joseph  Howett  of  Newburyport,  be  sent  to  the 
jail  at  Cambridge,  there  to  continue  till  further  orders ;  that  the  other 
prisoners,  with  the  said  Jacob  and  John,  be  committed  to  Capt.  Crafts, 
to  be  kept  under  guard,  until  further  orders. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Brown  cause  suitable  provision  to  be  made  for 
the  said  prisoners. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Learned  be  directed  to  charge  the  expense  of 
keeping  Mr.  Lightly,  and  the  guard  that  attend  him,  to  this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  Major  Fuller,  Mr.  Kollock,  and  Mr.  Crane,  be  a 
committee  to  consider  what  is  a  proper  establishment  of  salt  for  the 
army,  and  report. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  letter  from  Capt.  James  No- 
ble to  Walter  Spooner,  Esq.,  reported  a  resolve,  and  a  letter,  which 
were  accepted,  and  are  as  follow,  viz.  :  Resolved,  that  Henry  Gardner, 
Esq.,  receiver  general,  be,  and  he  is  hereby  ordered  to  pay  to  Capt. 
James  Noble,  or  order,  c£l00,  as  part  of  his  pay  roll,  as  captain  in 
Col.  Benedict  Arnold's  regiment,  in  the  late  expedition  against  the 
posts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  point,  for  the  use  of  said  company. 

Sir  :  We  received  yours  of  the  3d  instant,  by  Mr.  William  Barber, 
together  with  your  account  of  expenses,  and  a  muster  roll  of  your 
company,  whilst  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  under  the  command  of 


ITT.j.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  101 

c.l    r.riicili.i  Arnold,  hut  before  your  account  can  be  I   with 

propriety,  it  mosl  be  examined,  and  adjusted  bj  indiflerent  persona. 
Therefore,  it  is  Ordered,  that  the  committee  ol  eorr(  rpondence  for  the 
town  of  Pittsfield,  be  .1  committee  for  that  purpose;  and  it  1-  further 
Ordered,  that  you  make  oath  to  the  truth  and  justness  of  four  muster 
roll,  and  see  thai  the  Bame  be  right  cast;  thru  charge  yourself  with 
the  '■!'  7s.  Id*.,  which  you  received  of  Col.  Arnold,  as  advance  pa) 
for  your  company ;  also  with  the  £100  now  sent  you  bj  Mr.  Barber, 
agreeably  to  your  order;  then  return  Baid  roll  and  account,  and  when 
you  comply  with  the  above,  you  will  receive  the  balance  due 

I'd  (  'apt.  J  ana  -   Nobli  . 

Lieut.    Zachariah   Gurney  having   conducted   fifteen   persons  who 

were  taken  ;it  I g  [aland,  t<>  this  Congress,  and  the  Congress  having 

ordered  eleven  of  them,  under  a  guard  of  this  town,  and  dismissed  the 

other  two,  the  Baid  Gurney  is  discharged  from  further  attendance. 

The  report  of  the  committee  on  Mr.  John  Gill's  account  was  taken 
up,  and  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

The  committee  on  the  account  of  John  Gill,  beg  leave  to  report   bj 
way  of  resolve,  as  follows :     "Resolved,  that  the  receiver  general   !><•. 
and  he  is  hereby  directed,  to  pay  to  the  within  named   John  Gill,  th>' 
sum  of  o£G  I7s8d,  in  full,  of  In-  Bervices  on  several  journeys,  hoi 
lure,  expenses,  &  c. 

The  committee  appointed  to  devise  means  for  raising  a  temporar) 
reenforcemcnt,  again  reported.  The  report  was  amended,  accepted, 
and  1-  a-  follows,  \i/.  :  Whereas,  a  speedy  augmentation  of  the  army 
1-  wanted,  and  lias  been  r<  quested  by  the  general,  to  sene  a-  a  tempo- 
rary reenforceini'iit  until  the  new  levies  now  raising  to  till  up  the  regi- 
ments  in  the  field,  can  come  in,  and  until  they  shall  be  discharged  bj 
the  general  of  the  army,  or  the  assembly  of  this  colony,  therefore,  Re- 
solved,  that  it  he,  and  hereby  is  most  earnestly  recommended  to  the  in- 
habitants of  town,  that  they  immediately  raise  and  send  to  the 

camp  at  Cambridge, men,  provided  with  a  good  fire-lock,  ammu- 
nition, and  a  blanket,  each,  who  Bhall  be  detained  not  longer  than  one 
month,  at  farthest,  from  the  beginning  <d'  their  march,  and  shall  be 
honorably  paid  for  their  service  !>\  the  colony,  all  due  regard  being 
had  to  the  present  urgency  of  farming  business,  and  the  inconvenience 
of  complying  with  such  a  requisition  at  this  juncture.  And  the  milita- 
ry oilier-,  selectmen,  and  committees  of  correspondence,  are  desired 
to  see  this  resolve  executed  without  delay,  and  that  thej  be  paid  ac- 
cording to  the  following  establishment 


492  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [July  13, 

N.  B.  The  above  is  copied  from  the  original  report  on  file,  which 
has  been  altered  and  still  appears  to  be  incorrect.  The  following  is  a 
copy  of  the  printed  one  on  tile  : 

To  the  military  officers,  selectmen,  and  committees  of  correspon- 
dence in  the  town  of . 

Gentlemen  : — You  are  hereby  most  earnestly  requested  to  procure 
the  execution  of  the  subsequent  resolve,  with  the  greatest  possible  ex- 
pedition. 

In  Provincial  Congress,   Watertoicn,  July  12,  1775. 

Whereas  a  very  speedy  augmentation  of  the  army  is  indispensably 
necessary,  and  has  been  requested  by  his  excellency  General  Washing- 
ton, to  serve  as  a  temporary  reenforcement  until  the  new  levies  now 
raising  to  fill  up  the  regiments  in  the  field  may  be  completed  :  There- 
fore, Resolved,  that  it  be,  and  it  is  hereby  most  earnestly  recommended 

to  the  commanding  officer  of  every  company  in  the  town  of ,  that 

they  immediately  raise,  and  send  to  the  camp  at  Cambridge,  able 

bodied  men,  each  provided  with  a  good  fire-lock,  ammunition,  and 
blanket,  who  shall  be  detained  not  longer  than  one  month,  at  farthest, 
from  the  beginning  of  their  march,  and  be  paid  honorably  for  their 
service  ;  all  due  regard  in  the  pay  being  had  to  the  difficulty  of  com- 
plying with  this  requisition  in  the  present  urgency  of  the  business  of 

husbandry.    Those  who  are  required  from together  with  others 

who  are  called  from ,  will  form  one  company,  under  the  com- 
mand of  such  officers  as  the  field  officers  of  that  regiment  from  which 
the  greatest  number  of  said  company  is  taken,  shall  appoint.  And  the 
field  officers  above  mentioned,  or  the  major  part  of  them,  are  desired 
accordingly,  without  delay,  to  appoint  one  captain,  and  two  lieuten- 
ants, of  persons  who  now  are,  or  have  been  in  command,  well  calcula- 
ted to  Berve  the  public  in  these  departments. 

By  order  of  Congress. 

A  true  copy.     Attest. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  passed  this  forenoon,  recommending  to 
all  able  bodied  men,  who  have  left  their  sea-port  towns  to  return,  be 
reconsidered. 

Adjourned  to  eighl  o'clock,  to-morrow  morning. 

Thursday,  July  13,  1775. 

A  letter  from  General  Washington's  secretary,  dated  nine  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  July  12,  1775,  was  read;  whereupon,  Resolved,  that  the  re- 


1775  ninth  PROVINCl  \l.  CONGRESS  19  I 

Bolve  passed  yesterday,  f"i  raising  a  temporarj  reenforcement,  tx 
considered.1 

A  petition  from  the  selectmen   and  commits  Harpswell,  i 

read,  and  committed  to  Mr.  Johnson,  Mr.  Perry,  ;in<l  Deacon  B 

The  instructions  reported  to  be  given  Capt.  1»  ivis,  w<  re  considt  r<  •'. 
and,  alter  debate,  the  rep<  rt  was  ord<  red  to  be  dismiss*  d 

Ordered,  That  Capt  Stone,  Capt.  II:ik.  r .  an. I  Mr.  L<  urned,  1"'  a 
committee  i"  consider  what  towns  the  ten  prisoners  now  under  Lr"anl 

in  this  town,  .-hall  lir  senl  to. 

Ordered,  'I'll  i  Michael  Edwards,  now  under  guard  in  tin-  town,  be 
immediate!}  discharged. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phillips,  Col.  Farley,  ami  Mr.  Kollock,  1m-  a 
committee  to  examine  and  consider  an  account  of  Mr  Solomon  Loth- 
rop,  [for  the  entertainment  ofG  I  Washington.] 

Ordered,  That  ('"I.  Lincoln, Col.  Porter,  and  Mr.  Perry,  bo  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  Borne  method  of  supplying  the  recruiting  offi< 
u  itli  monej   for  tin-  purpose. 

[The  committee  reported  1 1 1 *  -  following  resolve,  whicb  was  accepted, 
viz.:] 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  safety  !>-•.  and  they  hereby  are  em- 
powered and  directed,  to  give  orders  on  the  receiver  general  in  favor  of 
such  officer  or  officers  a-  arc,  <>r  -hall  be  appointed  as  recruiting  offi- 
cers,  nol  exceeding  the  sum  of  foui  pounds  to  an)  one  of  them,  and 
take  their  receipts  tor  the  sum  they  shall  order  to  them  respectively, 
which  sum  i-  to  he  deducted  from  their  oils  being  made 

up,  unless  otherwise  ordered  by  a  house  of  representatives  of  this 
colons  :  and  the  receiver  general  is  herebj  directed  to  paj  -aid  order 
accordingly. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  passed  yesterday,  directing  the  receiver 
genera]  to  pay  Capt.  .lames  Noble,  or  order,  the  sum  of  one  hundred 
pounds,  l>e  reconsidered,  and  that  a  resolve  be  drawn  bj   ('apt.  Stone, 

(1)  The  Following  la  the  letter  mentioned  in  the  toxl  : 

II,  i      i |  ,  Cambridge,  J         I 

"  Sin  :-  rjpon  :i -'  the  militia,  il 

that  one  thousand  men   to  be  il  a  and  about  Medford,  will 

"II:  i  i,  ,|  mm  to  .  'I'1'  thej  would 

,  i..  forward  ami  promote  the  n<  •.%   1 
nii'l  Ii  fond  11m  ir 

furlough*,  '>r  '  mil  may  I  '"  Iheii  formoi  bon 

I  .mi  lir,  with  much  n  I  at  humble  icrvant, 

ji  i-.  i:i  lie   S 


494  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.         [July  13, 

directing  the  said  receiver  general,  to  pay  Mr.  William  Barber,  the 
said  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds,  for  the  use  of  Capt.  Noble. 

Resolved,  That  Capt.  Stone  be  appointed  to  the  office  of  president 
of  this  Congress  in  the  absence  of  Col.  Warren. 

Capt.  Stone,  agreeably  to  his  request,  being  excused  from  the  office 
of  president  : 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Benjamin  Lincoln  be  appointed  to  officiate  as 
president  of  this  Congress  in  the  absence  of  the  Hon.  James  Warren, 
Esq. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  the  petition  of  the  selectmen 
and  committee  of  safety  of  the  district  of  Harpswell,1  reported,  that  the 
consideration  of  said  petition  be  referred  to  the  general  assembly.  The 
report  was  accepted. 

Resolved,  That  Lieut.  Zachariah  Gurney  be,  and  he  hereby  is  di- 
rected, to  take  into  his  custody  John  Davis,  and  John  Freeman  a  ne- 
gro man,  and  convey  them  to  Cambridge,  and  deliver  them  according 
to  the  resolves  of  this  Congress  respecting  them ;  copies  of  which  are 
to  be  delivered  him,  together  with  this  resolve. 

Capt.  Stone,  agreeably  to  the  direction  this  day  of  Congress,  brought 
in  the  following  resolve,  which  was  accepted  : 

(1)  "  To  the  honorable  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  convened  at  Watertown,  July 
— ,  1775." 

"  The  petition  of  the  selectmen  and  committee  of  safety,  at  the  desire,  and  in  behalf  of  the  inhabi- 
tants of  the  district  of  Harpswell,  humbly  sheweth  ;  that  your  petitioners  have,  at  all  times,  exert- 
ed themselves  in  prosecuting  those  measures  recommended  by  the  Continental  and  Provincial  Con- 
gresses ;  that  it  is  their  fixed  determination  to  continue  thus  to  do;  that  some  of  said  inhabitants 
cheerfully  enlisted  for  the  public  safety,  and  to  ward  off  that  despotic  and  arbitrary  power  with 
which  administration  is  aiming  to  govern  the  colonies  ;  that  said  district,  on  the  account  of  its  situa- 
tion, being  an  isthmus,  or  neck  of  land,  about  ten  miles  in  length,  with  many  adjacent  islands,  nav- 
igable on  eacli  side,  upwards  of  seven  miles  for  ships  of  the  navy,  and  abounding  with  cattle,  sheep, 
Sec,  is  peculiarly  exposed  to  the  ravages  of  the  British  troops  ;  that  the  inhabitants  of  said  district, 
did,  at  their  own  cost,  station  guards  every  night,  at  sundry  places  most  exposed,  lest  the  troops 
should  be  benefited  by  their  provision  ;  that  the  enlisted  men  were,  upon  the  20th  of  June  last,  put 
upon  duty  by  ordei  of  their  superior  officers,  to  guard  said  district  from  the  plundering  of  troops 
which  were  daily  expected  with  cutters,  &c.  ;  that  the  inhabitants  of  said  district  are  in  low  cir- 
cumstances, and  are  unable  to  enlist  any  more  men,  unless  their  husbandry  employment  greatly  suf- 
fers, which  must  be  an  additional  distress  to  that  which  they  aliendy  feel  ;  that,  should  the  men  al- 
ready enlisted  be  called  away  to  join  the  army,  s.iiil  district  is  liable  to  fall  an  easy  prey  to  the  rav- 
ages of  troops  which  may  attack  it  lor  fresh  provisions.  Your  petitioners  therefore,  humbly  pray, 
that  this  honorable  Congress  in  their  peat  wisdom,  would  allow  said  district  the  number  of  men  al- 
ready enlisted,  with  such  additional  number]  as  the  Congress  may  judge  proper ;  and  your  petition- 
ers, as  in  duty  bound,  shall  ever  pray," 


\\  11.1,1  \M    BYH  IS  IKK.  I  of  said  District. 

PAUL  KENDALL.  )  Committee  of  Safeti 

WILLIAM  SYLVESTER,     for  said  District.'* 


Harpsirrll,  8  July,  1775V 


L775.]  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  i>; 

/.'  tohted,  That  Henrj  Gardner,  Esq.,  receiver  general,  be,  and 
i-  herebj  ordered,  to  pay  to  Mr.  William  Barber,  t''>r  the  use  "i  Capt 
James  Noble,  £100,  aa  pari  of  said  Noble's  paj  roll  as  captain  in  Col. 
B       licl  Arnold's  regiment,  in  tin-  late  expedition  against  the  poal 
Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  for  the  use  of  Baid  Noble  -  companj 

The  committee  appointed  i'»  consider  an  account  of  Mr.  Solomon 
Lothrop,  reported.     The  report  was   accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz. 

Resolved,  Thai  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereb]  is  directed,  to 
pa]  Mr.  S.  Lothrop,  the  sum  ol  €24  St  9d.  in  full  of  his  account 
exhibited  this  day,  for  entertainment  provided  for  General  Washing- 
ton. 

Resolved,  That  the  resolve  passed  yesterday,  directing  the  receiver 
general  to  pa]  Mr  John  Gill  €6  17s.8d.  be  reconsidered. 

/.'  totved,  That  John  Davis,  one  of  the  persons  taken  from  Long 
Island,  and  brought  under  guard  to  this  Congress,  be  remanded  to  the 
commander  in  chief  of  the  American  forces,  at  Cambridge,  being 
pected  t"  have  deserted  from  Capt  Foster's  company  in  the  artillery, 
and  engaged  in  the  service  of  our  enemies:  that  he  be  delivered,  to- 
gether with  a  copy  of  tin-  resolve,  to  Buch  officer  as  the  general  shall 
appoint 

Resolved,  That  John  Freeman  a  oegro  man,  one  of  the  persons 
taken  from  Long  Island,  and  brought  under  guard  to  this  Congi 
be  committed  to  the  jail  in  Cambridge;  there  to  remain  mud  be  he 
discharged  by  order  of  tin-  Congress,  or  Borne  future  house  of  repre- 
tivt  3,  or  by  order  of  the  committee  of  safety,  in  case  there  i>  no 
('unjre-s  or  house  of  representatives  then  Bitting,  and  the  jail  keep  r 
is  hereby  directed  to  receive,  detain,  and  provide  for  the  Baid  John 
accordingly . 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Crane,  Major  Fuller  and  Mr.  Jeueit,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  relative  to  horses,  this 
day  presented  to  Congress. 

The  resolve  of  the  committee  of  safety,  relative  to  Buch  soldiers 
have  enlisted  twice,  was  read,  and   again   recommitted  to  Col.  Porter, 

(  !ol.   Mosel]    and  Capt.  Stone. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Phillips,  Mr.  Kolloek  and  Mr.  Robinson,  be  a 
committee  to  brine  in  a  resolve,  recommending  to  the  inhabitants  ol 
this  colony  not  to  kill  any  more  sheep,  till  the  general  assembly  shall 
take  some  order  hereon. 

The  committee  appointed  to  make  an  establishment  of  Bait,  tor  the 
soldier-,    reported      The   report    was    accepted,    and    i-    as   folio 
Whereas,  complaintt   have  been  made  to  this  Coi  that  there  is 


496  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  13, 

now  great  want  of  salt  in  the  camps ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the 
commissary  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  when  application  is  made  by 
any  of  the  officers  for  the  above  said  article,  to  deal  out  one  gill  per 
week  to  each  person,  for  which  said  application  is  made,  and  no  more. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of 
safety,  relative  to  several  horses  taken  from  the  enemy,  reported.  The 
report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  :  Whereas,  four  horses 
were  taken  by  Capt.  Brown,  of  Salem,  and  a  party  with  him  at  or  near 
Charlestown  neck,  and  some  disputes  having  arisen  whose  property 
said  horses  should  be,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  said  horses  be  de- 
livered into  the  hands  of  Capt.  Brown  aforesaid,  until  the  further  order 
of  this  Congress,  or  some  future  house  of  representatives  of  this  colo- 
ny, to  whom  he  is  to  be  accountable  for  the  same. 

The  committee  appointed  to  bring  in  a  resolve  recommending  to  the 
inhabitants  of  this  colony,  not  to  kill  any  more  sheep,  &c,  reported. 
The  report  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed  in  the  newspapers, 
and  in  handbills  to  be  issued  for  procuring  coats,  &c. 

Whereas,  there  is  the  highest  probability  of  a  very  large  demand 
for  the  article  of  wool,  and  inconceivable  mischief  may  ensue  from 
delaying  a  speedy  provision  for  its  increase  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  that 
they  refrain  from  killing  any  sheep,  or  lambs,  excepting  in  cases  of 
absolute  necessity,  till  the  further  order  of  this  Congress,  or  some  fu- 
ture assembly  of  this  colony,  and  it  is  expected  of  every  person  who 
regards  the  advice  of  this  body,  the  decisions  of  the  Continental  Con- 
gress, or  the  welfare  of  this  people,  that  they  grant  a  strict  compliance 
herewith. 

A  resolve  was  brought  in  on  the  account  of  Alexander  Gray,  and 
accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.  : 

It,  .-.nl ml.  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to 
pa]  Mr.  Alexander  Gray,  or  order,  £2  7s.  8d.  in  full  for  the  balance 
of  hi>  account  of  time,  and  expenses,  on  a  journey  to  Philadelphia,  as 
an  express  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

A  resolve  for  paymenl  of  .Mr.  Nathaniel  Barber's  account  was 
brought  in,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows,  viz.: 

Resolved,  Thai  the  receiver  general  be,  and  hereby  is  directed,  to 
pay  Mr.  Nathaniel  Barber,  or  order,  €4  lis.  id.  in  full  for  one 
month's  service  as  store  keeper  of  the  ordnance,  and  expenses  of 
horse  hire,  &,c,  agreeably  to  an  account  exhibited  to  this  Congress, 
by  said  Barber. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  a  resolve  of  the  committee  of 


1775.]  THIRD  PR<  >\  INC1  \l.  I  <  INGRESS  v>; 

safety,  relative  t"  soldiers  who  had  enlisted  twice,  reported  'I 
pun  was  accepted,  and  i-  as  follows,  \i/..  :  \\  1 1. - r . • : - .  man)  inconven- 
iences have  an -en  b)  reason  of  divers  soldiers  of  tin-  forci  d  by  thin 
colon]  enlisting  a  second  mm-  into  other  companies  than  those  which 
they  first  enlisted  into,  which  ought  to  be  remedied;  thi  /'  - 
solved,  tint  every  soldier,  w  ho,  before  tin-  second  da]  of  Jul]  instant,  has 
enlisted  into  other  companies  than  those  with  whom  he  at  first  enlist- 
ed, unless  tli'-  Becond  enlistment  was  made  with  the  consent  of  the 
officer  with  whom  In-  at  tii  -t  enlisted,  or  b]  i  onsent  <>i  the  committi  e 
of  Bafety,  or  order  of  Congress,  in  either  of  which  Mm-  iir~' 
listmenl  Bhall  !"•  void,  Bhall  ri  turn  to  tin-  compan]  with  whom  In-  first 
enlisted,  if  requested  by  the  commanding  officer  ol  such  company, 
otherwise  to   remain  in  tin-  company  he  next  enlisted  mi".     And  in 

.in \  dispute  Bhall  arise,  whether  anj  such  Becond  enlistment 
made  bj  consent,  or  <>r<!c  r,  a-  above  expressed,  the  committee  of  safely 
are  berebj  empowered  and   directed  fully  and  finally  to  settle  ami  de- 
termine tin-  same. 

'The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  towns  tin-  ten  j »r i -« •  r 
shall  be  sent  to,  reported.      Tin-  n-p.irt  was  accepted,  ami  i-  a-  fol 
viz .  : 

Resolved,  That  ten  persons,  taken  from  Long  [aland,  !><■  Bent  to 
the  towns  in  tin-  county  of  Worcester  hereafter  named,  viz.  John 
Hayes  and  Thomas  Bibby  to  the  town  of  Lunenburg;  James  Griffin 
ami  Jehu  R.-.-d  t.>  Rutland;  I'  Vferren  ami  Michael  Malonj  to 
Shrewsbury;  Patrick  Hickej  and  Richard  Nash  t-  Brookiield ;  Mi- 
chael Mellows  and  John  Fleming  i<>  Sutton  to  be  received,  employ- 
ed and  provided  for,  by  the  selectmen  of  those  respective  towns,  in 
the  best  wa]  and  manner  thej  can,  till  the  further  order  of  tin-  col- 
on]      And    it    is   further    Resolvi  I,  that    the    pris srs    -hall    not    be 

at  libert]  to  pass  over  the  line  of  tin-  town,  where  they  an-  respective- 
U  Btationed,  without  a  pass  from  the  selectmen  of  such  town,  after 
thej  have  arrived  then  in. 

Further  /«'<  olved,  That  a  copj  of  the  fori  o  far  as  relates  to 

each  town,  be  bj  them  carried  to  the  selectmen  of  such  town,  and  that 
each  of  the  above  named  persons  be  informed,  that  an)  attempt  to 
make  an  escape,  or  evade  the  execution  of  the  above  resolve,  shall  be 
deemed  full  evidence   of  his  bein  jed   in  the  service  of  the  < 

mies  of  this  country,  and  that  he  shall  b<  treated  as  such. 

Further  R<  olved,  that  each  of  thi  said  persons  be  furnished  wnii 
two  days' provisions,  to  enable  them  to  repair  to  th  al   placi 


498  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  13, 

their  destination ;  which  provision  shall  be  delivered  to  them   by  Cap- 
tain Brown,  out  of  the  colony  stores  in  this  place. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  Phillips,  and  Col.  Porter,  Mr. 
Gerry,  and  Capt.  Stone,  be  a  committee  to  revise  and  explain  the  com- 
mission of  the  committee  of  safety. 

Afternoon. 

[The  committee  appointed  to  revise  the  commission  of  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  reported.  The  report  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows, 
viz. :] 

Resolved,  That  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  Benjamin 
Church,  Capt.  Benjamin  White,  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  Mr.  Richard 
Devens,  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Col.  Azor  Orne,  Hon.  Benjamin 
Greenleaf,  Esq  ,  Nathan  Cushing,  Esq.,  Doct.  Samuel  Holten,  and 
Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee 
of  safety  for  this  colony,  with  the  powers  and  authorities  hereafter  ex- 
pressed, and  no  other,  that  is  to  say ;  that  the  said  committee  shall 
have  full  power,  at  any  time  during  the  recess  of  this  Congress,  if  they 
shall  judge  it  necessary,  in  the  shortest  and  most  effectual  manner,  to 
summon  and  cause  to  come  together  a  quorum  of  this  Congress,  forty 
at  the  least  to  be  accounted  a  quorum,  at  such  place  as  the  said  com- 
mittee shall  judge  most  proper ;  and  in  assembling  such  quorum  the 
said  committee  are  hereby  strictly  enjoined  to  notify  such  members  as 
may  be  most  expeditiously  assembled.  Also,  that  the  said  committee 
be,  and  they  hereby  are  invested  with  full  power,  until  the  thirtieth  day  of 
July  instant,  or  until  their  commission  shall  be  abrogated  by  the  repre- 
sentative body  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  upon  application  made 
to  them  therefor,  by  the  general  and  commander  in  chief  of  the  conti- 
nental army  in  this  colony,  for  the  time  being,  or  whenever  the  said 
committee,  without  such  application,  shall  judge  the  safety  of  the 
lives  and  property  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  or  of  any  of 
tin  in,  shall  absolutely  require  it,  to  warn,  and  cause  to  be  assembled, 
such  and  so  many  of  the  militia  thereof,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary, 
at  such  place  or  places  within  the  colony  as  they  shall  judge  proper, 
and  Buch  militia  to  retain  and  discharge  as  to  the  said  committee  shall 

m  unci.  Also,  th.it  the  said  committee  are  hereby  empowered, 
during  the  time  lasl  mentioned,  to  procure,  and  employ  for  that  part  of 
tli''  Baid  continental  army  raised  by  this  colony,  all  such  armorers  and 
other  tradesmen  and  artificers,  as  they  shall  suppose  and  judge  to  be 
needed,  to  further  and  promote  the  operations  of  the  said  army,  and 
them,  as  also  all  such  tradesmen  and  artificers  as  arc  now  retained, 
and  employed  for  thai  pari  of  the  said   army,  to  regulate,  arrange,  re- 


1775.1  IIIIKh  l'i;<  >YI\<  I  \l    I  «  >NGR  ESS 

move,    dismiss,    and    discharge,    for   unskil fulness,   uufaithfulu 
whenevei  the  service  maj    nol    require   the   further  retaining  them,  01 
,in\  of  them.     And  the  said  committee  ;r-  herebj  desired  i"  be  atten- 
tive i"  ill"  behavior  and  performances  of  such  tradesmen  and  artifii 
.i~  are  now,  or  shall  l»-  in  the  service  and  emploj  of  this  « - < •  I « •  ■  ■  \  in  the 
said  army,  thai  the  colon)  be  no!  defrauded    bj  unfaithful,  and   incom- 

ill    per-oli-. 

And  the  said  committee   are   i  authorized   to  execute  all  the 

commissions,  and  perform  all  the  service  have  been  given  them, 

and  t'>  which  the)  have  been  appointed  in  and  bj  an)  special  r<  solv<  - 
of  this  Congress,  made  and  passed  at  this  session,  h  hich  the)  have  nol 
\<i  executed  and  perform* 

And  furthermore,  the  said  committee  are  herebj  empowered  to  make 
such  further  provision  for  the  reception,  sustenance,  and  support  of  the 
poor  of  Boston  and  Charlestown  as  have,  or  ma)  come  out  of  said 
towns,  as  ma)  appear  to  I"  n  c<  ssar)  forthi  ir  comfortable  subsistence, 
according  i"  the  i ■  m •  -i 1 1 1< >i i  of  Congress,  taking  all  imaginable  care  i«. 
guard  ; i lt •  i i 1 1 - 1  the  infection  of  the  small  pox,  by  persona  coming  out  "I 
ilic  town  of  Boston,  ;m<l  an)  other  means  whatever 

And  it  i-  hereb)  Resolved,  and  Ordered,  thai  any  five  of  said  com- 
mittee,  if  a  majorit)  are  nol  present,  be  a  quorum,  with  full  powers  to 
acl  in  the  same  manner  a<  if  the  whole  were  present.  And  the  whole 
of  said  committee  are  desired,  notwithstanding,  t"  give  their  punctual. 
and  constant  attendant  lid  committ 

Resolved,  Tb  lid  committee  I"-,  and  the)    herebj    are  fully 

empowered,  until  the  thirtieth  of  Jul)  instant,  oi  until  their  commission 
shall  be  abrogated  bj  the  repn  sentative  bodj  of  the  inhabitant!  of  this 
colony,  to  receive,  examine,  and  discharge,  or  cause  to  be  confined, 
according  to  their  wisdom,  an j  person  or  persons  taken  captive,  that 
maj  properlj  conic  under  the  cognizance  of  the  representative  bodj  ol 
this  people,  and  to  receive,  and  dulj  secure,  an)  interests,  or  effects, 
the  conduct  whereof  is  not  alreadj  provided  for,  thai  shall  l>c  al  the 
disposal  oi  tin-  colony.  And  all  the  power-  with  which  the  committee 
oi  safet)  were  vested  by  the  resolve  of  the  eighteenth  of  Maj  last,  ej 
such  as  are  contained  in  the  above  resolves,  are  herebj  revoked,  and 
declared  null  and  void. 

Ordered,  Thai    Major  Fuller  of  Newton,  Col.  Farley,    Mr  Cram 
Capl   Stom    ami  Major  Fuller,  be  a  committee  to  examine  the  pri 
ers  brought   from   Machias,   and   reporl  what    i-   best  to  be  done  with 
them. 

Ordered,  That  Col,  Mosely,  Mi    W Ibridge,  and  Mi    Kollock 


500  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS.  [July  13, 

a  committee  to  consider   Lieut.  Ely   Styles'  [account  of  the]  expense 
of  bringing  ten  prisoners  from  Machias. 

The  committee  last  mentioned,  having  attended  the  service  to  which 
they  were  appointed,  reported  the  following  resolve,  which  was  ac- 
cepted, viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  the  receiver  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  directed 
to  pay  Lieut.  Ely  Styles  the  sum  of  six  pounds  twelve  shillings,  in  full 
discharge  of  the  money  he  expended  in  bringing  a  number  of  prisoners 
from  Machias  to  Watertown. 

The  committee  appointed  to  consider  what  is  best  to  be  done  with 
the  ten  prisoners  brought  from  Machias,  reported :  whereupon,  Re- 
solved, that  the  commanding  officer  of  the  town  of  Watertown  be 
desired  to  appoint  some  officer,  with  a  guard  of  not  more  than  eight 
men,  to  conduct  the  said  prisoners  to  the  jail  in  Worcester,  tomorrow 
morning-,  that  Captain  Crafts  be  desired  to  take  care  of  the  said  pris- 
oners, till  that  time;  and  that  the  officer  who  may  be  appointed  to 
conduct  said  prisoners  to  Worcester,  be  empowered  to  draw  on  Capt. 
Brown,  the  commissary  in  this  town,  for  so  much  provisions  as  may  be 
necessary  for  their  support  to  Worcester;  and  Capt.  Brown  is  directed 
to  supply  them  accordingly. 

The  report  above  mentioned  was  [reconsidered,  amended,  and]  ac- 
cepted, as  follows,  viz.  : 

Resolved,  That  Thomas  Skinner,  a  seaman,  William  Nurse,  a  ma- 
rine, John  Burrows,  a  seaman,  Nicholas  Durham,  a  marine,  Peter  Larch- 
er,  a  sailor,  Thomas  Crispo,  Joseph  Temple,  sailors,  William  Bishop, 
a  sailor,  and  John  Pardra,  a  marine,  prisoners,  all  taken  on  board  the 
armed  schooner,  called  the  Margaretta,  commanded  by  Matthew  Moor, 
near  Machias,  be  all  sent  under  a  proper  guard  to  the  common  jail  in 
the  county  of  Worcester,  and  the  jail  keeper  is  hereby  directed  to  re- 
ceive them  therein,  and  provide  for  them,  and  detain  them  there  till 
the  further  order  of  this  Congress  or  [the]  House  of  Representatives  of 
this  colony. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Phillips  be  appointed  to  acquaint  General  Wash- 
ington with  the  proceedings  of  this  Congress,  with  regard  to  Daniel 
Green,  lately  conveyed  to  Concord  jail,  and  the  reasons  thereof;  and 
desire  his  excellency  to  take  such  further  order  concerning  him  as  his 
wisdom  i n.-i \  direct. 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  Gill,  and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  return  the  thanks  of  this  Congress  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon, 
for  his  attendance  and  acceptable  services  to  this  Congress  as  their 
chaplain. 


1775  THIRD  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS  50] 

Ordered,  That  the  president,  Mr.  GUI,  and  Mr.  Gerry,  be  i  com- 
mittee to  return  th>-  thanks  of  tin-  Congress  to  the  proprietors  of  the 
meeting-house  for  the  use  of  it,  <  1  u  r  1 1 1  lt  the  session  of  this  Conj  r< 

Ordered,  That  the  present  president,  (Col.  Lincoln,)  Mr.  Gill,  and 

Mr.  Gerry,  be  a  i oittee  to  return  the  thank-  of  this  Congress  to  the 

Hon.  Jamea  Warren,  Esq.,  for  his  faithful  services  as  president  of  the 

( ',.ii  f r<  — . 

R<  >,)/rult  Thai  the  committee  of  supplies  l<e,  and  hereby  are  « I  i  r  • 
ed,  on  application  made  by  anj  of  the  ml  abitants  of  the  eastern  parts 
lit'  the  colony,  to  grant  them  Buch  relief,  out  of  the  public  stor< 
they  may  think  proper,  consistent  with  the  general  interest,  during  the 
recess  ol  the  ( 'ongress. 

Whereas,  the  Hon.  Jedediah  Preble, and  the  ll<'n.  Enoch  Freeman, 
Esq.,  have  employed  some  persons  t>>  build  a  number  of  whale-fa 
for  the  service  of  the  public,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  committee  of 
supplies  be,  and  berebj  arc  directed,  to  deliver  to  Capt.  Briant  Mor- 
ton, "r  order,  t<>  be  bj  said  Morton  delivered  to  said  Preble  and  Free- 
man, such  a  quantity  of  nails  and  provisions  as  they  think  will  l>e 
necessarj  to  complete  the  building  said  boats. 

The  Congress  then  adjourned  to  Wednesdaj  next,  at  i  ight  o'clock, 
A.  M. 

Wednesday,  Julv   19,  IT 3 

Col.  Easton  being  admitted,  requested  that  a  committee  be  appoint- 
ed to  consider  the  necessitj  of  drawing  on  the  treasurj  tor  the  sum  of 
twelve  hundred  pounds,  said  to  be  due  to  his  regiment  at  Ticonderoga. 

(>n  a  motion  made,  Ordered,  that  Deacon  Fisher,  Doct  Taylor,  and 
Mr.  Gill,  !"•  a  committee  for  that  purpose,  and  that  thej  be  directed,  in 
case  they  cannot  report  to  this  Congress,  to  make  report  to  the  next 
I  [ouse  oi   Etepresentatn  es. 

On  a  motion  made  and  seconded,  that  the  Congress  be  dissolved, 
the  question  was  put,  and  it  passi  d  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Congress  was  accordingly  dissolved. 

s  \Ml  i:i.  FREEM  W  Secretary. 


.)  O  i:  R  N  A  L  S 


..I 


T  J I  E  C  O  31  M  I  T  T  E  E  or    S  A  I   E  I  Y 


AM.    OK 


THE  COMMITTEE  OF  SUPPLIES 


OF 


THE  PROVINCIAL  CONGRESS 


.'► 


1774—1775. 


.1  or  II  N  A  L. 


V>\  i  Mini:    2,    I " "  1 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety,  at  the  house  of  Cap1   Sted- 
man,  in  Cambridge,  November  2,  1774,  Wednesday : 

I'n  tent — 1 1 "ii.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  chairman,  Col.  Orne,  .Mr.  \\ 
son,  Col.   Palmer,   .Mr.  JJewns  ('apt.    Heath,   Doct.   Warren,   I)'"' 
Church,  Capt.  White,  John  Pigeon  : 

Voted,  That  Jolm  Pigeon  be  clerk  of  this  committee. 

Voted,  'That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of  supplies,  to  pro- 
cure, a>  soon  as  may  be,  :{•">•"»  barrels  of  pork,  "nil  barrels  ■>!'  floui .  20  tier- 
ces of  rice,  300  bushels  of  pease  ;  and  thai  there  !><■  deposited  of  them, 
in  Worcester,  200  barrels  of  pork,  Iimi  barrels  of  flour,  150  bushels  "I 
pease:  ami,  at  Concord,  155  barrels  of  pork,  300  barrels  of  il"ur. 
tierces  of  rice,  and  |.">n  bushels  of  pease. 

Adjourned  to  meet  oext  Tuesday,  ten  o'clock,  at  Capt  Stedm 

V'\  I  Mill  i;     S,     1774. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  safet)  and  of  supplies  at  the  ho 
ofCapt.  Stedman,  Tuesdaj  the  Bth  of  November,  1"  I 

Present — Doct.  Warren,  Doct.  Church,  Capt,  White,  Capt.  Heath, 
Mr.  Devens,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Watson,  J.  Pigeon,  committet  of  safety: 
Col.  Lee,  Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  Gill,  Mr.  Hall,  Col.  Lincoln,  commit' 
ht  of  supplii 

Voted,  unanimously,  1>\  the  committee  of  safety,  that  the  commil  ! 
of  supplies  be  advised  to  procure  all  the  arm-  and  ammunition  the) 
ran.  at  the  neighboring  provinces  on  the  continent  and.  that  it  is  • 
commended,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  do,  and  ma)  with  safety, 
engage  to  pa)  for  the  same,  <>n  the  arrival  here  of  said  arm-  and  am- 
munition. 

Voted,    That    the    committees    adjourn    lo    Mi      Whitteinore's,  in 
Charlestown,  to  mi  el  next  Tue  d  i)    at  U  n  o  <  lo 
54 


506    COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [Dec.  20, 

November  15,  1774. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  safety  and  supplies,  at  Mrs.  Whit- 
temore's,  in  Charlestown,  on  Tuesday,  15th  November,  1774  : 

Present^- Doct.  Warren,  Doct.  Church,  Col.  Palmer,  Mr.  Devens, 
Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Orne,  Mr.  White,  J.  Pigeon,  committee  of  safety : 
Col.  Lee,  Col.  Lincoln,  Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  Gill,  committee  of  sup- 

plies  : 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  Mr.  Gill  be  desired  to  apply  to  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Powell,  to  get  seven  large  pieces  of  cannon,  on  the  best  terms  he 
can ;  and,  that  said  Gill  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Hall  be  desired  to  get  them 
out  of  Boston  to  some  place  in  the  country,  in  such  manner  as  they 
may  think  most  prudent. 

December  20,  1774. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  safety  and  supplies,  at  the  house 
of  Mrs.  Whittemore,  of  Charlestown,  on  Tuesday,  the  20th  of  Decem- 
ber, 1774  : 

Present — John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Col.  Orne,  Col.  Heath,  Capt.  White, 
Doct.  Church,  Doct.  Warren,  Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Palmer,  J.  Pigeon, 
coynmittce  of  safety :  Col.  Lee,  Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  Gill,  Mr  Hall, 
committee  of  supplies  : 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  endeavor  to  procure  the  fol- 
lowing articles,  viz. :  200  spades,  150  Iron  shovels,  150  pick-axes, 
1000  six  quart  iron  pots,  200  bill  hooks,  1000  wooden  mess  bowls,  1 
tenant  saw,  sieves,  cartridge  paper,  tin  cases,  tubes,  drills,  hand  mal- 
lets, drawing  knives,  gunner's  quadrants,  and  fuses,  as  much  as  they 
think  necessary  of  each  of  those  articles,  to  which  the  quantity  is  not 
annexed. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  Doct.  Warren,  Doct.  Church,  and  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  be  a  committee  to  inspect  the  commissa- 
ries' stores,  in  Boston,  and  report  what  surgeon's  stores  and  stores  of 
other  kind  arc  there. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Doct.  War- 
ren,  and  Mr.  Gil),  lie  a  committee  to  write  a  letter  to  Henry  Gardner, 
Esq.,  directing  him  to  draft  a  letter  to  the  collectors  and  constables, 
requesting  them  to  make  immediate  payments  of  the  taxes  for  1773 
and  1774,  and  all  other  province  money  in  their  hands. 

Voted,  That  the  committees  adjourn  to  meet  next  Wednesday,  at 
eleven  o'clock,  ai  Mrs.  Whittemore's,  in  Charlestown. 


1774.]      COMMITTEES  OF  suT/r     WD  si  ppi  i; 

.1  v m  \k\   5    1775 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  safety  and  supplie  house 

of  Mrs.  Whittemore,  "i  Charlestown,  <>n  Thursday,  the  5th  of  Janua- 
ry, !"•"> 

Present — John   Hancock,   Esq.,  Doct   Warren,  Mi     W  it ( 

Heath,  J.    Pigeon,  committet  ty:    Col.  I         tf r.  Gill,  !>■ 

Cheever,  Mr    II  ill.  Col.  Lincoln,  committet  oj  -uji/i/it>  : 

Voted,  That  tlir  last  vote  at  the  meeting  on  the  20th  ultimo,  where- 
in a  committee  was  appointed  to  urn.-  ;i  letter  to  Henrj  (i  trdner,  Esq  , 
directing  him  to  write  t"  the  collectors  and  constables,  requesting  im- 
mediate payment  of  the  taxes  for  1":!  and  I""  I.  and  all  other  province 
debts,  be  reconsidered,  which  \\a>  done,  and,  Voted,  that  it  Bubside, 
and  tli.it  said  Gardner  receive  the  t  ixes,  &c,  when  brought  t<>  him. 

Voted,  That   Doct  Warren  I"-  desired  to  wait  "ii  Col.  Robinson,  to 
desire  him  to  deliver  to  any  person   Deacon  Cheever  -hall  send,  two 
brass  cannon,  and  two  seven  inch  mortars  and  beds,  and,  that  Mr  \\ 
liam    Dawes   be  desired  to  deliver  to  said  Cheever,  one  pair  of  b 
cannon,  and.  that  the  said  Cheever  procure  carriage  a  for  said  cannon, 
or  any  other  cannon  that  require  them;  that  the  battering  cannon 
nazes  be  carried  to  the  cannon  at  Waltham,  and,  that  the  cannon  and 
carriages  remain  there  till  further  ord< 

I  inl,  That  the  committees  adjourn,  and  meet  at  this  place  on  the 
lasl  Wednesdaj  in  this  month,  eleven  o'clock,  but  if  storm j    the  next 

fair  day. 

.1  wi  \x\    25,    I" 75. 

\i  a  m,  eting  of  I  of  safetj  and  supplies,  at  the  house 

of  Mrs.  Whittemore,  of  Charlestown,  on  Wednesday,  the  25th  of  J 
uar) ,  I"  "»  . 

Present — Doct.  Warren,  Mr.  Watson,  I  >•  icon  Palmer,  Mr.  Devens, 
Capt.  White,  Col.  Orne,  .1.  Pigeon,  commiltei  of  safety:  Mr.  Gill, 
Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  Hall,  Col.  Liucoln,  committei  oj  supplies  : 

Voted,  That  all  the  cannon,  mortars,  cannon  halls  and  shells,  be  de- 
posited at  the  towns  of  Worcester  and  Concord,  in  the  same  propor- 
tion as  the  provisions  are  to  be  deposited. 

Voted,  unanimously,  thai  two  ten  inch  mortars  I"-  provided,  and 
also,  two  howitzers  be  provided,  together  with  a  suitable  quantity  ol 
shells,  by  the  committee  of  supplies 

I  oted,  unanimously,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  endeavor  to  pro- 
cure the  following  articles,  viz,  200  axes  handled  and  ground  com- 
plete, 50  wheelb  irrows. 


508    COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [Feb.  13, 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  Deacon  Cheever  settle  the  account  with 
Mrs.  Whittemore,  for  charges  of  entertainment  at  her  house,  pay  the 
same,  and  exhibit  his  account  to  the  next  Congress. 

Voted,  That  the  two  committees  adjourn,  and  meet  next  Friday 
week,  at  one  o'clock,  at  Capt.  Stedman's,  of  Cambridge,  and  dine  to- 
gether, and,  that  Mr.  Watson  bespeak  a  dinner  and  room. 

February  3,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety  and  committee  of  supplies, 
at  the  house  of  Capt.  Ebenezer  Stedman,  on  Friday,  the  3d  of  Febru- 
ary : 

Present — The  Hon.  John  Hancock,  Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Palmer, 
Capt.  White,  Col.  Orne,  Col.  Heath,  Mr.  Devens,  committee  of  safety  : 
Col.  Lee,  Col.  Lincoln,  Deacon  Cheever,  Mr.  Gill,  and  Mr.  Hall,  com- 
mittee of  supplies  : 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  six  pounders  that  were  formerly  voted 
to  be  procured,  be  passed  by. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  two  pieces  of  brass  cannon  in  the  care 
of  Capt.  Robinson,  and  the  two  pieces  of  [cannon]  that  were  taken  out 
of  Boston,  be  included  in  the  sixteen  that  were  voted. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  chairman  of  [the  committee  of]  sup- 
plies be  directed  to  report  to  the  Congress  their  transactions,  since 
their  appointment,  and,  that  this  report  be  made  to-morrow  forenoon.1 

February  13,   1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety  and  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, at  Capt.  Stedman's,   at  Cambridge,  on  Monday,  February  13, 

IMMp 

I  /  <o  : 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Mr.  Palmer,  Deacon  Fisher,  Capt. 
White,  Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Heath,  Mr.  Devens,  of  the  committee  of 
safety:  Col.  Lincoln,  Mr.  Gill,  Elbridge  Gerry,  of  the  committee  of 
•  applies  : 

\<itid.  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  desired  to  purchase  all 
the  powder  they  can,  upon  the  best  terms  they  can. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  White  and  Col.  Lincoln,  be  a  committee  to  wait 
on  Col.  Robinson,  and  receive  from  him  the  four  brass  field  pieces, 
and  three  brass  mortars,  now  in  his  hands,  the  property  of  the  prov- 
ince, and  as  soon  as  ma]  be,  remove   them   to  the  town  of  Concord, 

(1)  The  rccordH  oftbil  meeting,  iiikI  of  that  beld  February  13,  nre  subscribed  by  Richard  Doven§, 
•ij  '■lerk  pro  tempore. 


1775.]       COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY    AND  SI  iTl.n 

ami  they  ar«-  to  inform  him  that  the  committee  agree,  in  I  i  rup- 

ture with  the  troops,  thai  the  said  field  pieces  Bhall   be  for  the  uai 
tin*  artillery  companies  in  1 5 < •  - 1 < > i a  and   Dorchester,  and  if  matters  are 
Bettled  without,  Baid  field  pieces  are  to  be  returned  !•>  said  Robinson 

l'i  bbi  mi  21,  l " 

At  a  meeting  "i"  the  committee  of  safety,  and  committee  of  sup- 
plies, at  the  bouse  of  Capt.  Nathan  Adam  ,  in  Charlestown,  Tueadaj, 
February  21,    1 775  : 

Present — Hon.  John.  Hancock,  Docl  Joseph  Warn  a,  Docl  Church, 
Mr.  Watson,  Col.  Heath,  .Mr.  Devens,  Col.  Orne,  committet  fety: 

Mr.  Gill,    Mr.   Cheever,  Mr.  Gerry   and  Col.    Lincoln,   eommHtet    oj 

Voted,  unanimously,  by  both  committees,  that  the  committee  of 
-iippl i.  -  do  procure  ten  tons  of  brimstone,  provided,  it  can  be  bad  on 
tin-  condition  ;  that  the  c< nittee  of  supplies  eng  ige  to  paj  there- 
for, when  the  present  owner  shall  have  opportunit)  to  sell  the  same,  or 
that  it  shall  be  returned  in  six  months  if  uot  used,  and  if  used,  that  it 
shall  then  !)«■  paid  tor. 

Voted,  unanimously,  by  the  committee  of  safety,  thai  the  commit- 
tee of  supplies  purchase  all  kinds  of  warlike  Btores,  sufficient  for  an 
army  <>t  fifteen  thousand  men  to  take  the  field. 

Voted,  unanimously,  thai  the  powder  that  is  now  at  Concord  \>>-  r. - 
imi\ ed  to  Leicester. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  get  fifteen 
thousand  canteens. 

I  4ed,  That  Docts.  Warren  and  Church  be  a  committee  to  bring  in 
an  inventory  of  whal  is  necessary  in  the  waj  of  their  profession,  for 
the  aboi e  army  t<>  take  the  field. 

Voted,  That  these  committees  adjourn  to  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine 
o'clock,  in  this  place. 

Fj  bri  un   22,   1 775. 

\i  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  committee  «>i 
supplies,  Wednesday  morning,  February  22,  1775 

Present— Hon.  John  Hancock,  <  Sol.  <  hrne,  ( Sol.  Heath,  Capt  W  bite, 
Mr.    Watson,    Mr.    Devens,    Mr.    Pigeon,    Doct.   Warren    and    D 
Church,  committ*   of  safety:  Col.   Lincoln,   Mr.  Cheever,  Mr.  Gerry 
and  Mr.  Gill,  of  the  cotnmitte*  oj   supplu 

Voted,  That   the  committee  of  supplies  procure  one  hundred  bell 

tents,  for  arm- 


510     COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [Feb.  23, 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  procure  one  thousand  field 
tents  complete,  for  the  soldiers. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  procure  ten  tons  of  lead 
balls,  in  addition  to  what  were  formerly  voted. 

Voted,  That  said  committee  employ  a  number  of  men  to  make  cart- 
ridges for  fifteen  thousand  men,  for  thirty  rounds. 

Voted,  That  said  committee  purchase  three  hundred  bushels  of 
beans  or  peas,  more  than  formerly  ordered.  Also,  that  they  purchase 
twenty  hogsheads  of  molasses:  also,  150  quintals  of  salt  fish:  also, 
two  carpenters'  chests  of  tools  complete. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Pigeon  be  the  commissary  of  stores. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  on  the  arrival  of  more  troops, 
take  possession  of  the  province  arms,  now  at  the  college,  and  send 
them  to  Worcester. 

Voted,  That  the  province  arms,  now  at  Boston  and  Roxbury,  be  re- 
moved by  Moses  Gill,  Esq.,  to  AVorcester. 

Voted,  unanimously,  by  both  committees,  that,  on  certain  intelli- 
gence, or  such  as  appears  to  the  committee  to  be  such,  of  the  arrival 
of  the  reenforcements  coming  to  General  Gage,  that  then  the  commit- 
tee  appointed  to  assemble  the  Congress,  be  desired  to  despatch  cou- 
riers to  assemble  the  Congress  immediately. 

Voted,  That  the  committees  adjourn  to  this  place,  to  meet  to-mor- 
row morning,  at  forty-five  minutes  after  7  o'clock  :  and  that  when 
the  committees  meet  to  transact  business  after  the  arrival  of  the  reen- 
forcements to  General  Gage,  it  be  at  Capt.  Stedtnan's  at  Cambridge. 

February  23,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety  and  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, February  ~:$,  1775  : 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Col.  Ornc,  Capt.  White,  Doct. 
Church,  Mr.  Devens,  Mr.  Watson,  Doct.  Warren,  Mr.  Pigeon,  eoi/i- 
mittee  of  safety:  Col  Lincoln.  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Cheever  and  Mr.  Gill, 
commitU  <  of  supplu    : 

Voted,  Thai  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Gerry  and  John  Pigeon,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  draft  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officers  of  t he  militia,  and 
the  commanding  officers  of  the  minute  men  through  the  province,  to 
assemble  one  fourth  part  of  the  militia  through  the  province  on  receipt 
of  this  letter. 

Voted,  That  <-ne  hundred  of  each  of  the  letters  be  printed,  and  two 
hundred  of  the  resolves  of  Congress,  relating  to  the  committee  of  safe- 
ty assembling  the  militia. 


!".-,.]      COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY     IND  SUPPLIES       511 

Voted,  Thai  M         Gill,  Esq.,  and  Doct  Church,  !>>•  ■  committer 
draft  a  It- 1 1 .  r  to  each  member  of  Congress,  to  require   hia  attendance 
direct!)  on  receipt  of  said  letters 

I  ,)/n/,  l.\  the  two  committees,  that  the  folio*  ing  colonels  have  each 
two  field   pieces  put   into  their   hands,  bj  the  commitl 
viz.  :  Col.  Gardner  of  Cambridge,  Col.   Mitchel  of  Bridgewater,  I 
Warren  of  Plymouth,  Col.  Heath  <>f  Roxbury,  Col.  Ward  •>!'  Shr. 
bury,  Col.    Foster  of  Brookfield,  Col.   Robinson  ol    Don       ter,   and 
two  for  the  use  of  the  ar tiller)  company  ol   Boston,  latelj  commanded 
:•.   Major  Paddock. 

I  ted,  Thai  Mr.  Gerrj  and  Doct.  Church,  be  a  committee  t'>  draft 
a  letter  to  the  above  colonels,  relative  to  the  above  cannon. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  purcha  enty  hogsheads 

of  rum,  and  send  them  to  *  kmcord. 

Voted,  That  Doct  Warren  be  desired  to  apply  to  the. companj  for- 
merly under  the  command  <>i'  Major  Paddock,  and  know  how  many  of 
them  maj  be  depended  on,  officers  and  men,  to  form  an  artillerj  com- 
pany, when  the  constitutional   army  of  the  province  shall  take  the 

field,  and  that  report  be  made  without  loss  of  time. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Cheever  and  .Mr.  Devens  procure  couriers  to  c  irry 
letters  to  the  several  colonels  who  are  appointed  to  have  the  '-.[re  ol 
the  sixteen  field  pieces,  and  get  an  answer,  and  bring  t<>  the  committee 
<>f  supplies. 

Voted,Tha\  C  >ls.  Gardner  and  Heath  be  desired  to  procure,  by  bor- 
rowing, field  piect  -  to  learn  their  companies  the  exercise  of  them. 

l'l  i :  l ;  i    \i;\     24,     I  "  75. 

\.  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safetj ,  and  the  committee  of  -up- 
plie-,  February  2 1,  1775 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Col.  Orne,  Mr.  Devens,  Capt.  White, 
Mr.  Watson,  J.  Pigeon,  Doct.  Warren,  <  !ol.  Heath,  committet  of  safety  : 
Col.  Lincoln,  David  Cheever,  Esq.,  Mr.  Gerry  and   Mr.  Gill,  committet 

oj  supplit  s  •' 

Voted,  Thai  whal  artillery  companies  are  formed  in  the  regiments, 

shall  consist  of  thirty-two  privates. 

l  )ted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  procure  the  following  arti- 
cles, and  send  the  same  to  Concord,  viz.  :    1000  candles;    l'1'1  hhds. 

salt;  a  suitable  supply  of  w len  spoons;    20  casks  of   raisins     20 

bushels  of  oatmeal  1500  yards  Russia  linen;  also  2  barrels  Lisbon 
oil  c.  casks  of  Malaga  wine,  and  9  casks  of  Lisbon  wine,  to  I- 
lodged  ai  Stow. 


512    COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [March  7, 

Voted,  That  Doct.  Warren,  Doct.  Church,  Mr.  Gerry,  Mr.  Cheever, 
Col.  Orne  and  Mr.  Devens,  make  inquiry  where  fifteen  doctor's  chests 
can  be  got,  and  on  what  terms,  and  report  at  the  next  meeting. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  clerk  of  the  committee  of  safety,  in 
behalf  of  said  committee,  sign  the  letters  to  Col.  Warren,  Col.  Ward, 
Col.  Mitchell  and  Col.  Foster,  relating  to  two  pieces  of  cannon  to  be 
put  under  the  care  of  each  of  those  gentlemen. 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  Mr.  John  Goddard,  of  Brookline,  be  wag- 
gon master  for  the  army,  and  that  Capt.  White  inform  him  of  his 
choice  by  the  province. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Pigeon,  Capt.  White  and  Mr.  Watson,  be  a  com- 
mittee to  consider  how  many  couriers  shall  be  chosen  to  go  to  the  sev- 
eral colonels  through  the  province  for  returns  of  militia  men,  and  the 
minute  men,  and  report  what  road  each  courier  shall  go. 

Voted,  That  eight  field  pieces,  with  the  shot  and  cartridges,  and 
two  brass  mortars  with  their  bombs,  be  deposited  at  Leicester,  with 
Col.  Henshaw. 

Voted,  That  these  committees  adjourn  to  Tuesday,  the  7th  of 
March,  [to  meet]  at  the  house  of  Capt.  Stedman  of  Cambridge,  at 
ten  o'clock. 

March  7,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies, at  the  house  of  Capt.  Stedman  of  Cambridge,  on  Tuesday,  the 
7th  of  March,  1775  : 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Doct.  Church,  Doct.  Warren,  Mr. 
Watson,  Mr.  Palmer,  Capt.  White,  Mr.  Devens,  Col.  Heath,  Mr. 
Pigeon,  Mr.  Adams,  Hon.  Thomas  dishing,  Esq.,  co?nmittee  of  safety  : 
Col.  Lee,  Mr.  Gill,  Deacon  Cheever,  Col.  Lincoln,  committee  of  sup- 
plies : 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  directed  to  make  a  draft 
on  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  the  receiver  general,  in  favor  of  Doct.  Jo- 
sc|)h  Warren  and  Duct.  Benjamin  Church,  for  five  hundred  pounds, 
lawful  money,  to  enable  them  to  purchase  such  articles  for  the  provin- 
cial chests  of  medicine  as  cannot  be  got  on  credit,  to  be  deducted 
from  the  provincial  tax  payable  by  the  town  of  Boston. 

Voted,  That  what  tin-  seven  hundred  barrels  of  flour  formerly  voted, 
fall  short  of  two  hundred  weight  each,  be  made  up  to  the  quantity  of 
fourteen  hundred  weight  of  flour. 

Voted,  That  the  committees  adjourn,  to  meet  at  Capt.  Stedman's  in 
Cambridge,  at  time  o'clock  on  Tuesday  next. 


1775.]      COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETT    AND  SUPPU1  513 

March   II,   I " "  . 

At  b  meeting  of  th<-  committees  of  Baf<  tj  and  supplies,  at  ih< 
of  Capt  Stedman,  Tuesday,  14th  March,  l".~>: 

Present — Hon.  John   Hancock,  Col.   Heath,  Capt.  White,  Col.  P 
mcr,  .Mr.  Devens,  Col.  Orne,  M     Watson,  Mr.  Pigeon,  Hon  Thomas 
Cushing  and  .Mr.  Samuel  Adams,  tommitttt   of  safety:  Deacon  < 
\.  r.  Mr.  Gerry  and  Mr.  QUI,  eommittei  of  supplies: 

I    ted,  That  watches  be  kepi  otlj  al  places  where  the  provin- 

cial magazines  are  kept,  and  that  the  clerk  write  on  the  Bubjecl  to< 
Barrett  of  Concord,  Hem     G  Esq.  of  Stow,  and  <  Timo- 

thy Bigelow  of  Worcester,  leaving   it  k>  them  how  man)  the  wat< 
shall  consist 

I  ted,  Thai  the  members  on  these  committees,  belonging  to  the  towns 
of  Charlestown,  Cambridge  and  Eloxbury,  !>-•  desired,  at  the  province 
expense,  to  procure  al  least  two  men  for  a  watch  every  night,  to  be 
placed  in  each  of  those  towns,  and  that  Baid  members  be  in  readiness 
nd  couriers  forward  to  tin'  town-  where  the  magazines  are  placed, 
when  sallies  arc  made  from  the  army  by  night.1 

Voted,  That  t he  committees  adjourn  to  [meet  on]  the  23d  of  this 
month,  at  Concord. 

M  m;.  ii  23,   I "  75 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  Bafety  and  supplies,  at  the  house 
..!'  Mr.  Taylor,  at  Concord,  the  23d  March,  !"'•"> 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Col.  Orne,  Col.  Heath,  Capt 
W'hii.  I>  icon  Palmer,  Mr.  Watson,  Mr.  Devens,  Mi  Pigeon,  com- 
miiin  of  safely :  Deacon  Cheever,  Col.  Lincoln, Col.  Lee,  Mr  Gerry, 
Mi.  Gill,  '  t'liiutitti  i  of  supplu 

Voted,  That  a  ton  of  muskel  bullets  now  arrived  at  Concord,  be 
there  lodged  with  Col.  Barrett. ' 


■  'ii  iho  fifleonlh  ••!  M  Col.  Bairott  of  ( 

.-I.  ni  numbei  of  faithful  men  t>>  ^uir.l  il Ion]  mag  izinea  in  thai  town,  '•■  * 

bei  "i  i.  .nil-,  in  ' tint  i-  ■    mil  night,  on  il"'  nhorteil   no 

and  to  provido  co  ilarm  the  neighboring  tow 

of  the  BritUh  ti  i 

The  follow  from  Plymouth  i^  preaorvod  on  thi   Gli  -  • 

■   Pi  i  m        h     M 

leet n  and  commit! i  eorreapoi                          iwn  of  Plymoul 

vent  the  peculiai                               I  I  iwn,  and  to 

im,  "lull  tlimk  prop*  r  to  din    t  u 

mouth  1 1  ding  twolvc  "r  thirteoi I< 

llll.     .1.1111. 

I 


514  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  14, 

April  1,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety,  at  Concord,  April  1,  1775, 
Voted,  that  the  stores  at  Concord,  and  elsewhere,  shall  not  be  removed 
without  written  orders  from  the  committee  of  safety. 

April  5,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Tay- 
lor, of  Concord,  on  Wednesday,  April  5,  17T5  : 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Col.  Palmer,  Col.  Heath,  Capt. 
White,  Mr.  Watson,  J.  Pigeon,  Mr.  Devens : 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  the  committee  of  supplies  do  directly  fur- 
nish this  committee  with  an  exact  account,  in  writing,  of  all  the  pro- 
visions and  stores,  and  the  places  of  their  disposition. 

Voted,  That  one  piece  of  cannon  be  sent  to  Col.  Mitchell  of  Bridg- 
water. 

April   14,  1775. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  of  safety  at  Concord,  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  Taylor,  on  Saturday,  April  14,  1775  : 

Present — Hon.  John  Hancock.  Esq.,  Col.  Heath,  Capt.  White,  Mr. 
Devens,  Col.  Gardner,  Mr.  Watson,  Mr.  Palmer  : 

Voted,  That  the  cannon  now  in  the  town  of  Concord,  be  immedi- 
ately disposed  of  within  said  town,  as  the  committee  of  supplies  may 
direct. 

Voted,  That  the  cannon  powder  now  at  Leicester  be  removed,  one 
load  at  a  time,  to  this  town,  and  made  into  cartridges,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  committee  of  supplies. 

N.  B.  Mr.  Devens  acted  as  clerk  pro  tempore.  Col.  Gardner  this 
day  was  chosen  as  one  of  the  committee  of  safety,  instead  of  Deacon 
Fisher,  who  resigned,  in  consequence  of  the  distance  he  lives. 

town,  apprehensive  of  danger,  have  been  on  almost  constant  duty,  without  being  able  to  at- 
tend  to  their  private  affairs  :  the  consequence  (if  which  must  produce  great  distress,  it"  not  ruin, 
unless  they  can  be  relieved.  Another  very  peculiar  circumstance  attending  us  is,  that  in  case  we 
should  !"■  attacked,  no  immediate  aid  can  come  to  our  assistance  from  the  hack  country,  we  being 
surrounded  by  a  wilderness,  extending  Boveral  miles,  without} any  inhabitants  at  all,  and  several 
more  miles  with  very  few  and  scattering  ones.  We,  t  lure  lore,  pray  your  consideration  of  these 
matters,  and  that  you  would  ordi  r  the  minute  regiment  under  the  command  of  Col.  Cotton,  to  be 
posted  ii  ■'•■,  and  that  proper  provision  be  mule  for  them." 
••  We  .irr,  gentlemen,  with  great  t," 

"  Your  very  humble  servants," 

"JOHN   TORRE  F,  Chairman,  per  order  of 

tin  committet  and  selectmen  nf  the  town  of  Plymouth." 

"  To  tin  honorable  the  com  "';/  for  tht  f  the 

.1/  ir  elscichcrc.'* 


1775.]     COMMITTEES  OF  SAFET1     IND  SUPPU  :,r, 

ii    17,  17" 
\t  .i  meeting  of  the  committees  of  -  ifety  and  supplii  M      I 

lor*B  bouse,  in  Concord,  on  Monday,  April  I",  17" 

Present — Hon.   John   Hancock,    Esq.,   Col.    Heath,    Col.    Palmer, 
Capt.  White,   Mr.  Devens,  Col  Gardner,  Mr.  v.  (    .'.  Orne  and 

J.  Pigeon,  commit  I        I.  e,  Mr.  Gill,  Mi    I        rer,  .Mr. 

Gerry  and  Col.  Lincoln,  c  m  nittt 

Voted,  unanimously,  that  application   b  Capt.  H  tch,  for 

captain  of  the  artillerj  company  for  B  and  ii 

it  to  Mr.  Crafts,  and  sq  on  in  order   as  the)  stand  in  the  comp 
also,  ill  it  Capt.  Robinson  of  Doi  be  applied   to  n  of 

the  company  of  Dorcl  and  that  Mr.  Newhall  of  I  o  be 

applied  to ;  that  t hi  n  for  the    M   rbl  not   ap- 

pointed until  the  Marblehead  members  m  iquiry  and  report;  that 

Timothy  Bigelow  be  applied  to  ofthe^  com- 

pany ;  that  Mr.  Thomas  Wail  of  H 

tain  of  the  company  at  Had] 

i    •    ',  That   two  four   pounders,  now   at  C  ted  by 

the  committee  of  supplies,  and  th  <  Barretl  be  desired  to  raise  an 
artillery  company,  to  join  the  army  when  raised,  they  to  have  no  pay 
until  the)  join  the  army:  and  also  thai  an  instructer  for  the  use  of  the 
cannon  be  appointed,  to  be  put  directly  in  p 

Voted,  unanimously,  thai  six  pounds,  lawful  money,  a  month,  b 
captain's  pay  in  an  artillery  company,  that  the  first  and  second  lieuten- 
ant bavefour  pounds,  the  lieutenant  of  fireworks  to  have  three  pounds, 
five  shillings,  that  the  sergeants  have  forty-two  shillings  per  month  ;  the 
corporals  thirty-eight  shillings  per  month,  the  common  men  thirty-six 
shillings  per  month,  the  drummers  and  fifers  thirty-eight  shillings  per 
month;   also,  that  four  shillings  per  week  be  allowed  for  their  hoard. 

Voted,  That  when  these  committees  adjourn,  it  be  to  Mr.  Wetherby's, 
at  the  Black  Horse,  Menotomy,  on  Wednesday,  at  ten  o'clock. 

1  oted,  Thai  the  lour  -i\  pounders  be  transported  to  Groton,  and  put 
under  the  care  of  Col.  Prescott. 

Voted,  Thai  two  seven  inch  brass  mortar-  be  transported  to  Acton, 

Voted,  That  the  two  committee:    adjourn  to    Mr    Wetherby's,  at 
Menotomy,  [  at )  ten  o'clock 

\ikii     I"-,    \~~~> 

At  a  meeting  of  the  committees  of  safety  and  supplies,  on  Tuesd 
the  18th  of  April,  l"  "> 

/»,,  ent—Co\    Orne,  Col.  Palmer,  Col    Heath,  Co    G 


516  COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [April  18, 

Devens,  Mr.  Watson,  Capt.  White,  J.  Pigeon,  committee  of  safety  : 
David  Cheever,  Esq.,  Mr.  Gerry,  Col.  Lee,  Col.  Lincoln,  committee  of 
supplies  : 

Voted,  That  the  two  brass  two  pounders,  and  two  brass  three  pound- 
ers, be  under  the  care  of  the  Boston  company  of  artillery,  and  of  Capt. 
Robinson's  [company.] 

[The  following  letter  was  sent  to  Capt.  Timothy  Bigelow.] 

Newton,  April  17,  1775. 

Capt.  Timothy  Bigelmo : 

Sir  : — The  committee  desired  me  to  write  you,  to  desire  the  favor 
of  your  company,  next  Wednesday,  the  19th  instant,  at  Mr.  Wether- 
by's,  at  the  Black  Horse,  in  Menotomy,  on  business  of  great  impor- 
tance. 

Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

J.  PIGEON,  Cleric. 
P.  S.     The  committee  meet  at  ten  o'clock. 

Voted,  That  all  the  ammunition  be  deposited  in  nine  different  towns 
in  this  province ;  that  Worcester  be  one  of  them  ;  that  Lancaster  be 
one,  (N.  B.  Col.  Whitcomb  is  there  :)  that  Concord  be  one ;  and,  that 
Groton,  Stoughtonham,  Stow,  Mendon,  Leicester,  and  Sudbury,  be  the 
others.1 

Voted,  That  part  of  the  provisions  be  removed  from  Concord,  viz.  : 
50  barrels  of  beef,  from  thence  to  Sudbury,  with  Deacon  Plympton ; 
100  barrels  of  flour,  of  which  what  is  in  the  malt-house  in  Concord  be 
part ;  20  casks  of  rice  ;  15  hogsheads  of  molasses  ;  10  hogsheads  of 
rum  ;  500  candles. 

\  ntcd,  That  there  be,  by  the  committee  of  supplies,  provided,  six 
ammunition  carts,  one  to  be  in  each  town  where  a  company  of  matros- 
ses  is  fixed. 

Voted,  That  one  company  of  matrosses  be  stationed  at  Worcester; 
one  at  Concord;  on*'  at  St. m^tit ■  mliain  ;  one  at  Stoughton  ;  one  at 
Stow  ;  and,  one  at  Lancaster.3 

Voted,  That  thirty-three  rounds  of  round  shot,  thirty-three  rounds  of 
grape  shot,  and,  thirty-three  canisters  of  langrage,  be  provided  and 
lodged  with  each  of  the  twelve  field  pieces  belonging  to  the  province, 

(1)  In  the  original  journal  the  wordi  "  i"-  another,"jire  added  to  the  name  of  each  town. 

(9)  The  word  "  ditto"  i«  '.  bi  Fore  the  place  di  lignated  for  the  station  of  the 

company. 


1775.]     (  OMMITTEES  OF  SAFET1     \M>  SI  PPUE8 

ther  with  our  hundred  cartridges  of  powder,  one  hundred  and 
teen  tul  es,  one  hundred  wads,  togeth<  r  with  all  necessarj 

Voted,  Thai  the  towns  of  H  I     ucord,  Stow,  and  1. 

ter,  I"-  provided  with  two  iron  three  pound  cannon  each. 

I    ted,  Thai  four  hundred  and  fiftj  four-pound-cannon  ball  l"-  car- 
ried t'r< mi  Stoughtonham  n-  Sudbury. 

i  ted,  'I'll .!  one  ton  of  grape  shol  be  carried  from  Stoughtonham  t" 
Sudburj . 

Voted,  That  one  ton  of  three  pound  <•■  inon  hall  be  carried  from 
ditto  to  ditto. 

I  oted,  That  one  half  of  the  two  pound  cannon  hall,  uow  at  Stough- 
tonham, exclusive  of  what  is  for  the  use  of  the  matrosses,  be  carried  t>> 
Sudburj . 

I  oted,  Thai  tin-  rote  of  the  fourteenth  instant,  relating  t"  the  pow- 
der  being  removed  from  Leicester  t"  Concord,  be  reconsidered,  and, 
thai  the  clerk  be  directed  to  write  to  Col.  B  rrett,  accordingly,  and  to 
desire  he  would  not  proceed  in  making  it  up  in  cartrid 

I  oted,  That  one  hall' of  the  musket  carti  idges  be  removed  from  Si 
to  Groton. 

\'nt,il,  That  the  muskets  balls  under  the  care  of  Col.  Bari 
buried  under  ground,  in  some  safe  place,  thai  he  hi-  desired  to  do  it, 
and  to  let  tin   commissary  onlj  be  informed  thereof. 

Voted,  Thai   the  spades,  pick-axes,  bill-hooks,  sh<  u  9,  hatch- 

ets, crows,  and  wheelbarrows,  now  at  Concord,  hi-  divided,  and  one 
third  remain  in  Concord,  "in-  thud  at  Sudbury,  and  "ill-  third  at  Si 

Voted,  That  five  hundred  iron  pots  be  deposited  at  Sudbury,  five 
hundred  at  Concord,  and  one  thousand  al  W  ter. 

Voted,  That  the  two  thousand  wooden  bowls  be  deposited  [in  tl 
towns  in  the  same  proportion]  as  the  pots;  and  the  spoons  in  the  -a me 
manner. 

Voted,  That  the  fifteen  thousand  canteens  be  deposited  [in  the  same 
manner  ja-  the  ah<>\  e. 

Voted,  That  the  weights  and  measures  be  put  into  the  commissary's 
hand-. 

Voted,  That  two  medicinal  chests  still  remain  at  ( loncord,  at  tw<.  dif- 
ferent parts  of  the  town ;  tin.  lid  chests  al  Sudbury,  in  different 

pari-  of  the  town.    -i\  do,  at  GrOtOU,   Mendon,  and  StOW,  two  in    earh 

town,  and  in  di Hen  nt  places ;  two  ditto  in  Worcester,  one  in  each  part 
of  the  town:  and,  two  m  Lancaster,  ditto;  thai  sixteen  hundred  yards 
of  Russia  linen  be  deposited  in  Beven  parts,  with  the  doctor's  ch< 


518  COMMITTEES  OF  SAFETY  AND  SUPPLIES.    [April  20, 

that  the  eleven  hundred  tents  be  deposited  in  equal  parts  in  Worces- 
ter, Lancaster,  Groton,  Stow,  Mendon,  Leicester,  and  Sudbury. 

Voted,  That  these  committees  adjourn  to  nine  o'clock  instead  of  ten. 

Voted,  That  the  papers  belonging  to  the  committees  be  lodged  with 
Mr.  Abraham  Watson. 

[The  following  letter  was  sent  to  Col.  Barrett :] 

Newton,  April  19,  1775. 
Col  Barrett  ; 

Sir  : — The  committee  have  directed  me  to  inform  you,  that  the  can- 
non powder,  which  last  Saturday  you  were  desired  to  have  removed 
from  Leicester,  one  load  at  a  time,  and  to  make  up  into  cartridges, 
they  would  not  have  you  send  for,  unless  you  have  already;  but,  if  sent 
for,  take  care  of  it ;  but  do'nt  make  it  into  cartridges. 
I  am,  Sir,  your  humble  servant, 

J.  PIGEON,   Clerk. 

[April  20,  1775.] 
[The  following  circular  letter  was  sent  to  the  several  towns  :] 

[Gentlemen  : — The  barbarous  murders  committed  upon  our  inno- 
cent brethren,  on  Wednesday,  the  19th  instant,  have  made  it  absolute- 
ly necessary,  that  we  immediately  raise  an  army  to  defend  our  wives 
and  children  from  the  butchering  hands  of  an  inhuman  soldiery,  who, 
incensed  at  the  obstacles  they  meet  with  in  their  bloody  progress,  and 
enraged  at  being  repulsed  from  the  field  of  slaughter,  will,  without  the 
least  doubt,  take  the  first  opportunity  in  their  power,  to  ravage  this  de- 
voted county  with  fire  and  sword.  We  conjure  you,  therefore,  by  all 
that  is  sacred,  that  you  give  assistance  in  forming  an  army.  Our  all 
is  at  stake.  Death  and  devastation  are  the  certain  consequences  of 
delay.  Every  moment  is  infinitely  precious.  An  hour  lost  may  del- 
ude your  country  in  blood,  and  entail  perpetual  slavery  upon  the  few 
of  our  posterity  who  may  survive  the  carnage.  We  beg  and  entreat, 
as  you  will  aii>\ver  to  your  country,  to  your  own  consciences,  and 
above  all,  a-  vou  will  answer  to  God  himself,  that  you  will  hasten  and 
encourage  by  all  possible  means,  the  enlistment  of  men  to  form  the 
army,  and  send  them  forward  to  head  quarters  at  Cambridge,  with  that 
expedition,  which  the  vast  importance  and  instant  urgency  of  the  affair 
demands.]1 

(1)  The  following  letter  WW  tddreued  by  the  committee  of  safety  to  the  governments  of  tlio  col- 
onics of  New  Hampshire  mmI  Connectii  ut. 

"Oambbidge,  April  20,  1775." 

ii    v.,  Ini    inj    the  I9lh  in  tanl  |    i  dotachmenl  of  General  Gnge's  armj 


L775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  B  \n:n  sig 

\  11:1 1   21,  r 

At  a  meeting  of  the  commit)  ifety,  April  21, 1775    the  foil 

ing]  t"<  >r  1 1 1  of  enlistment  [was  adopted:] 

I.  A.  I'>.  do  herebj  solemn!)  and  enlist  myself  as  a  Boldiei  in 

•       Massachusetts  service,  from  the  day  of  my  enlistment  to  the  last 
daj  of  December  next,  unless  the  service  Bhould  admit  of  a  disch 

marched  into  tier  eountrj  to  I  *  [to  a 

■mall  part  teotJon  of  doing  any  in 

i,  w  itlioat  an;  prot 

•  them 

<  .  until  lli  I  Hill,  although  t 

'  .  i .  | 
*  it  our  dot]  t"  •  v  n  out  utc...                  ■.  to  <avo  our  e  n  ab- 
solute                 "I          •   \'>nr  ii n  would  aflord  oa  all  tba  aaaiatanea  la  yotn                 I  ihaJI 

I  Mint  oar  brethren  w  to  oni  aid,  ipplied  with  nil 

Gad  to 
-  ns  ihall  tend  to  the  salvation  of  oar  commoi 

Pororderofl 

Iter  was  ad  G  G  U        J 

I  •  •  H  -  : 

"Cambi 

.  : — The  Ul 

. 
.\ ,  mil  li 
and  I  think  it  of  the  ul 

.   I 
•  i  i  I  think  1  doty  ; 

til'lDg   win 

i  _■ lad  t"  know  fn 

I:  i  itli  theil  •  .li  w ill  alii 

I  i  for  their  re rah     When  1  have  n  tt  information,  I  will  repaii  t     I 

.  tin   issuing  i  proclamation.     I  it  the 

condition  of  adn 
ent,  anil  will  prevent  the  good  effi  ots  of  n  prod  mi  tUon  intended  to  ng  nil 

Lbe  i  9"(  eta  from  Boaton  with  all  pos  d.    Ii  yooi 

cy  will  .   ind  favor  I  ith  an 

anawer,  it  u  ill  I  ij  me  tin  I 

■■mi.     [  have  many  things  which  I  wish  to  aaj  to  yoor  <  I 

through  tin'  formalities  wbioh  I  thought  doe  to  youi  rank, an  "  all  1 

ill'iir-i,  nml  I  ii 

me  such  opening,  as  I  now  think  I  onghl  ml  Hie  in; 

il  doing  it,  I  bad  of  the  vil 

\ mi,  m Ii"  I  i  jour  ontire  confidi 

I  . 

ISEPH  W  IBM 


520  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  21, 

of  a  part  or  the  whole  sooner,  which  shall  be  at  the  discretion  of  the 
committee  of  safety  ;  and,  I  hereby  promise,  to  submit  myself  to  all  the 
orders  and  regulations  of  the  army,  and  faithfully  to  observe  and  obey 
all  such  orders  as  I  shall  receive  from  any  superior  officer. 

Resolved,  That  there  be  immediately  enlisted  out  of  the  Massachu- 
setts forces,  eight  thousand  effective  men,  to  be  formed  into  companies 
to  consist  of  a  captain,  one  lieutenant,  one  ensign,  four  sergeants,  one 
fifer,  one  drummer,  and  seventy  rank  and  file;  nine  companies  to  form 
a  regiment,  to  be  commanded  by  a  colonel,  lieutenant  colonel,  and 
major ;  each  regiment  to  be  composed  of  men  suitable  for  the  service, 
which  shall  be  determined  by  a  muster  master  or  muster  masters  to  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose ;  said  officers  and  men  to  continue  in  the 
service  of  the  province  for  the  space  of  seven  months  from  the  time  of 
enlistment,  unless  the  safety  of  the  province  will  admit  of  their  being 
discharged  sooner;  the  army  to  be  under  proper  rules  and  regulations. 

Voted,  That  the  field  pieces  be  removed  from  Newburyport,  and  de- 
posited, for  the  present,  in  the  hands  of  Capt.  Dexter,  of  Maiden. 

Voted,  that  a  courier  be  immediately  despatched  to  Stoughton,  to  re- 
quire the  immediate  attendance  of  Col.  Richard  Gridley,  and  his  son 
Scarborough  Gridley,  upon  this  committee. 

Voted,  That  a  courier  be  sent  to  command  the  attendance  of 
David  Mason,  now  upon  furlough  in  Salem. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Mason  be  ordered  to  provide  one  field  piece,  with 
every  implement  necessary  for  action,  and  proceed  forthwith  to  pro- 
vide for  the  remainder,  till  the  whole  are  in  a  thorough  state  of  pre- 
paration, unless  otherwise  ordered  :  the  cannon  to  be  provided  for 
are  eight  three-pounders,  and  three  six-pounders. 

Voted,  That  orders  be  given  to  Capt.  Dexter  to  conceal  the  can- 
non committed  to  his  care,  which  was  accordingly  done. 

Voted,  That  the  resolve  above  written  be  so  far  reconsidered,  as 
that  the  companies,  rank  and  file,  consist  of  fifty  men  each,  and  that 
no  further  obligation  be  required  of  those  companies  who  are  adjudged 
to  be  firmly  enlisted  by  their  respective  officers. 

Voted,  That  an  establishment  be  proposed  for  the  troops  at  an 
early  day  after  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Pigeon,  the  commissary  general,  be  directed  to 
carry  thirty-five  barrels  of  pork,  and  an  half  barrel  of  hog's  fat,  from 
the  town  of  Salem  t"  the  town  of  Cambridge,  by  virtue  of  an  order 
from  Mr.  William  Bond. 


1775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  B  UT.n 

I    ted,  That  the  I  officers  be  forthwith  desired  t<>   maki 

return  of  such  officers  and  soldiers  as  are  already  under  suffi< 
gagements  I  in  the  M        chusetts  artnj 

\  bted,  That  the  general  offic<  i  -  be  desired,  with  all  i 

in  a  list  of  such  offic<  they  Bhall  judge  duly  qualified  to 

Berve  as  colonels,  lieutenant  colonels,  and  majors,  t>>r  Buch  a  number 
of  regiments  as  Bhall,  with  the  officers  and   soldiers  already  ei 
make  up  an  army  of  « •  i  i_r  1 1 1  thousand  men. 

Voted,  That   Major   Bigelow  !»■  applii      to,   to   furnish  ind 

horse  to  attend  the  surgeons,  and  convej  medicim  to  their 

directions. 

A  11:11     11,    \~~,~> 

I  "/"/,  That  the  commissary  general  be  directed  t"  have  th< 
belonging  to  the  colonj  removed  from  all  the  sea  |">rt  towns  with  all 
ible  -j"  1  'I 

I  ted,  That  Capt.  Foster  be  ordered  to  take  the  care  < »t"  t h. ■  cannon 
and  intrenching  tools  at  Mr.  Richardson's  tavern. 

Voted,  That  the  commissar 3  general  be  directed  t<>  inspect  the  in- 
trenching tools,  and,  if  any  an-  out  of  order,  to  see  them,  with  all 
possible  speed,  repaired.1 

/>'  T        G  W    rd  be  desired,  immediately,  to  direct  all 

the  field  the  regiments  of  minute  men  now  in  Cambridge,  i" 

attend  the  committee  of  safetj  at  their  chamber  at   M  ' 

ing  -  bou  • 

1 

w  ah  ill.-  1 
child n  n,  willi  .ill  tin  . 

ondition  that  II  II,  on  il. 

tli.ii  they  ^^  1 J I  nol  .  within  Hi.-  town,  Rhoi 

•  Hi.     U  '••  cannol  bul 

•    willing 

I 

1 

■ 


522  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  26, 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  Chelsea  and  Maiden  be,  and  here- 
by are,  absolutely  forbidden,  to  fire  upon,  or  otherwise  injure  any  sea- 
men belonging  to  the  navy  under  the  command  of  Admiral  Graves, 
unless  fired  upon  by  them,  until  the  said  inhabitants  of  Chelsea  and 
Maiden  receive  orders  from  this  committee  or  the  general  of  the  pro- 
vincial forces  so  to  do. 

April  25,  1775. 

Resolved,  That  the  three  cannon  now  at  Marlborough,  be  brought 
to  the  town  of  Waltham,  and  mounted  on  the  carriages  prepared  for 
them,  till  further  orders. 

Resolved,  That  Col  Freeman,  of  Sandwich,  be  directed  to  take 
such  a  number  of  men  as  may  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose,  and  secure 
the  whale  and  such  other  boats  at  Cape  Cod,  as  may  be  of  use  to  this 
colony. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Paul  Dudley  Sergeant,  of  New  Hampshire,  be 
desired,  forthwith,  to  recommend  ten  persons  belonging  to  the  colony 
of  New  Hampshire,  to  receive  beating  orders  for  the  enlistment  of  per- 
sons belonging  to  said  colony,  until  they  are  discharged  by  this  colo- 
ny, or  taken  into  the  service  of  the  colony  of  New  Hampshire. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  to 
reduce  the  regiments  so  far,  as  that  the  companies  consist  of  fifty-nine 
men,  including  officers  ;  and  also,  that  they  allow  only  two  lieutenants 
to  a  company. 

Resolved,  That be  ordered,  with  the  troop  of  horse 

under  his  command,  to  proceed  forward,  as  an  escort  to  the  honorable 
members  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  their  way  to  Philadelphia, 
until  they  are  met  by  an  escort  from  the  colony  of  Connecticut. 

April  26,  1775. 

Voted,  That  an  express  be  sent  to  General  Preble,  at  Falmouth,  de- 
siring his  attendance  at  Cambridge,  as  a  general  officer,  or  in  his  pri- 
vate capacity. 

Ordered,  That  fifteen  of  the  prisoners  at  Concord,  be  removed  from 
thence  to  Worcester  gaol  immediately. 

Upon  a  motion  made,   Voted,  that  the  secretary  of  this  committee 

this  colony,  ai  many  desired  lomething  may  be  done  t"  hold  them  together,  until  the  resolve  of 
your  Congresa  n  known,  when  we  are  ready  and  deairooi  they  should  he  discharged  from  us,  and 
put  iiihI't  inch  command  ai  yon  lhall  direct.  Colonel  Sergeant  has  hecn  ko  kind  as  to  afford  his 
utmost  aaiiatance  in  concluding  this  matter." 

"  Wo  arc,  &c.  Sir." 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  S  \n:Y\  >2  I 

be  directed  and  empowered  lo  sign  an)  papers  or  writings  in  behall 
this  commits  e. 

Voted,  Tliat  Mr.  Ephraira  Jon.-,  the  gaol  keeper  of  Wore. 
directed  to  receive  fifteen  prisoners  from  the  gaol  in  Com  >rd. 

Voted,  That  this  committee  recommend  it  to  the  Provincial  <      - 
press,  that  the)  make  an  establishment  for  such  u  number  of  armoi 
as  they  may  judge  necessarj  for  the  forces  belonging  to  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  as  many  men  as  are  not  already  enlisted,  and  incline 
to  remain  in  the  army,  immediately  enlist,  in  order  that  it  may  be 
certained  what  number  ma)  be  Btill  necessary  to  be  raised  in  i 
town  to  complete  the  complement  of  troops  for  tin-  colony,  and  to  for- 
ward to  each  town  their  remaining  qu  '  md  the  men  thai  may 
now  enlist  may  be  assured,  thai  thej  shall  have  libertj  to  be  under  the 
command  of  Buoh  officers  as  ma)  be  appointed  l>>  the  committee  of 
safety,  until  the  particular  regiment  and  companies  arc  completed; 
and  the  Utm  e  will  he  taken  to  make  every  soldier  happy   in   be- 

in<r  under  <jood  oflicers. 

Ilrsulrnl,  That  the  resolve  of  the  twenty-fourth  instant,  respecting 
the  inhabitants  of  Chelsea  and  Maiden,  be  reconsidered,  and  Order' 
cd,  that  it  be  immediately  remanded  :   also, 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  Chelsea  and   Maiden  be  hereby 

desired,  to  pul  themselves  in  the  best  -rate  of  deft  d  exert  the 

same  in  such  manner,  a-  under  their  circumstances,  their  judgments 

ma)  direct 

\  .'".     L775 

/         ied,  Thai  Capt.  Derby  be  directed,  and  be  hereby  is  directed, 

to  make  for  Dublin,  or  any  good  port  in  Ireland,  and  from  thence  to 
to  Scotland  or  England,  and  hasten  to  London.  This  direction 
is,  that  bo  he  may  escape  all  cruisers  that  may  be  in  the  chop-  of  the 
channel  to  stop  the  communicating  of  the  provincial  intelligence  I  i 
the  agent. 

I  oted,  Thai  it  is  the  sense  of  this  committee,  thai  it  would  promote 
the  service,  if  two  majors  were  appointed  to  each  of  the  genera]  offi- 
cers' regiments;  and  thai  it  be  recommended  according!)  to  the  Pro- 
\  incial  <  longress. 

A  letter, dated  twenty-sixth  instant,  was  Bern  to  the  colons  of  111 
Island,  and  another  of  the  same  tenor  was  senl  to  the  colon)  of  < 
necticut,  [which  arc  as  follow  :] 

<    IMBRIDGG,    APRIl     26,     I  "  I 

[The  distressed  situation  in  winch  we  are.  and  the  dangers  to  whii 


•524  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  27, 

the  liberties  of  all  America,  and  especially  the  New  England  colonies 
are  exposed,  will  be  the  best  apology  for  our  importunate  application  to 
you  for  immediate  assistance.  We  pray,  as  you  regard  the  safety  of 
your  country,  that  as  large  a  number  of  troops  as  you  can  spare,  may 
immediately  march  forward,  well  stocked  with  provisions  and  ammuni- 
tion :  that  they  come  under  proper  officers,  enlisted  for  such  a  time  as 
may  be  necessary ;  and,  that  as  large  a  train  of  artillery  as  can  be  pro- 
cured be  sent  down  to  our  aid.  We  rely  greatly  upon  you,  as  we  know 
the  bravery  of  your  men.  Our  men  have  behaved  with  the  utmost  res- 
olution ;  but  as  many  of  them  came  from  home  without  any  prepara- 
tion, it  is  impossible  to  keep  them  in  the  field  without  allowing  many 
of  them  time  to  return  to  their  families  for  one  or  two  days,  during 
which  time,  we  may  all,  possibly,  be  cut  off,  as  we  have  a  powerful  and 
watchful  enemy  to  deal  with.  We  are  far  from  despairing.  We  firm- 
ly trust,  that,  by  the  blessing  of  Heaven  on  us,  we  shall  deliver  our 
country.  We  are  determined,  at  all  events,  to  act  our  part  with  firm- 
ness and  intrepidity,  knowing  that  slavery  is  far  worse  than  death. 
We  pray,  that  our  sister  Rhode  Island  would  immediately  put  in  for  a 
share  of  honor  in  saving  the  liberties  of  America  ;  as  a  moment  lost  may 
never  be  recalled.  May  God  direct  you  and  us  at  this  important  mo- 
ment, on  which  the  fate  of  us  and  posterity  depends.] 

[We  are,  gentlemen,  with  great  affection  and  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servants.] 

Ordered,  That  Col.  John  Glover  take  such  effectual  methods  for  the 
prevention  of  such  intelligence  being  carried  on  board  the  Lively,  ship  of 
war,  Capt.  Bishop  commander,  now  lying  in  the  harbor  of  Marble- 
head,  or  any  other,  as  may  have  a  tendency  to  injure  the  most  impor- 
tant cause  we  are  enrraffed  m  an(j  t]iat  ne  take  such  effectual  methods 
for  carrying  this  order  into  execution,  as  shall  appear  best  calculated 
to  effect  this  purpose.1 

(1)  The  following  letters  were  forwarded  by  the  committee  to  the  selectmen  of  Boston: 

"Cambridge,  April  27,  1775." 

■•  li  ia  here  currently  reported,  that  General  Oage  gives  out  publicly,  thai  the  provincials  tired 
open  his  detachment  before  the  troops  fired  upon  the  provincials.  Such  a  report  occasions  aston- 
ishment and  resentment,  as  thi  re  is  the  i  l<  ureal  evidence,  not  only  thai  the  troops  tired  Brst  at  Lex- 
ington  nnd  killed  eight  men  there,  before  our  people  fired  one  gun,  but  then  marched  Beveral  miles 
faith  I  killed  two  men  and  wounded  several  others,  before  one  : ran    was  tired  in 

that  pi  i'*'  bj  our  men.  He  is  a  man,  we  trust,  of  too  much  honor  to  propagate  such  n  false  account, 
and  i  d  by  lii-  officers.     We  think  it  probable,  that  ten  days  may  suf- 

fice for  removing  your  persons  and  most  valuable  effects.    We  hope  you  will  take  care,  that  your 


1775.]  I  I  MMITTEE  OF  S  UT.n 

\n:ii   28    i: " 

I    '    ',  To  nend  to  the  colon    I  \ 

tertown,  and  il  is  recommended  accordingly, to  make-  an  establishment 
for  post  riders,  between   thi     M  etts  forces   and   the  town  of 

\\  orcester. 

Also,  that  the  said  Con  such  order  as  the)   may  think 

proper  to         enl  anj  town  or  district  taking  any  notice  <>f  his  excel- 
lency General  G  precepts  for  calling  sembly. 

Doct.  Warren  was  appointed  to  _ri\r  the  sentiments  of  this  commit 
"ii  Lord  Dartmouth's  circular  letter  to  the  other  governments. 

I    ted,  Thai  Mr.  President  Langdon  I"-,  and  he  hereby  i-  appoint 
chaplain  of  the   arraj  in  Cambridge  pro  tempore,  and  that  be  be  fur- 
nished with  a  copy  of  this  \  o 

M         B    ''.vii  [was]  appointed  to  inch  repairs  to  the  cannon,  at 

Waltham,  as  may  be  judged  proper. 

0  'liriil.  That  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  provide  quar- 
ters for  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  from  Connecticut,  under  the 
command  of  Major  Brown. 

Voted.  That  it  is  the  sense  of  tin-  <• mittee,  that  no  enlisting  or- 

der  be  hereafter  given  out,  unless  a  written  order  is  received  from  the 
respective  colonel-. 

\'«t<il.  That  for  the  future,  no  order  go  out,  to  any  men  that  live  in 
N  ew  York  or  any  other  government,  for  the  enlisting  of  men  for  the 
Bervice  of  this  prot  ince. 

Ordered,  That  the  cannon,  now  in  Med  ford,  be  immediately  brought 
to  this  town,  under  the  direction  of  Capt.  1' 


■offer  anj  sto  town  i  to  take  u 

!   ston. 

Another  I  rj  date  on  the  - 

\  •.  came  to  hand  ;  hould  bavo 

□oner.     We  feel  for  you  with  the  ki 
inting.    < » ii r  u  i-ii  is  t.i  know,  when 

ire  to  iti ] ■  i r. -  or  moh  -t  thi 
prop  ■'  one  »li"  inclinoa  to  take  i  ipoint 

od  for  it,  and  < t » - •  time  limited  therefor,  »■■  aball  taki 

with  thai  « Ii i-  It  wi 

COUDtT]  ■•tint ry in-  '■  t ii.it  we  i 

'  with  nn  aathi  I  I  ipj  of  j  oui 

infom  .  for  u-." 

■•  \\  i . 


526  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  29, 

Voted,  That  General  Thomas  be  desired  to  distribute  the  orders 
which  he  has  received,  some  time  since,  for  enlisting  a  regiment,  to 
such  captains  as  he  thinks  proper. 

Mr.  Henderson  Inches,  who  left  Boston  this  day,  attended,  and  in- 
formed the  committee,  that  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  had  agreed  with 
the  general,  to  have  liberty  to  leave  Boston  with  their  effects,  provided 
that  they  lodged  their  arms  with  the  selectmen  of  that  town,  to  be  by 
them  kept  during  the  present  dispute,  and  that,  agreeably  to  said  agree- 
ment, the  inhabitants  had,  on  yesterday,  lodged  1778  fire-arms,  634 
pistols,  973  bayonets,  and  38  blunderbusses,  with  their  selectmen. 

Voted,  That  Doct.  Warren,  Col.  Palmer  and  Mr.  Watson,  be  a  sub- 
committee, to  take  the  state  of  Boston  into  consideration,  and  report 

as  soon  as  may  be. 

April  29,  1775. 

A  vote  of  the  Provincial  Congress  was  read,  respecting  the  removal 
of  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  whereupon,  Col.  Orne,  Mr.  Devens  and 
Capt.  White,  were  appointed  a  sub-committee,  to  take  the  matter  into 
consideration,  and  report  as  soon  as  may  be. 

[The  following  circular  was  addressed  to  the  several  towns :] 

[Cambridge,  April  29,   1775.] 

[Gentlemen  :  As  many  of  the  persons  now  in  camp,  came  from  their 
respective  towns,  without  any  expectation  of  tarrying  any  time,  and 
are  now  under  the  necessity  of  returning;  this  is  to  desire,  you  would, 
with  the  utmost  haste,  send  other  persons  to  supply  their  places,  for  a 
few  days,  until  the  enlistments  are  completed,  and  the  men  sent  down 
to  us. 

We  pray  you,  immediately,  to  set  about  this  business,  as  the  most 
fatal  consequences  must  follow,  if  we  should  be  reduced  to  so  weak 
a  state,  as  that  the  army,  under  General  Gage,  may  be  able  to  issue  out 
of  the  town,  and  spread  destruction  through  this  country,  and  we 
think  none  can  be  unwilling  to  come  for  a  few  days,  to  relieve  their 
brethren,  who  have  been  so  long  absent  from  their  families.] 

Voted,  That  orders  be  sent  into  the  neighboring  towns,  requiring 
one  half  of  the  militia  to  be  immediately  sent  to  Roxbury  and  Cam- 
bridge, as  a  reenforcement  to  our  army,  and  that  the  rest  of  the  inhab- 
itants hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  minute's  warning. 

Also,  Voted,  That  Mr.  Watson,  Capt.  White  and  Col.  Gardner,  be  a 
sub-committee,  to  report  the  towns  to  be  sent  to,  the  destination  of  the 
reenforccments,  and  the  expresses  to  be  despatched. 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  SAIT.TN 

Voted,  Thai  the  secretary  be  directed  to  empower  expresses  to  pr 
as  many  horses  a-  they  may  have  occasion  For. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies,  at  Watertown,  !><■  directed 
to  attend  this  committee  immediately,  and  that  the  secretary  write 
them  accordingly. 

Upon  information  that  the  supplies  of  powder  ami  ball,  at  Water- 
town,  were  in  the  keeping  of  the  commissary  general,  Voted,  thai 
General  Ward  be  desired  to  apply  to  the  commissary  i'< » r  snch  a  quan- 
tity of  said  stores  as  he  maj  have  occasion  tor. 

Pored,  That  Doct  Isaac  Foster  be  directed  and  empowered  to  re- 
move all  the  Bick  and  wounded,  whose  circumstances  will  admit  of  it, 
into  the  hospital,  and  to  supply  proper  beds  and  bedding,  clothing, 
victual-,  and  furniture,  with  every  other  article  he  shall  judge  proper 
for  said  hospital,  and  that  this  be  a  sufficient  order  for  him  to  draw  on 
the  commissary  for  such  articles  as  he  can  supply,  and  to  draw  orders 
upon  the  commissary  lor  the  payment  of  whatever  expenses  are  neces- 
Barj  tor  procuring  the  above  mentioned  articles. 

Voted,Thai  the  secretary  desire  Messrs.  Halls,  printers,  at  Salem, to 
print  three  hundred  letters,  to  be  sent  to  the  several  town-  in  the 
province. 

Capt.  Benedict  Arnold,  with  a  company,  being  armed  here  from 
Connecticut,  Ordered,  that  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  pro- 
vide suitable  quarters  tor  said  company. 

Upon  a  motion  made,  I  «/"/,  that  orders  1"'  given  to  General  Thomas 
for  -  -  ■  i  / 1 1 1  _r  Governor  Hutchinson's  papers. 

A  letter  from  General  Thomas,  respecting  some  companies  of  min- 
ute men  at  Dartmouth,  was  read,  whereupon,  Voted,  that  Col.  Orne, 
Col.  Palmer  and  Col.  Gardner,  be  a  sub-commnt.  e,  to  consider  and 
give  direction-  relative  to  the  general's  request 

Letters  from  Col.  Hancock,  now  at  Worcester,1  were  read  ;  where- 
upon, Voted,  that  four  reams  of  paper  be  immediately  ordered  to  Wor- 
cester, by  Mr.  Barber,  for  the  use  of  Mr.  Thomas,  printer,  he  to  be 
accountable. 

(1)  Th«  II. .ii.  John  Hancock,  on  lii<  Journey  t..  Philadelphia,  t<>  attend  the  < 
tWoi      ■  ,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  hie  colli  igui  -.  ■ 

.1 Ua,  and  the  attendance  of  an  escort.    One  of  hii  letters  to  the  committee  U  print     o 

ipplythepi  i    iahThomaa.    The  following  re- 

ipointmenti  were  m  ide  during  the  rame  »ieit ! 

■  •  u  ,   \  I  n  94,  175 

"GstmjM  Hon  of  your  diapoaiUon  to  promote  thi  '      «•  the 

rar  coontonanoe  and  good  offices  in  f&voi  ol  Mr.  Edward  Craft*,  ol  l '  ■ '  - 
that  hi        ■  aaod  of  a  companj      I  know  him  w  II;  b<  to  cape  I 


528  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [April  29, 

A  letter  from  Medford  was  read  ;  whereupon,  Voted,  that  the  com- 
pany now  raised  there,  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  march  at  a  min- 
ute's warning,  remaining  in  Medford  till  further  orders. 

The  sub-committee  on  General  Thomas'  letter,  reported,  that  it  be 
ordered  that  Capt.  Nathaniel  Richmond,  with  any  other  captain  that 
can  bring  into  the  camp  fifty-six  men,  including  sergeants,  that  will 
enlist  into  the  service  of  this  colony,  shall  have  the  encouragement 
given  by  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  shall  immediately  enter  into 
pay  upon  their  enlistment :  [that]  the  critical  situation  of  our  public 
affairs  demands  the  utmost  exertions  of  the  friends  of  America ;  and 
should  remissness  now  appear,  the  consequences  may  be  fatal. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Watson  be  desired  to  make  inquiry  with  respect  to 
the  colony  arms  not  in  use,  and  that  Capt.  Goodridge,  of  the  Indian 
company,  have  such  a  number  as  is  desired. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Gerrish  be  desired  to  send  Major  Dunbar,  now  a 
prisoner  at  head  quarters,  to  Woburn,  under  a  strong  guard,  and  order 
him  to  be  there  kept  in  safe  custody,  till  further  orders  from  this  com- 
mittee. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Hill  and  company  be  furnished  with  provisions  at 
any  tavern  they  see  fit  to  call  at,  in  conveying  Major  Dunbar  to  a  place 
of  safety,  at  the  expense  of  the  province. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Brown,  of  Watertown,  be  desired,  upon  any  ad- 
vice of  the  troops  coming  out,  to  order  the  cannon  to  a  place  of  safe- 
ty, and,  for  that  purpose,  be  empowered  to  press  horses,  cattle,  &,c. 

your  attention  to  this.  It  will  give  great  satisfaction  to  Mr.  Adams  and  myself,  and  to  the  people 
of  this  county  :  do  gratify  us.  I  also  beg  leave,  you  would  recommend  to  the  notice  of  General 
Heath,  in  my  name,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Xazro,  of  this  town,  who  is  desirous  of  being  noticed  in  the 
army.  lie  is  lively,  active,  and  capable.  My  respects  to  Heath,  and  all  friends.  Pray  General 
Heath  to  take  notice  of  this  recommendation.     God  bless  you.     Adieu." 

"  I  am  your  real  friend, 

JOHN  HANCOCK." 

"  To  the  Committee  of  S;>,< 

"  Worcester,  April  2G,  1775." 
"  Gentlemen  :  —  Having  had  the  honor  to  command   the  Cadet  company  at  I'oston,  and  knowing 
the  ability  of  those  ivho  !  that  corps,  I  cannot  withhold  mentioning,  and  recommending  to 

the  notice  of  yon  and   i  I  o      ers,  Mr.  John  Smith,  and   .Mr.   John  Avery,  two  excellent 

good  soldiers,  and  i  will  advance  the  reputation  of  the  province  in  that  department 

of  command  where  they  rqaj  be  placed.  I  therefore  most  strongly  recommend  them,  and  earnestly 
pray  they  may  be  noticed.     I  will  he  at  tor  their  conduct.     There  are  several  other  gen- 

ii, .mm  i,  el'  that  corps,  wlin  may  lie  useful,  particularly  .Mr.  Brent  and  Mr.  Cunningham.  Do  notice 
Messrs.  Smith  and  Avery.  They  will  he  useful.  I  set  out  to-morrow  morning.  God  bless  you. 
Why  don'l  you  send  to  -Mr.  Crafts.  Praj  improve  him.  lie  is  a  good  man,  and  one  on  whom  you 
may  depend.     Don't  miss  him." 

"  I  am  your  real  friend, 

JOHN  HANCOCK." 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  SAPET1  529 

\ii:ii    :{i>.    1".", 

Capt.  Benedict  Arnold,  captain  of  a  company  from  Connecticut,  at- 
tended,  and  reported,  that  there  are  at  Ticonderoga,  80  pieces  of  heavj 
cannon, 20  pieces  of  brass  cannon,  from  1  to  I*  pounders,  I  n  to  12  mor- 
tars :  at  Skeenborough,  on  the  South  Bay,  3  or  4  pieces  of  brass  cannon ; 
the  fort,  in  a  ruinous  condition,  is  supposed  to  have  about  Hi  or  1">  men, 
a  number  of  small  arms  and  considerable  Btores;  and  thai  there  is  a 
sloop  of  70  or  80  tons  on  the  lake. 

Voted,  That  an  order  be  given  to  Major  Bigelow,  desiring  him  to 
have  the  province  arms,  either  in  Worcester  or  Concord,  immediately 
brought  to  this  tow  n. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Chandler  William-  be  din  cted  to  attend  this 
committee,  thai  he  may  be  employed  as  an  express. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  appointed  yesterday,  to  consider  the 
state  of  the  town  of  Boston,  be  now  desired  to  sit,  and  form  a  plan  li>r 
the  liberation  of  the  inhabitants. 

The  sub-committee  on  the  removal  of  the  inhabitants  from  Boston, 
reported,  which  report  was  accepted,  and  Doct.  Warren,  Col.  Palmer 
and  Col.  Orne,  were  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  Colore--  with  the 
proposals. 

Voted,  That  two  offices  be  opened  to  deliver  permits  for  such  per- 
sons as  desire  to  enter  Boston  with  their  effi 

Voted,  That  Col.  Samuel  Gerrish  be  appointed  to  the  office  [of 
granting  permits,]  at  the  house  of  Mr.  John  Greaton  of  Roxbury. 

Voted,  That  Col.  William  Henshaw  be  appointed  to  the  office  of 
granting  permits,  at  the  sign  of  the  sun.  in  Charlestown. 

Whereas,  proposals  h  Lve  been  mad.'  b)  General  Gage  to  the  inhabit- 
ants of  the  town  of  Boston,  lor  the  removal  of  their  persons  and 
effects  into  the  country,  excepting  their  arm-  and  ammunition  Re- 
solved,  that  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony,  who  mat  incline  to 
go  into  the  town  of  Boston  with  then  effects,  tire-arm-  and  ammuni- 
tion excepted,  have  toleration  for  thai  purpose,  and  that  the)  be  pro- 
tected from  ;m\  injury  or  insult  whatsoever      This  resolve  to  be  im - 

diately  published. 

The  following  order-  were  delivered  to  Col.  Samuel  (ierri-h 


— 


You  an-  herein  empowered,  agreeably  to  a  vote  of  the  Provincial 
Congress,  to  grant  liberty,  thai  any  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  colony, 
who  maj  incline  to  go  into  Boston  with  their  effects,  fire-arms  and 
ammunition  excepted,  have  toleration  for  thai  purpose;  and  thai  the) 
be  protected  from   anj  injur)  or  insult  whal  oev<  r,  in  'hen   re val  to 


530  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  2, 

Boston.  The  following  form  of  a  permit  is  for  your  government,  the 
blanks  in  which  you  are  to  fill  up  with  the  names  and  number  of  the 
persons,  viz.  : 

Permit  A.  B.,  the  bearer  hereof,  with  his  family,  consisting  of  

persons,  with  his  eifects,  fire-arms  and  ammunition  excepted,  to  pass 
unmolested  into  the  town  of  Boston,  between  sunrise  and  sunset. 
By  order  of  the  Provincial  Congress. 

JOSEPH  WARREN,  clerk  pro  tern. 

Voted,  That  Andrew  Craigie  be  appointed  to  take  care  of  the  medi- 
cal stores,  and  to  deliver  them  out  as  ordered  by  this  committee  ;  and 
that  the  secretary  make  out  his  commission  accordingly. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  by  this  committee  to  the  council  of 
war,  that  Mr.  Joseph  Pierce  Palmer  be  appointed  to  the  post  of  quar- 
ter master  general  of  the  army. 

May  1,  1775. 

Voted,  That  the  quarter  master  general  be  directed  to  clear  that 
chamber  in  Stoughton  College,  occupied  by  S.  Parsons,  Jr.,  for  a 
printing  office  for  Messrs.  Halls. 

Whereas,  many  of  our  brethren  of  the  colonies  of  Connecticut  and 
Rhode  Island  are  now  with  us,  to  assist  in  this  day  of  public  and  gen- 
eral distress,  in  which  we  are  all  deeply  concerned  :  and,  whereas,  our 
brethren  of  said  colonies  have  brought  with  them  some  of  the  paper 
currencies  of  their  respective  colonies,  which  have  not,  of  late,  had  a 
currency  with  us,  and  for  want  of  which,  our  common  interests  may 
greatly  suffer  : 

Resolved,  That  said  paper  currencies  shall,  from  and  after  the  date 
hereof,  be  paid  and  received  within  this  colony,  in  all  payments,  to  all 
intents  and  purposes,  in  the  same  proportion  to  silver,  as  the  same  are 
paid  and  received  within  the  respective  colonies  by  which  the  same 
have  been  issued. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Palmer  be  a  committee  to  inquire  into  the  mat- 
ter, [to  find]  what  colonies  have  such  currencies,  to  alter  this  resolve 
agreeably  thereto,  and  to  present  the  same  to  the  honorable  Congress 
for  their  consideration. 

[  Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gordon  have  free  access  to  the  prisoners 
detained  at  Worcester  and  elsewhere,  and  that  all  civil  magistrates  and 
others  be  aiding  and  assisting  him  in  examining  and  taking  deposi- 
tions of  them  and  others.  | 

May  2,  1775. 

Doct.  Warren,  Col.    Palmer   and  Col.  Gardner,  [were   appointed]  a 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY 

Bub-committee,  to  confer  with  General  Ward,  relative  i"  the  prop 
made  by  Col.  Arnold  of  Connecticut,  for  an  attempt  upon  Ticonde- 
roga. 

A  Dumber  of  recantations,  from  the  town  of  Marblehead,  hai 
been  laid  before  the  committee,  for  their  opinion,  ae  to  the  proprietj 
of  recen  ing  them  : 

Voted,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  tin-  committee,  that  Baid  recanta- 
tions be  received,  and  that  the  persons  making  them,  be  made  acquain- 
ted with  the  proclamation  latelj  issued  l>\  Congress,  respecting  those 

[who]  may  incline  to  nret  into  Ibi-ton  :  ami  that  it  lie  recommended  to  the 

inhabitants  of  this  province,  that  they  be  protected  from  all  injuria 
insults  whatsoever,  so  long  a-  they  adhere  to  their  several  recantations, 
now  before  this  committee,  ami  continue  to  assist   and   abide  bj  their 
country,  and  the   inhabitants  of  Marblehead  in  particular,  in  the  im- 
portant dispute  between  Great  Britain  and  America. 

Voted,  That  two  muster  masters  be  appointed,  one  at  the  camp  in 
Cambridge,  and  one  at  the  camp  in  Roxbury. 

Voted,  That  General  Thomas  be  desired  to  give  such  orders,  re- 
specting the  whale  boats  at  Falmouth,  and  other  ports  southward,  as 
he  may  judge  proper. 

Votnl,  That  the  .Massachusetts  Coimress  he  desired  to  give  :m  order 
upon  the  treasurer,  for  the  immediate  payment  of  one  hundred  pounds 
in  cash;  and  also  to  order  200  pounds  of  gunpowder,  200  pounds  of  lead 
balls,  and  1U00  Hints,  and  also  ten  horses,  to  be  delivered  unto  ('apt 
Benedict  Arnold,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  upon  a  certain  Bervice 
approved  of  by  the  council  of  war  :  said  Arnold  to  be  accountable  for 
the  same,  to  this  or  some  future  Congress,  or  house  of  representatives 
of  this  colony. 

Voted,  That  two  companies  be  raised  in  Braintree,  for  the  immedi- 
ate defence  of  the  sea  coast  of  said  town  ;  the  said  companies  to  be 
joined  to  such  regiment  in  future  as  they  may  he  ordered  to,  should 
there  be  occasion,  or  discharged  from  service,  as  soon  as  the  public 
good  would  admit  of  it:  and  that  Col.  Thayer  be  furnished  with  two 
sets  of  enlisting  papers  for  this  purpose.1 

Voted,  That  General  Thomas  be,  and  he  hereby  is  duct  ted  and  em- 
powered to  stop  the  trunks  mentioned  to  be  in  Col.  Taylor's  hand-. 
until  this  committee  -end  some  proper  persons  to  examine  their  con- 
tents 

(l)  Thii  vute  wi)  reconsidered  May  Ith. 

(2  l<  iter  rrom  Oom  rat  1  Mnj 

■  ■    ■  1 1  BMXM  :  —  In    COO   • 


532  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  2, 

Resolved,  That  agreeably  to  a  vote  of  Congress,  General  Thomas 
be  directed  and  empowered  to  appoint  suitable  persons,  to  accompany 
such  people  into  the  country  as  may  be  permitted  to  bring  their 
effects  into  Boston,  upon  the  conditions  mentioned  in  the  proclama- 
tions posted  up,  and  that  General  Thomas  give  such  general  orders 
as  he  may  judge  the  common  safety  requires. 

Voter/,  That  Col.  Arnold,  appointed  to  a  secret  service,  be  desired 
to  appoint  two  field  officers,  captains,  &c,  to  be  allowed  the  same  pay 
during  their  continuance  in  service  as  is  established  for  officers  and 
privates  of  the  same  rank,  who  are  ordered  by  the  Congress  of  Massa- 
chusettss  Bay  to  be  raised  for  the  defence  of  the  rights  and  liberties  of 
America  ;  the  officers  and  privates  to  be  dismissed  by  Col.  Arnold,  or 
the  committee  of  safety,  whenever  they  shall  think  proper. 

Voted,  That  the  committee  of  supplies  be  desired  to  procure  ten 
horses  for  Col.  Arnold,  to  be  employed  on  a  special  service. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Isaac  Bradish,  keeper  of  the  prison  in  Cambridge, 
be  supplied  with  provisions  out  of  the  colony  stores,  for  the  support  of 
the  prisoners  under  his  care,  who  have  or  may  be  committed  by  the 
orders  of  the  council  of  war  or  of  this  committee. 

The  quarter  master  general  having  informed  that  some  persons  un- 
known had  made  spoil  of  liquors  in  the  cellars  of  General  Brattle,  and 
Mr.  Borland,  and  others,  whereupon,  Voted,  that  he  be  directed  to 
take  possession  of  those  liquors,  and  other  stores,  immediately,  in  all 
the  houses  which  are  deserted,  and  that  a  particular  account  of  such 
stores  be  taken,  and  that  they  be  then  committed  to  the  care  of  the 
commissary  general. 

[A  letter  to  the  governor  and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecti- 
cut was  reported,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows  :] 

[Cambridge,  May  2,  1775.] 
[We  yesterday  had  a  conference  with  Doct.  Johnson  and  Col.  Wol- 

on  whom  I  ronlil  depend,  to  the  house  of  Governor  Hutchinson,  who  brought  o(T  all  the  papers  he 
conlil  find  in  that  house  ;  hut  I  was  informed  that  Colonel  Taylor,  of  -Milton,  had  lately  taken  sev- 
eral trunks  out  of  the  governor's  house,  not  many  days  ago,  in  order  to  secure  them  from  heing 
plundered.  I  immediately  sent  another  messenger  to  Col.  Taylor,  for  all  the  papers  that  helonged 
to  Governor  Hutchinson  H  hich  he  ha.!  in  his  possession  ;  he  sent  me  for  answer,  lie  did  not  know 
of  any  papers  that  belong  to  said  Hutchinson,  hut  just  now  comes  to  inform  me  that  there  are  seve- 
ral trunks  in  his  house,  which  be  took  as  aforesaid,  which  hi'  expects  will  he  sent  for  very  soon. 
I  inapt  '  i  there  may  he  papers  in  said  trunks,  and  if  it  is  thought  proper,  two  or  three  judicious  per- 
sons bo  sent  to  hrcak  open  and  search  for  papers,  he  will  give  them  his  assistance.  This,  gentle- 
men, is  submitted  to  the  consideration  of  tin-  honorable  committee." 

"  I  have,  gentlemen,  the  honor  to  subscribe  myself,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JOHN   THOMAS," 
"Roxbiry  Camp,  Mai  2,  A.  P.  177:,'- 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  S  \IT.T\ 

cot,  who  were  appointed  by  pour  assembly  to  deliver  :i  letter  to,  and 
hold  a  conference  with  General  < i .ilt« ■.     We  feel  tin-  warmest  gratitude 
to  you  for  those  generous  and   affectionate  Bentiments  which   \  >u  en- 
tertain toward  us.     Bui  you  will  allow  us  t<>  express  our  uneasim  —  on 
account  of  one   paragraph  in  your  letter,  in  which  a  cessation  of  hos- 
tilities  is  proposed.     We  Fear  that  our  brethren  in  Connecticut  are  not 
even   yet  convinced  of  tin-  cruel   designs   "f   administration  against 
America,  nor  thorough!]   sensible  of  the  miseries  to  which  General 
Gage's  army  have  reduced   this  wretched  colony.     We  have  l"-t   tin- 
town  of  Boston,  and  we  greatlj  fear  for  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  as 
we  lind  the  general  is  perpetuallj  making  new  conditions,  and  forming 
mosl    unreasonable  pretensions  for   retarding   their  removal  from  that 
garrison.     Our  sea   posts  on   tin-  eastern  coasts  are  mostlj  deserted: 
our  people  have  been    barbarously  murdered  by  an   insidious  enemy, 
who,  under   cover   of  the    night,  have    inarched    into   the    heart  of  the 
country,  spreading  destruction  with  fire  and  .-word.     No  business  but 
that  of  war   i-  either  dune  oi  thought  of  in  tin-  colony.     No  agree- 
ment or  compart  with  General  Gage  will,  in  the  least,  alleviate  "ur  dis- 
tress, as  no  confidence  can  possibly  lie  placed  in  an]  assurances  he 
can  er'n  e  to  a  people  whom  he  ha-  lir-t  deceived,  by  taking  poss<  — « •  ■  1 1  of 
and  fortifying  the  town  of  Boston,  ami  whom  he  ha-  suffered  In-  army 
to   attack   in   the  most   inhuman  and  treacherous  manner.     <>ur  relief 
now  must  arise  from  driving  General  Gage  with   hi-  troops  out  of  the 
country,  which,  1>\  the  blessing  of  God,  we  are  determined  to  accom- 
plish, or  perish  in  the  attempt,  as  we  think  it  better  to  meet  an  honor- 
able death  in  the  field,  whilst  fighting  for  the  liberties  of  all  America, 
and   far  preferable  to   be   butchered  in  our  own   houses,  than  to  be 
reduced  to  an  ignominious  slavery.     We  must  entreat,  that  our  sister 
colon]  Connecticut,  w  ill   afford,  immediately,  all   possible   aid;  as,  at 
this  time,  delay  will  be  attended  with  all   that   fatal   train  of  events, 
which  would  follow  from  an  absolute  desertion  of  the  cause  of  Ameri- 
can liberty      Excuse  our  earnestness  on  this  subject,  as  we  know  that 
upon  the  Buccess  of  our  present  contest  depend  the  lives  and  liberties 
of  our  country  and  Micceeding  generations.] 

[We  are,  &  c] 

[To  the  Governor  and  Company  of  Connecticut] 

W  w   3,   I " 

Voted,  That  two  companies  be  raised  in  the  towns  of  Maiden  and 
Chelsea,  for  the  defence  of  the  sea  coast  of  -aid  town-,  the  said  com- 
panies to  be  joined  to  such  regiments  in  future,  as  the]  ma]  b< 


534  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  4, 

dered  to,  should  there  be  occasion,  or  discharged  from  service  as  soon 
as  the  public  good  will  admit  of  it. 

Voted,  That  the  quarter  master  general  be  directed  to  pay  the  strict- 
est attention,  that  the  household  furniture  of  those  persons,  who  have 
taken  refuge  in  the  town  of  Boston,  may  be  properly  secured,  and  dis- 
posed of  in  places  of  safety. 

The  following  orders  were  given  Col.  Arnold,  relative  to  an  attempt 
upon  Ticonderoga,  viz.  : 

To  Benedict  Arnold,  Esq.,  commander  of  a  body  of  troops  on  an  ex- 
pedition to  reduce  and  take  possession  of  the  fort  of  Ticonderoga : 

Sir  : — Confiding  in  your  judgment,  fidelity,  and  valor,  we  do,  by 
these  presents,  constitute  and  appoint  you,  colonel  and  commander  in 
chief  over  a  body  of  men  not  exceeding  four  hundred,  to  proceed,  with 
all  expedition,  to  the  western  parts  of  this  and  the  neighboring  colonies, 
where  you  are  directed  to  enlist  those  men,  and  with  them,  forthwith, 
to  march  to  the  fort  at  Ticonderoga,  and  use  your  best  endeavors  to 
reduce  the  same,  taking  possession  of  the  cannon,  mortars,  stores,  &c, 
upon  the  lake;  you  are  to  bring  back  with  you,  such  of  the  cannon, 
mortars,  stores,  &c,  as  you  shall  judge  may  be  serviceable  to  the  army 
here,  leaving  behind  what  may  be  necessary  to  secure  that  post,  with  a 
sufficient  garrison.  You  are  to  procure  suitable  provisions  and  stores 
for  the  army,  and  draw  upon  the  committee  of  safety  for  the  amount 
thereof,  and  to  act  in  every  exigence,  according  to  your  best  skill  and 
discretion,  for  the  public  interest,  for  which  this  shall  be  your  suffi- 
cient warrant. 

BENJAMIN  CHURCH,  Jun., 

[For  the']  committee  of 'safety . 

By  order, 

WILLIAM  COOPER,  Secretary. 
Cambridge,  May  :{,  1?7">. 

May  4,  1775. 

[Moved  and  Voted,  That  the  vote  passed  the  second  of  May,  respect- 
ing the  raising  of  two  companies  in  Braintree,  be  reconsidered,  and 
that  the  copy  of  said  eote  together  with  the  two  enlisting  papers,  be  or- 
dered to  be  returned  into  the  hands  of  said  committee  of  safety;  and 
whereas,  a  petition  from  the  towns  of  Braintree,  Weymouth,  and  Hing- 
ham,  hath  this  day  been  presented  to  this  committee,  setting  forth  the 
exposed  situation  of  those  towns,  and  praying  for  such  relief  and   pro- 


1776.]  (  OMMITTEE  OF  -  IFETi 

lection  as  maj  l"-  thought  proper,1  therefore,  Voted,  thai  the  • 
Braintree  be  herebj  empowered  to  raiae  one  company,  the  town  of 
Eiingham  another  company,  and  tin-  town  of  Weymouth  half  of  one 
company,  for  the  immediate  defence  <>t'  the  sea  I  of  said  towns; 
the  .-;ii<!  iw>  companies  and  ;i  half  to  !>••  joined  t'>  such  regiment  in 
future  as  thej  maj  !><■  ordered  to,  should  there  !>•■  occasion,  01  dis- 
charged from  service  on  the  last  daj  of  December  next,  or  sooner  if 

"  '' 

"  The  I"  lilion  of  ll 

v  oral  t'i»  n*  to  h  in'  b  I 
bend, 

"null 
Iho  tro  this  fortnight  past,  at  an 

Ulhat 
baa  been  taid,  I  i,  and  are  -< t i  1 1  likely  t"  be,  ia  ">ir  present 

•  an  !<■■■  'uiily  kept  in  tamalt  and  it  their  boal 

tu  ti 
"  \    ii r  petitio  iro,  horablj  pray  your  l>" 

ind  -rant  I  ,  the  return  of  tl 

service  from  our  several  towns,  or  such  other  relief  and  pi  I  think 

lit,  ninl  yuur  petitioner*,  us  in  duly  bound,  shall  over  pray." 

".I  HUES  PENNIM  IN 

JON  \  I  II  \.\   B  ISS,     ) 

J  Wll-    III    MPIIR]         1 

BAMUEL  KINGMAN,  >  i  ■'  «<*. 

SON,       ) 

foSEPH^DREvVs.l*         '       •   ■W*-." 

n 

A  petition  for  powdor  and  arm  from  the  «  rick: 

M 

hereunto  -  ly  to  iufoi  .r  m- 

i"  into  ti" 
nnil  liml  the  town  \  I  ammunii  ■.  hut 

!,  without  imunition  ;  at  present,  u 

than |u  lound  of  pi  i  limn  throughout  thi 

two  men;  and  in  thi*  dofenci  less  utato,  h  l  our  I 

whimi  ire  b  iv  -i  ut,  i  iniel  [*nrrabe<  ;  ani 

bnndrod   w 
id  in  «  h.it  wnj  it  would  b  u 

■hoold  esteem  it  a*  be  infoi .1  from  you,  b) 

porlunity,  of  our  publi 

■•  \'>  ntlcmen,  your- .  eommani  ■ 

\  \i;i.\   m\Ki 
I :  I .  \  .1  \    STUNK. 

M»H    II     -  I    \M"\  '  •'  ID 
J  \MI-   I    I    I.  I 


536  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  4, 

the  public  safety  will  admit  of  it,  and  that  the  selectmen  of  said  towns 
be  furnished  with  a  copy  of  this  vote  and  one  set  of  beating  orders,  re- 
spectively.] 

Resolved,  As  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  the  public  good  of 
this  colony  requires,  that  government  in  full  form  ought  to  be  taken  up 
immediately,  and  that  a  copy  of  this  resolution  be  transmitted  to  the 
Congress  now  sitting  at  Watertown. 

[The]  sub-committee  reported  the  draught  of  a  letter  to  the  gover- 
nor and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  requesting  the  speedy 
march  of  three  or  four  thousand  of  their  men,  which  was  accepted,  and 
ordered,  that  a  fair  copy  be  transmitted  immediately.  [It  is  as  fol- 
lows :] 

[Cambridge,  May  4  1774.] 

[The  distressed  situation  in  which  a  wicked  and  despotic  adminis- 
tration have  involved  this  colony,  will  justify  us  in  your  eyes,  as  we 
presume,  in  our  present  most  earnest  and  pressing  desire,  that  you  will 
immediately  send  us  three  or  four  thousand  men  of  your  establishment, 
in  order  to  enable  us  to  secure  a  pass  of  the  greatest  importance  to  our 
common  interest,  and  which  the  enemy  will  certainly  possess  them- 
selves of  as  soon  as  their  reenforcements  arrive  ;  and  if  they  once  get 
possession,  it  will  cost  us  much  blood  and  treasure  to  dislodge  them  ; 
but  it  may  now  be  secured  by  us,  if  we  had  a  force  sufficient,  without 
any  danger ;  therefore,  we  earnestly  repeat  our  request  for  three  or 
four  thousand  men  for  this  present  purpose,  with  all  possible  despatch, 
and  supported  with  all  necessary  stores  of  ammunition  and  provisions; 
and  we  would  beg,  that  they  may  be  forwarded  in  companies  or  regi- 
ments as  fast  as  they  can  be  got  ready ;  this  will  make  it  easier  to  the 
troops,  and  to  the  country  through  which  they  may  pass,  and  may, 
probably,  be  of  more  essential  service  to  our  common  cause.] 

[  To  tin  Governor  and  Company  of  Connecticut.] 

Voted,  Thai  William  Cooper,  .Tun.,  be  appointed  a  clerk  to  this 
committee  in  the  room  of  Mr.  Palmer,  appointed  quarter  master  gener- 
al ;  Samuel  Cooper  was  added  as  an  assistant. 

Voted,  That  a  chest  of  medicines  be  removed  from  hence  to  Rox- 
bury,  under  the  care  of  General  Thomas. 

There  having  been  eight  guns  sent  in  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  Col. 
Whitcomb  and  General  lb. nil  were  appointed  to  appraise  the  same, 
who  reported  as  follows,  viz.  :  one  gun  taken  of  Capt.  How,  apprais- 
ed :it  LI     one  ditto  of  Joel   Brigham    t'-l    one  ditto  of  John  Baker, 


1775.]  I  I  >MMITTEE  OF  S  \l'i:n 

■  I  B       one  <litt<>  of  Aaron  A  -  6       one  ditto  ■•:  .1 

PI  45. ;  one  ditto  of  A       I'll!'    ;  one  ditto  of  Aarou  Fay,     I 

l      l/;  one  ditto  of  William  Bethank,  18 

Memorandum,  Col.  Jonathan   Ward  _ra\r  a   receipl   foi    the  ah 
guns,  tor  which  he  made  himself  accountable,  which  rec<  ipt  is  ent 
in  tlir  minute  hook. 

\  letter  was  reported  for  the  inhabitants  "i  New    N  ■  -rk .  which 
accepted,  ami  a  copj  of  the  same  [I'm]  on  file,  [ami  i-  a-  follows   j 

<  '  IMBRIDG]  .    Mai     1 .    I  *  • 

[It  i^  with  great  satisfaction  thia  committei  ir  letter  of 

iln'  second  instant,  expressive  of  your  tender  <'ar<-,  anil  sympathy  with 
this  colony  under  our  alarming  situation.     All  we  t-m  writ.-  <m   this 

sion  i-,  that  the  i  K*ig<  qcj  "i"  our  affairs  requires  all  the  assist 
which  your  better  judgment  shall  dictate.     Wi   n  ured,  that  \<>nr 

zeal  lor  the  common  safety  will  m-|>irr  you  to  do  every  thing   that  i- 
proper  l<>r  the  safetj   ami  preservation  of  the  unalienable  righl 
America.] 

A  draught  of  a  lettei  to  the  governor  ami  companj  of  Rhode  Island, 

cting  the  sending  a  number  of  n  nmediately,  w  rted, 

whereupon,  Voted,  that  the  same  be  accepted,  and  transmitted  by  an 

I  at, (I,  That  a  sub-coramitt(  e  be  appointed  to  wait  upon  the  council 
of  war  to  recommend  their  envins  ord<  rs  for  a  return  of  the  enlisted 
in'  i,  ami  that  the)  will  take  order,  that  such  nun  as  art-  enlisted,  ma) 
be  admitted  to  join  the  camp  with  all  expedition,  that  so  such  m<  a  as 
an-  far  from  home,  ami  do  not  intend  to  enlist,  ma)  have  leavi 
pai  i  can  !>•   done  w  ith  safet)  to  tl  Q) , 

Vottd,  Thai  Col.  Gardner  be  appointed  to  lay  this  \ot<-  before  the 
council  of  war. 

I  olid.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  council  of  war,  th  it  six  com- 
panies of  each  of  th<'  two  reciments  to   be  raised   in  tin-  count] 
Plymouth,  be  ordered  to  join  the  arm)  at    [toxburj  on   as  the) 

ompleted  ;  and  that  the  tour  other  companies  of  i  a<  h  ol  said 
iments,  which  may  be  raised  mosl   contiguous  to  thi 
county,  be  retained  foi  the  immediate  defence  of  said  sea  coast,  to  I" 
dated  b)  the  colonels  of  said  regiments  until  furthei  ord<  rs 

ii> 
fig 


538  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  7, 

Voted,  That  Col.  Palmer  and  Col.  Cushing  be  appointed  to  lay  the 
foregoing  vote  before  said  council. 

Advice  being  received,  that  a  number  of  transports  with  troops  are 
just  arrived  at  Boston  from  England,  Doct.  Church,  Col  Palmer,  and 
Mr.  Devens,  were  appointed  to  confer  with  the  council  of  war,  upon 
the  occasion. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Bricket  be  desired  to  take  possession  of  all  the 

arms  and  ammunition  that  he  shall  find  in  Mr.  Borland's  house,  and 

bring  them  to  head  quarters. 

May  7,  1775. 

Whereas,  it  appears  to  this  committee,  that  great  uneasiness  may 
arise  in  the  army,  by  the  appointment  of  surgeons  who  may  not  be 
agreeable  to  the  officers  and  soldiers  in  their  respective  regiments, 
therefore,  Voted,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  Congress,  to  allow  the 
colonel  of  each  regiment  to  nominate  the  surgeon  for  his  regiment ; 
said  surgeon  to  nominate  his  mate  ;  and  unless  there  is  some  material 
objection  made  against  them,  that  they  be  accordingly  appointed. 

Mr.  George  Babcock,  charged  with  the  care  of  a  house,  having  com- 
plained that  certain  persons  had  come  to  said  house,  and  taken  from 
thence  considerable  furniture,  Voted,  that  this  complaint  be  referred  to 
Congress,  and  that  Mr.  Cushing  be  desired  to  accompany  said  Bab- 
cock there,  and  that  the  above  vote  be  sent  to  the  council  of  war  for 
their  approbation ;  which  vote  being  sent,  it  was  approved  of  accord- 
ingly- 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  hereby  is  recommended  to  the  selectmen 

and  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of  Sudbury,  that  they 
use  their  utmost  influence,  that  the  effects  of  Col.  Ezra  Taylor  of  that 
town,  be  secured  from  any  injury  whatsoever. 

Ordered,  That  the  selectmen  and  the  committee  of  correspondence 
for  the  town  of  Chelsea,  be  desired  to  take  such  effectual  methods  for 
the  prevention  of  any  provisions  being  carried  into  the  town  of  Boston, 
as  may  be  sufficient  for  that  purpose. 

[The  following  letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  safety 
and  protection  of  Albany,  was  accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  forwarded.] 

[Sir  : — We  have  received  your  important  and  very  agreeable  let- 
ter of  May  current,  by  the  worthy  gentleman,  Captain  Barent  Ten 
Eyck.  While  we  lamem  the  effusion  of  the  blood  of  our  friends  and 
fellow  countrymen,  shed  by  more  than  brutal  cruelty,  urged  on  by  the 
corrupt  administration  of  a  British  minister  of  state;  yet,  amidst  all 
our  sorrow-  on  thai    mournful  occurrence,  we  rejoice  greatly,  at  the 


1775  I  OMMITTEE  OJ     -  \i  ET1 

bright  prospect  lying  before  us,  in   the  unaniroitj  <>t  I 
tin-  extended  continent     v,     bate  the  hi  ion  in  thi 

ance  from  \'>u,  thai  the  citizens  <>i  Albanj  continue  Brmly  and  i 
1\  to  cooperate  with  their  brethren  in  Nen  ^>  id  with  the 

colonies  on  the  continent,  in  iln-ir  opposition  i"  the  ministi  rial 
now  prosecuting  against  us,  and  that  the  citj   have  unanimous!)   aj>- 
pointed  a  committee  of  safety,  protection  and  correspondence,  which 
we  esteem  as  a  necessar)  measure  to  bind  us  all  in  one   indissoluble 
liuiul  of  union  in  the  common  cause  « » t  tin-   American  c< 

[Be  assured,  Sir,  thai  we  -lull  ever  esteem  il  as  '>ur  honor  and   in- 
i  to  correspond  with  you,  at  all  times,  on  matters  t>  oding  i"  pro- 
mote th<  common  good.     Suffer  us  to  say,  thai   we  have  the 

pleasure  in  v<>ur  information,  thai  the  extensive  c iiv  of  Albanj  will 

follow  your  laudable  example,  and  in  the  important  aid  the  general  cause 
will  receive  from  our  Bister  colony,  New    York.     The  enclosed,  you 
may  depend  upon  it,  is  a  well  authenticated  account   "t  the  late  en- 
^ij.-imiit  in  tins  colony,  and  supported  bj  a  great  number  of  ail 
eits.]1 

[  Permit  us  to  say,  Sir,  thai  you  maj  rely  upon  the  resolution  of  the 
people  of  this  colony  to  exert  themselves,  in  every  possible  way,  and 
thai  they  have,  long  Bince,  devoted  their  lives  and  fortunes  in  the 
nun-  cause  of  liberty  and  their  country     and  thai  they  net 
up  their  stand,  to  oppose  despotism  and  tyranny,  while  they  have  Buch 
full  assurances  from  their  Bister  colonies,  that  thej  are  equally  i 
in  the  defence  of  th<-  natural  and  constitutional  rights  <>i'  Amerii 

The  lil I  "t  our  neighbors,  i  dly  and  untimely  poured  out,  cries 

aloud  to  the  survivors  to  defend  the  American  rights  i">»r  which  they 
bled  and  died.  We  have  their  wounds  fresh  in  mind,  and  while  the 
colonies  are  united,  we  have  the  fullesl  assurance,  under  God,  of  the 
salt  ation  of  our  country.] 

|  We  an-.  Sir,  affectionately, 

N  our  \ erj  humble  sen ants.] 

[ ///  Committet  qj  Safety,  Cambridge,  May  «.  1775.] 

Mai    '.i.    I 

Moved  and  Voted,  Thai  the  Congress  I"-  desired  to  direct  th< 
rel  iry  to  furnish  this  committee  with  copies  of  all  9111  have 

passed  the  Congress  in  an]  ways  relative  to  the  duty  enjoined  this  com- 
mittee, and  as  the  circumstances  of  this  col  on  j  are  e<  rj  different  from 

J      I  lire  will  to  I  ii\. 


540  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  10, 

what  they  were  at  their  first  appointment,  the  committee  would  repre- 
sent to  the  Congress,  that  they  apprehend  it  is  necessary,  that  the  whole 
of  their  duty  may  be  comprised  in  a  new  commission. 

The  council  of  war  having  determined  that  two  thousand  men  are 
necessary  to  reenforce  the  army  now  at  Roxbury,  and  that,  if  possible, 
the  reenforcement  be  brought  into  camp  the  ensuing  night;  this  com- 
mittee took  the  vote  of  the  council  of  war  into  consideration ;  there- 
upon, Ordered,  that  the  commanding  officers  of  the  towns  of  Dorches- 
ter, Dedham,  Newton,  Watertown,  Waltham,  Roxbury,  Milton,  Brain- 
tree,  Brookline,  and  Needham,  immediately  muster  one  half  of  the 
militia,  and  all  the  minute  men  under  their  command,  and  march  them 
forthwith  to  the  town  of  Roxbury,  for  the  strengthening  of  the  camp 
there. 

A  firelock  of  Mr.  Borland  was  appraised  by  Col.  Palmer  and  Col. 
Orne,  at  forty  shillings,  and  delivered  Col.  Sergeant,  for  which  he  is 
to  be  accountable. 

A  vote  passed,  recommending  it  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  that  a 
court  of  inquiry  be  appointed,  for  the  trial  of  accused  persons. 

Voted,  That  Daniel  Taylor,  of  Concord,  be  desired  to  send  down  to 

Cambridge,  about  sixty  oars  for  boats,  from  twelve  to  sixteen  feet  in 

length. 

May  10,  1775. 

Voted,  That  one  company  of  men  be  raised  by  the  district  of  Co- 
hasset,  for  the  immediate  defence  of  the  sea  coast  of  said  district : 
the  said  company  to  be  joined  to  such  regiment  in  future,  as  it  may  be 
ordered  to,  should  there  be  occasion,  or  discharged  from  service  as 
soon  as  the  public  good  will  permit. 

Voted,  That  Nathan  dishing,  Esq.  be  desired  forthwith  to  engage 
four  armorers,  for  the  service  of  this  colony,  and  order  them  immedi- 
ately to  repair  to  the  town  of  Cambridge,  with  their  tools  and  other 
matters  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

Whereas,  the  council  of  war  are  of  opinion,  that  many  batteaux, 
whale  boats,  and  other  vessels,  will  immediately,  or  very  soon,  be 
wanted  in  Charles  nver  and  other  places,  and  as  there  is  not  a  suffi- 
cient number  of  such  vessels  to  be  now  obtained,  it  is  therefore  Re- 
solved, thai  it  would  \>r  of  public  utility  to  have  one  or  more  master 
carpenters  immediately  engaged  in  that  service ;  and  that  this  resolve 
be  immediately  senl  t"  Congress  for  their  consideration. 

Mr.  Daniel  Taylor,  of  Concord,  [was]  empowered  to  impress  a  car- 
riage or  carriages,  for  the  bringing  down  oars  from  that  town  to  Cam- 
bridge. 


177.-,.]  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFET1  541 

Voted,  Thai   orden   be   issued  t'>  the  colonels  of  thi 
in.  iii~.  to  repair  with  the  nun  they  have  enlisted,  to  Cambridge,  im- 
mediately.1 

The  Provincial  Congress  having  resolved,  that  th< 
be  directed  forthwith  to  call  in  all  the  Boldiere  who  are  enlisted  in  the 
service  of  this  colony,  and  thai  thej  give  immediate  orders  to  all  the 
enlisted  soldiers,  and  all  others  now  in  the  camps  at  Cambridge  and 
Eloxbury,  that  the)  <l"  not  depart  till  the  further  orders  of  the  Con- 
gress, whereupon,  \<<'"l,  thai  the  following  lettei  be  immediately 
to  the  respective  co  of  the  army,  viz. : 

'         IBRIDGl  .     M  \\      10,     I 

Sir  : — As  we  are  meditating  a  blow  aeainsl  <>ur  restless  enemies,  we 
therefore  enjoin  you,  as  you  would  evidence  your  regard  to  your  coun- 
try, forthwith,  upon  the  receipt  of  this  order,  to  r<  pair  to  the  town  "t 
Cambridge,  with  the  men  enlisted  under  your  command. 

We  are.  v\ 

Voted,  That  the  following  letter,  signed  by  Benjamin  Church,  Jr.. 
as  chairman  of  this  committee,  be  transmitted  ti>  Joseph  Warren,  Esq. 
president  of  the  Congress,  to  be  communicated,  vi 

Sir: — Conformable   to  the   order  of  <  of 

safety,  with  the  council  of  war,  h  ive  issued   orders  to  the  a  vera!  col- 
onels,  a  copj  of  which  we  em  <m  :    upon  receiving   the  return, 

those  who  have  completed  their  regiments  will  be  commissioned,  ag 
ably  to  the  direction  of  Congress;  those  who  find  it  impracticable  to 
fill  their  companies,  must    be   incorporated   into   other  defects 
ments,  which    i-;   the  only  plan  the  committee  find  themselves  able 

i    i 

Bottom 

••  M 

'An  old  camp 
where,  sod  liki 
l>.nt>  [ioni  |  to  i  D 

■•II  D 

i  ,ry  :    if  thej   ihould 

Dorchestei  neck,  ul  them  oft"  ontiroly.     0 

nor  a  r 

i  C 

I 
that  Earl  I'      j 

- 
i,  and  all 


542  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  12, 

to  suggest  on  this  emergency,  but  should  there  finally  be  a  deficien- 
cy, enlisting  orders  must  be  given  to  others. 

Yours,  &c. 

On  a  motion  made  and  seconded,  Ordered,  that  William  Goodwin 
have  orders  to  fetch  a  number  of  boats  from  Charlestovvn,  and  like- 
wise orders  to  press  teams  for  the  same  purpose. 

Mr.  William  Goodwin,  of  Charlestown,  was  directed  and  empow- 
ered to  take  possession  of  a  number  of  boats  now  at  Charlestown,  and 
likewise  to  press  teams,  wherever  they  may  be  found,  to  convey  said 
boats  to  Cambridge  ;  directing  the  owners  of  such  teams  to  transmit 
their  accounts  to  this  committee. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Watson  be  directed  and  empowered  to  remove  to 
Cambridge  the  boats  now  in  Menotomy  river,  and  to  impress  what 
carriages  may  be  necessary. 

The  commanding  officers  of  the  neighboring  regiments,  were  direc- 
ted forthwith  to  repair  to  the  town  of  Cambridge,  with  the  men  enlist- 
ed under  their  command. 

May  11,  1775. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Cooper,  Jr.,  be,  and  he  hereby  is  ap- 
pointed, a  clerk  to  Doct.  Warren,  president  of  the  Congress. 

May  12,  1775. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Charles  Miller  be,  and  he  hereby  is  appointed, 
deputy  commissary  to  Mr.  Pigeon,  the  commissary  general. 

Voted,  That  orders  be  given  to  Mr.  Clark,  boat-builder,  that  he 
give  such  repairs  to  the  boats  as  may  be  judged  necessary. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Isaiah  Thomas  have  sixty  reams  of  printing  crown 
paper,  and  eifjht  reams  of  printing  demy  paper,  supplied  him,  by  the 
committee  of  supplies,  they  taking  his  obligation  to  be  accountable  to 
the  colony  for  the  amount  thereof. 

Ordered.  That  Mr.  Charles  Miller  be,  and  he  hereby  is  empowered 
and  directed,  to  impress  any  horse  he  may  have  occasion  for  on  the 
service  of  the  province. 

Valid,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Branch  be,  and  he  hereby  is  appointed, 
one  of  the  armorers  for  the  colony  forces. 

The  following  is  the  report  of  a  joint  committee,  appointed  by  the 
committee  of  safety  and  the  council  of  war,  for  the  purpose  of  recon- 
noitering  the  highlands  in  Cambridge  and  Charlestown,  viz.  : 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  BAPETY. 

\\  e  have  car(  Fall]  examined  the  lands,  and  their  situation,  in  regard 
of  annoying  and  preventing  the  enemj  Prom  passing  into  the  country 
from  I'.  md]  are  ■-!'  opinion,  that  the  en  ■  .1  i<> 

cause  a  breasl  work  to  be  raised  near  the  bridge,  bj  t » i* -  n  «1  bouai 
the  In  •ail  of  the  creek,  near  the  road  from  Cambridge  to  Charleatown, 
on  the  south  side  of  said  road  ;  also  a  breasl  work  [to  1 
tin-  north  Bide  of  the  road,  opposite  the  Baid  red  bouse,  and  to  run  in 
the  same  line  as  the  fence  now  stands,  upon  the  declivitj  of  the  lull 
there;  also  a  redoubt  on  the  top  of  the  hill  where  the  guard  bouse 
now  stands;  and  three  or  four  nine  pound*  planted  tl 

also  a  strong  redoubt  [to  be]  raised  on  Bunker's  Hill,  with  cannon 
planted  there,  to  annoj  the  enemj  coming  out  of  Charlestown,  also  t-> 
annoj  them  going  bj  water  t"  Medford.  When  these  are  finished,  we 
apprehend  the  country  will  !>••  safe  from  all  Bailies  of  the  enemj  in 
that  quarter  :  all  which  is  humbly  submitted. 

BENJ  \MIN   (III  HCH,  chairman 
the  sub-committet  /nun  the  committe*  of  safety. 
WILLIAM  HENSH  iW,  chairman 
■  the  sub  committee  from  tin  council  of  //•<//•. 

The  committee  of  safety  having  taken   the   I  _r   report   into 

consideration,  apprehend  the  matter  not  i"  belong  to  them  officially  ; 
and  although  they  are  persuaded  that  the  high  lands  abov9  mention- 
ed are  important,  yet   not  being  the  proper  judges  what  works  ar- 

irv  to  be  constructed,  to  make  Baid  posts  tenable,  are  of  opinion 
that  the  determination  ol  tin-  matter  r<  ely  with  the  council  of 

war. 

BENJAMIN   <  111  U<  II    -Ik..  Chairman, 

Ordered,  Thai  this  report  be  senl  up  ti»  the  council  <>f  war. 

The  council  of  war  lia\inir  senl  in  to  this  committee,  a  proposal  re- 
specting the  suspending  the  orders  «>t'  C'oii'_rn-—  n-pfi-ting  the  rem< 
of  the  persons  and  effects  of  the  tories,  and  ordering  the  crown  offi< 
through  the  continent  to  be  apprehended  : 

/>'.  ohed,  That  the  recommendation  of  the  council  of  war,  n 
ing  tli"  Beizure  of  the  servants  and  friends  of  government,  improperly 
died,  and  keeping  them  in  custody,  until  General  Gage  Bhall  have 
complied  with  the  condition   proposed  bj  him  to  the  town  ol   Boston, 
and  accepted  by  them,  be  referred  to  C<  J,  for  their  determina- 

tion thereon. 


544  COMiMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  14, 

Voted,  That  this  committee  adjourn  to  Congress,  upon  matters  of 
great  importance. 

May  13,  1775. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Isaac  Foster  be  recommended  to  the  council  of 
war,  as  a  suitable  person  to  carry  such  provisions  into  the  town  of 
Charlestown,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants,  as  the  general  shall  think 
proper  to  permit  to  be  carried  in. 

Voted,  That  General  Thomas  be  desired  to  deliver  out  medicines  to 
such  persons  as  he  shall  think  proper,  for  the  use  of  the  sick  soldiers 
at  Roxbury,  until  the  surgeons  for  the  respective  regiments  are  regu- 
larly appointed. 

Voted,  That  the  provisions  and  chest  of  medicines  belonging  to 
Madam  Vassal,  now  under  the  care  of  Col.  Starks,  be  stored  as  Col. 
Starks  may  direct,  till  further  orders :  and  that  the  other  packages  may 
pass  into  Boston  or  elsewhere. 

Ordered,  That  the  commissary  general  or  his  deputy  be,  and  he 
hereby  is  directed,  to  supply  Col.  Rosseter  with  provisions  for  thirteen 
men  for  eight  days,  said  men  being  discharged  by  recommendation  of 
the  council  of  war,  and  order  of  this  committee. 

AVhereas  the  committee  are  informed,  that  a  number  of  men  enlist- 
ed into  the  colony  army,  under  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  are  now  posted 
at  Waltham,  and  are  receiving  provisions  from  the  public  stores  :  Re- 
solved, that  the  commanding  officer  of  the  colony  forces  be  desired 
to  order  said  enlisted  men  at  Waltham,  immediately  to  repair  to  head 
quarters,  and  in  case  of  refusal,  that  orders  be  given  for  the  preven- 
tion of  their   being  supplied  with  provisions  of  any  kind  from  the  pub- 


lic magazines. 


One  Thomas  Nicholas,  a  negro,  brought  before  this  committee  on 
account  of  his  suspicious  behavior  for  some  time  past,  having  been 
examined,  Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  council  of  war 
to  commit  said  negro,  until  there  be   further  inquiry  into  his  conduct. 

Mr.  Solomon  Shaw  was  appointed  one  of  the  armorers  for  the 
army,  and  General  Thomas  was  desired  to  accommodate  him  with  a 
suitable  place  at  Roxbury,  for  carrying  on  his  business. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  [saac  Bradish,  keeper  of  the  jail  in  Cambridge, 
be  directed  and  empowered  to  confine  one  Thomas  Nicholas,  negro, 
till  further  orders. 

May  14,  lT<r> 

Ordered,  Thai  the  con ssar)   general  supply  with  provisions,  for 

six  days,   four   nun  ,.f  Capt.  Williams'    company,   and  three  men  of 


i::r,.|  COMMITTEE  OF  B  1PET1 

Capt  Noble's  company  : — these  men  came  down  with  Co]    I'  n 
and  are  returning  home,  being  dismissed. 

I    >,il.  That  Capt  John  Carrier  have  one  Bet  of  ; 
Col.  Fry'a  regiment  .  and  in  c  ise  it  should  not  be  consent*  d  to  bj  tin- 
colonel,  he  agrees  to  join  that  regiment  which  -hall  In-  thought  i 
convenient 

Mr.  Andrew  Craigie,  commissary  of  tin-  medicinal  stort    .  v.\ 
direoted  and  empowered  to  impress  beds,  bedding,  and  other  nea 
ries  !'"r  the  sick,  as  they  may  be  wanting,  giving  the  owners  a  re< 
t'<>r  Buch  articles  as  li«'  may  take  foi  the  purpose  afori  said. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  committee  of  sup] 
[i   barrels  of  tar,  in  the  slo  nture,   I 

r,  just  arrived  at  Salem  from  Virginia,  it  being  appreh 
ed,  thai  the  service  of  the  colony  requires  said  tar  bein  red. 

\     ••    of  the  i  ouncil  of  war,  desiring  a  >u|>|»l\  of  hoes  and  brooms, 
was  recommended  to  the  committee  of  supplies  l>\  this  commit! 

The  following  was  Bent  to  the  gentlemi  n,  the  selectmen  of  the  town 
of  Lynn  : 

Whereas  Josiah  .Martin  has.  under  guard,   been  brou  rht  this 

committee  to  he  inquired  of  touching  hi-,  conduct,  respecting  his 
pearing  in  favor  of  carrying  hum  execution  the  tyrannical  designs  of 
administration  fir  the  enslai  m.r  of  this  |>r->\  ince  :  upon  examination  of 
th«'  evidences  produced,  Resolved,  that  the  said  M  urtin's  conduct  has, 
in  some  instances,  been  unfriendly  to  his  countrj  ;  but  that,  on  his 
being  charged  w  ith  the  same,  he  has  promised,  with  his  life  and  fortune, 
to -t.ind  forth  lor  the  defence  of  his  country,  and  that  so  long  as  he 
evinces  this  disposition,  bj  his  conduct,  and  does  not  an)  more  attempl 
•  into  the  town  of  Boston,  thai  he  be  received  with  the  favor  of 
his  countrymen,  and  that  no  insult  nor  injur)  be  offered  him  or  his 
property 

The  following  resolve,  relative  to  the  live  stock  on  the  islands  n< 
Bo  ton,  passed  this  committee,  \  iz  : 

R<  olved,  as  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  thai  all  the  live  -to.-k  be 
taken  from  Noddle's  island,  Hog  island,  Snake   island,  and    from 
part  of  Chelsea  near  the  sea  coast,  and   be  driven  back;   and   I 

"i  hi  of  this  bus 3s  be  committed  to  the  committees  ol 

pon  ctmen  of  the   towns  of  Wed  ford,  Maiden,  Ch< 

and  Lynn,  and  that  the)  be  supplied  with  such  a  i 
they  -hall  ne<  d,  from  the  regimenl  novt  at  Medford. 

/.'.  olved,  Thai   Col.  Palmer  and  Col.  Orne  be  directed  to  appl)  to 
the  committee  of  supplies,  al  Watertown,  foi  n  pnrticulai  account  of  the 
G9 


546  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  15, 

ordnance  and  military  stores,  and  where  the  same  are  deposited,  agree- 
ably to  the  request  of  the  council  of  war. 

Voted,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  body,  that  all  persons  escap- 
ing from  their  imprisonment  in  the  town  of  Boston,  ought  to  be  receiv- 
ed and  protected  in  the  several  towns  in  this  and  the  neighboring  col- 
onies, except  such  as  are  of  principles  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  their 
country,  who  are  not  to  be  received,  but  on  their  first  recanting  their 
said  principles,  and  making  their  peace  with  their  countrymen  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  selectmen,  committees  of  inspection,  &c,  in  the 
town  to  which  they  shall  apply  :  and  that  the  wives  and  children  of 
such  persons,  who  shall  choose  to  remain  in  Boston  with  General 
Gage,  may  and  ought  to  be  treated  with  humanity  and  tenderness  in 
the  several  towns  they  may  go  to  dwell  in,  during  the  present  troubles, 
and,  by  no  means,  to  suffer  the  least  injury,  or  meet  with  the  smallest 
mark  of  disrespect  upon  account  of  their  said  husbands  or  fathers. 

The  council  of  war  having  recommended  that  forty  persons  of  the 
regiment  commanded  by  Col.  Fellows,  have  liberty  to  return  to  their 
several  homes.  Resolved,  that  they  be  dismissed  accordingly,  and 
that  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  supply  said  persons  with 
six  days'  provisions  to  serve  them  on  their  return  home. 

This  committee,  having  been  informed  by  the  committee  of  supplies, 
that  they  had  secured  as  many  naval  stores  as  Col.  Gridley  of  the  train 
had  indented  for,  Voted,  that  Capt.  Foot  be  permitted  to  deliver  his 
cargo,  naval  stores  not  excepted,  agreeably  to  the  bills  of  lading  he 
had  signed  for  the  same. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  William  Haskins  be,  and  he  hereby  is  appointed, 
first  clerk  to  the  deputy  commissary  general. 

The  council  of  war  having  recommended  that  Capt.  Joseph  Foster, 
Thomas  Jenkins,  James  Lammans,  John  Rutherford,  Jonathan  March, 
J.  Mensh,  .1.  Simmins,  J.  Crost,  of  Col.  Porter's  regiment,  who  are 
not  enlisted,  may  be  dismissed,  they  were  accordingly  dismissed,  and 
had  an  order  on  the  commissary  general  for  four  days'  provisions  each. 
Voted,  Tint  Matthew  Clark  and  five  other  persons,  who  are  repair- 
ing the  boats  brought  to  this  town,  be  supplied  with  provisions  while 
llipy  air  at  work  fur  the  colon]  . 

May  15,  1775 

The  9ub-committee,  appointed  to  apply  to  the  committee  of  supplies 
for  a  particular  account  of  the  ordnance  and  military  stores,  reported, 
and  handed  in  to  the  committee  the  following  list,  viz.  : 


1775.]  I  •  >MMITTEE  OF  a  UT.TN  II 

1    List  oj  Military  >  mder  (/<>   can  oj  Capi    I 

At  Cambridge ; — pick  axes,  H'»i>     batcbeU    23         en-inch    :• 
298    spades,  190:  pieces  of  cannon,  24 :  axes,    156     bo* 
shot,  ll    l-J     hogsheads  of  flints  containing  75,000  2     •    rpenter's 
tool  chesl  j,  2     boxes  of  axes,  4     1  barrel    I  •  eaden  balls  :   1 1 

small  arm  cartrid         18    barrels  of  bomb  fuses,  I     :  irn  s  of  i 

1  chests  of  tin   cannisters,  2    boxes  of  paper  for  carl  I :  nine 
pound  ball,  607 :   Bix-pound   balls,  1129        ur- pound  ditto,  200    Iwo- 
pound  ditto,  800    seven-inch  Bhells,  298    twenty-four  pound  ball,  122 
three-pound  ball,  620  ;  No.  I  and  2  paper  cartridges  for  cannon  bo 

2  one  barrel   containing   four  lube  cannisters     16  I 

I       svder  horns,  5  Bkeins  dry  matches     1  barrel  cannisters  rilled  with 
langrage,  but  no  cartridges  affixed  to  them,  for  <">  pounders     I  i 
marked,  paper  cartridges  rilled  :  1  barrel,  marked,  -1  two  pound  i 
ridgi 

Under  tin  can  of  Col.  Barrett  and  Capt.  Heywood. 

Musket  balls,  9,000 :  grape  shot,  1,600:  bar  lead,  700  musket 
cartridges,  about  3,000  weight    -\  barrels  ofbandaj 

Von  at  Cambridge,  under  tin  cur,  oj  Capt.  Foster. 

2  casks  of  tubes  :  1  barrel,  marked,  60  •    a     with  flannel  cartrii 
for  three  pur  single  fortified   guns     2  barrels  containing  shot, 

part  fuses  and  tubes     I  barrel  containing  a  number  of  paper  cartri 
nol  filled     2  casks  of  cases  with  flannel  cartridges,  marked  1   T,  T 

Attest,    U.l'.X  INDER  SHEPHERD,  Jr.. 

B  .  ordi  i  of  the  ( !ommitti 

\foved  and  Voted,  That  the  original  lisl  ofmilitar]  stores  be  handed 
in  to  the  council  of  war,  and  it  was  handed  in  accordingly. 

Voted,  Thai  the  Hampshire  companies,  nov»  at  Medford,  if  enlisted 
into  this  colony'-  service,  under  Col.  Stark  or  Col.  Sargent,  and  pro- 
perly equipped,  shall  be  provided  with  barracks:  those  of  them,  it  any, 
who  are  not,  and  do  not  choo-r  to  !>••  enlisted,  and  are  not  equipped, 
art-  to  be  furnished  with  provisions  for  their  return. 

Voted,  That  Capt  John  Walker  of  Worcester,  who  came  dowi 
this  committee   for  liberty  to  go  into   Bo-ton,  upon  the  proclamation 
issued  bj  Congress, be  apprehended  and  confined  as  r  prisoner  ol 


548  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  15, 

he  being  an  half  pay  officer,  and  under  the  orders  of  General  Gage; 
and  so  not  included  in  said  proclamation. 

Upon  a  motion  made,  the  question  was  put,  whether  Col.  Phipps  be 
permitted  to  have  a  cow,  calf,  and  a  load  of  hay,  to  go  into  the  town 
of  Boston  :  passed  in  the  negative. 

Voted,  That  ('apt.  Naler  Hatch  [with  the]  Maiden  company  be  as- 
signed to  Col.  Gardner's  regiment,  but  they  are  to  remain  in  Maiden 
until  the  special  order  of  Col.  Gardner  shall  be  received  for  their 
attendance  elsewhere. 

Voted,  That  nine  indians,  of  Col.  Porter's  regiment,  have  liberty  to 
return  home,  and  that  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  furnish 
them  with  six  days'  provisions  for  that  purpose,  the  same  having  been 
recommended  by  the  council  of  war. 

Upon  the  application  of  Lady  Frankland,  Voted,  that  she  have  lib- 
erty to  pass  into  Boston  with  the  following  goods  and  articles  for  her 
voyage,  viz.  : 

6  trunks  :  1  chest :  3  beds  and  bedding  :  6  wethers  :  2  pigs  :  1  small 
keg  of  pickled  tongues  :  some  hay  :  3  bags  of  corn  :  and  such  other 
goods  as  she  thinks  proper. 

The  following  permit  was  granted  : 

To  tlic  Colony  G-uard : 

Permit  Lady  Frankland  of  Hopkinton,  with  her  attendants,  goods, 
and  the  provisions  above  mentioned,  to  pass  to  Boston,  by  express 
order  of  the  committee  of  safety. 

BENJAMIN  CHURCH,  Jr.,  Chairman. 

Head  Quarters,  May  15,  1775. 

Voted,  That  the  letters  and  writings  from  New  York,  via  New  Lon- 
don, relative  to  the  establishing  a  post  office  and  riders  for  the  service 
of  the  colony  be  sent  to  the  Congress. 

Voted,  That  John  Tucker  of  Col.  Porter's  regiment  be  dismissed 
from  the  service,  and  that  he  be  furnished  by  the  commissary  with 
seven  days'  provisions. 

Voted,  That  Jonathan  Blaisdcl  of  Amesbury,  be  appointed  an  ar- 
morer for  the  army. 

Resolved,  That  Mr.  Borland's  house  be  appropriated  for  the  use  of 
the  committee  of  safety,  and  the  quarter  master  general  is  directed  to 
provide  quarters  for  the  troops  now  lodged  at  said  house. 

Voted,  That  the  quarter  master  general   be  directed  to  remove   as 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  S  UT/n 

Minn v  of  tli<'  three  companies  now  at   Mr.    Borland's,  t"  ti 
Duct.  Kneeland,  as  the  house  ran  accommodate,  and  thai   U 
companii  -  al  Mr  \    m  il's  bouse,  be  placed  al  Mr.  Fox<  roll  -  i  ■ 
thai  Mi    Borland's  bouse  be  cleared  and  i 

Resolved.  Thai  it  ommended  to  the  honorabb    I  that 

the  records  of  the  probate  office  for  the  eoont]  of  Midi 
to  be  al  Mr.  Danforth's   and   Doct.  Kneel and's  hou  ed  to 

1 1     •    M m«-t  — ,  at  ( ' :ord,  and,  thai  the  records  of  the  county  at  Mr 

Foxcroft's  office,  be  minted  to  said  Minot     house. 

The  following  certificate  was  delivered  Mr.  Goddard,  \ 

This    i-   to   certify,  that   Mr.  John  Goddard,  has  been  appointed 
by  the  j"int  committees  of  sail  tj   and  ropplies  i  to 

this  <•"!<  'ii\.  to  convej  such  articles  of  stores  from  one  part  of  this  col- 
ony  to  another  as  the  public  i  iig<  ncj  may  require,  under  t he  direc- 
tion  of  the  commissary  general  and  the  ordni  er,  and, 

that  auch  other  waggoners  <>r  drivers  are  to  be  «  mployed,  as  he  shall 
recommend  tor  thai  purpo 

The  following  permit  was  given  to  Capt.  Walker. 

Permit  Capt.  John  Walker,  now  on  his  parole  of  honor,  to  pass  un- 
molested to  his  family  at  Worcester. 

Mr.  Julm  Goddard,  waggon  master, was'directed  and  empowered,  in 
of  emergency,  to  impress  such  v  and  cattle  as  shall  b 

quisite  for  the  public  sen  ice. 

I    ted,  That  the  clearing  Mr.  Borland's  and  Mr.  Vassal's  bouses 

suspended  till  further  order-. 

I  \ted,  Thai  Thomas  Austin,  of  Charlestown,  be,  and  berebj  is  ap- 
pointed an  armorer  lor  the  army. 

I  ../,,/,  That  the  above  vote,  appointing  Mr.  Tl tas  Austin  one  of 

the  armorers  t<»r  the  army,  be,  and  berebj  is  reconsidered. 

M  w    16,   l '  '■'< 
In  a  letter  from  Col.  James  Barrett,  of  this  day,  it  is  represent 
that  a  prisoner  now  at    Worcester,  is  a  paper-maker,  and  that   M 
James  Boice,  of  Milton,  is  in  want  of  such  a  person  in  bis  paper  man- 
ufactory; therefon     /«'     Ived,  that  Col.  Barrett,  be,  and  be  berebj  is 
directed  and  empowered,  to  remove  said  prisoner  from  ^  i  '" 

said  Boice's  manufactory  in  Milton. 


550  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  17, 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Hill,  and  four  men,  with  four  prisoners,  have  an 
order  for  supplies  on  the  taverners  and  innholders  in  the  towns  they 
pass  through. 

Whereas,  it  is  recommended  by  the  council  of  war,  that  fifty-four 
whale-boats  be  immediately  provided  for  the  use  of  this  colony  :  Re- 
solved, that  a  copy  of  said  vote  of  the  council  of  war,  be  transmitted  to 
the  committee  of  supplies,  and  that  they  be  desired  to  procure  and 
place  said  boats,  agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  the  council  of 

war. 

Voted,  That  Capt.   Butler   be  desired  to  furnish  those  men  of  his 

own  company  with  arms,  who  are  destitute  thereof. 

By  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  the  following  is  the  estab- 
lishment for  ten  companies  of  matrosses  : 

Captain,  £6  10s.  per  month;  captain  lieutenant,  <£5  10s.  per 
month  ;  first  lieutenant,  £4  10s.  per  month ;  2  second  lieutenants, 
each,  £3  12s.  per  month ;  sergeants,  each,  £2  10s.  per  month ; 
corporals,  each,  £2  6s.  per  month  ;  six  bombadiers,  each,  £2  4s. 
Or/,  per  month  ;  six  gunners,  each,  £2  4s.  per  month  ;  32  matrosses, 
£2  3s.  per  month. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Gridley  have  one  set  of  beating  orders,  for  a  com- 
pany of  matrosses. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Azor  Orne  have  one  of  the  college  arms,  he  giv- 
ing a  receipt  for  the  same. 

May  17,  1775. 

Whereas,  it  is  determined,  in  council  of  war,  that  ten  swivels  be 
immediately  provided  for  the  use  of  the  army,  and  delivered  in  camp, 
at  Cambridge  : 

Resolved,  That  a  copy  of  the  foregoing  vote  be  transmitted  to  the 
committee  of  supplies,  and  that  they  be  desired  to  procure  said  swivel 
guns  immediately. 

Resolved,  That  the  three  pieces  of  cannon,  with  the  stores,  now  at 
Waltham,  be  immediately  removed  to  Watertown,  near  the  bridge,  by 
advice  of  the  general,  and  that  Mr.  El  bridge  Gerry,  one  of  the  com- 
mittee of  supplies,  be  desired  and  empowered  to  remove  the  same. 

Ordered,  That  Col.  Orne,  Doct.  Church  and  Col.  Palmer,  be  a 
committee  to  repair  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  request,  that 
forthwith,  the  duty  of  the  committee  of  safety  be  precisely  stated,  and 
that  said  committee  be  empowered  by  Congress  to  conduct  in  such 
manner  as  shall  tend  to  the  advantage  of  the  colony;  and  to  justify  the 
conduct  of  said  committee,  so  far  as  their  proceedings  are  correspon- 
dent with  the  trust  reposed   in  them  ;    and   to   inform    [the  Congress] 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  B  IFETY.  .1 

that  until  the  path  <>f  their  duty  1-  clear!]  pointed  out,  they  must  I 
a  tol  il  I"-  how  to  condui  I  to  stand  justified  in  their  own  mil 

and  in  the  minds  of  [the  1 i»l<-  of]  tin-  colony. 

Mr  William  I!. in. in,  hi  Col.  Fellows'  regiment,  1-  appointed  !>v  this 
committee  to  acl  as  an  armorer  for  th<-  forces  posted  at  Roxbury. 

Resolved,  That  .Mr.  Joseph  Austin,  "i  Charlestown,  be  directed  to 
attend  u] this  committi  fety,  immediately. 

I  ted,  Thai  Col.  Fellows  be  directed  to  procure  a  shop  and  tools, 
and  everj  material  necessar)  for  an  are  R    (bury,  to  work 

immediately  iu  the  co 

I-/"/,  Thai  the  commissar)  deliver  .Mr.  Matthew  Clark  sixt]  oar-. 
for  the  use  of  this  colony. 

Voted,  Thai   the  carrying  any  hay  into  the  town  of  Boston,  on 
. -..11111  of  John  Borland,  Esq.,  be  suspended  until  further  order  from  this 
commit' 

I    ted,  Thai  Mr.  Stephen   Ball   be  appointed  to  inspect  the  colli 
walls,  ami  see  that  thej  are  k<  pi  in  proper  repair. 

Voted,  That  the  selectmen  of  Cambridge  be  directed  to  supply  Gen- 
eral Ward  with  lour  half  barrels  of  powder,  for  the  use  of  this 

Whereas,  General  <i  ige  has  uol  kept  his  agreement  with  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  town  of  Boston,  but,  notwithstanding  his  said  agreement, 
has  prevented,  and  even  refused,  Baid  inhabitants,  with  their  efl 
from  removing  into  the  country  :  therefoi  /.'  lived,  thai  it  be  re< 
mended  to  the  Congress,  that  thej  rescind  their  resolution  of  the  30th 
ultim  >.  p  Tin  in  m  _r  the  inhabit  ints  of  this  colon)  to  remove,  with  tii-ir 
effects,  into  the  town  of  Boston,  which  resolution  was  founded  upon 

said  aiTr.Mii.iii. 

Resolved,  That  Col.  Orne  and  Col.  Palmer  be  directed  to  attend 
the  Congress,  with  tit.-  above  resolve. 

Resolved,  That  in  case  of  an  alarm,  this  committee  will  repair  to 
CoolidLf'-  tavern,  in  Watertown. 

Upon  a  in  .110:1  made,  Voted,  that  Capt.  How    be  directed  to  resl 
the  Biz  sets  of  enlisting  papers,  which  hi-  this  day  took  out  without  the 
consenl  of  the  committee,  by  a  fraud  practised  upon  the  chairman. 

Voted,  That  application  be  made  to  his  Excellenc)  General  Ward, 
that  he  would  order  Edward  How  under  guard,  until  this  committee 
can  have  a  full  hearing  of  his  case. 

[Whereas,  one  Mr.  Mellicant,  of  Waltham,  who  is  an  officer  in  his 
majest]  -  service,  under  half  pay,  1  suspected,  b]  means  of  bis,  Baid 
Mellicant  a  wife  having  Gr<  is  into  and  out  from  the  town  ol   B 

ton,  of  communicating  such  intelligi  nc<  to  our  enemies  as  ma)  have  a 


552  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  19, 

tendency  to  injure  the  important  cause  we  are  engaged  in,  and,  in 
some  degree,  defeat  the  plans  forming  for  the  salvation  of  this  colony 
and  continent :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  selectmen  and  commit- 
tee of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Waltham  be,  and  hereby  are  di- 
rected and  empowered,  to  take  such  effectual  methods,  for  the  prevent- 
in^  any  intelligence  going  into  the  town  of  Boston,  by  means  of  the 
abovesaid  Mr.  Mellicant,  or  any  of  his  family,  as  to  them,  in  their  wis- 
dom, shall  seem  meet.] 

May  19,  1775. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  John  Lane  have  enlisting  papers  delivered  him, 
for  raising  a  company  of  indians  at  the  eastward. 

The  following  certificate  was  delivered  Col.  Gerrish,  for  the  Provin- 
cial Congress  : 

Col.  Samuel  Gerrish  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  his  regi- 
ment is  full,  we  recommend  to  the  Congress  that  said  regiment  be 
commissioned  accordingly. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Newall  proceed  to  Watertown,  and  lodge  the 
ten  swivel  guns  he  has  under  his  care,  at  Edward  Richardson's,  inn- 
holder  in  said  Watertown ;   it  being  recommended   by  General  Ward. 

The  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Northborough, 
having  sent  a  certain  Ebenezer  Cutler  to  this  committee  for  trial,  upon 
complaint  of  his  being  an  enemy  to  this  country,  and  this  committee 
not  having  authority  to  act  in  the  case,  as  they  apprehend,  do  refer 
the  matter  to  Congress. 

Col.  Ebenezer  Learned  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  his  regi- 
ment is  full,  it  was  recommended  to  the  Congress  that  said  regiment 
be  commissioned  accordingly. 

The  following  letter  of  direction  to  the  several  colonels,  was  for- 
warded, viz.  : 

Sin  : — The  necessity  of  completing  the  colony  army,  and  the  suspi- 
cions entertained  by  some  of  the  officers  who  have  been  engaged  in 
recruiting  men,  oblige  us  to  request  your  immediate  return,  to  this 
committee,  of  the  number  of  men  enlisted  in  your  regiment,  with  the 
names  of  the  officers  of  said  regiment,  as  the  Congress  have  urged  for 
said  returns,  that  commissions  may  be  issued,  and  due  subordination 
take  place. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Wood,  of  Roxbury,  be,  and  hereby  is  ap- 
pointed, an  armorer  for  the  army. 


1775.]  <  0MM1T  ir.i:  OF  S  \i  \:\\ 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Diki      I   Bridgwater,  I"-,  ami  he  I    i  int- 

ed,  an  armorer  tor  the  army. 

<■  aeral  Thomas  was  informed,  by  letter,  that  the  <  omraittee  had 
appointed  Messrs.  Bern  an,  Shaw,  Wood  ami  Diki  for  tin- 

forces  posted  at  Etoxbury,  and  red  i"  acquaint  tin-  committee 

it'  : 1 1 1 \  further  appointments  were  necessary. 

Voted,  Thai  Doct.  Church  have  an  order  for  a  horse  ami  sulky,  ami 
a  single  horse,  for  his  journej  to  Philadelphia  upon  the  province  ac- 
count. 

[Whereas,  some  persons  have  hinted  thai   Samuel   B  ! 

Boston,  has,  in   some   inst  been   unfriendly  to  his  country,  and 

the  common  cause  of  liberty,  for  which  tin-  colon]  mm  Buffers  and 
bleeds,  ami  >ns  maj  have  a  tendency  t'»  injure  him, 

we  have  inquired  into  tin-  conduct  of  tin-  .-.ml  Samuel  Barrett,  Esq  , 
during  the  unnatural  contest  between  Great  Britain  ami  tin-  colonies, 
ami  from  In-  acts  ami  explicit  declarations,  we  have  reason  i"  think 
that  In'  i-  friendly  t"  the  n_r|it-  ami  liberties  of  tin-.  In-  native  coun- 
try, ami  we  recommend  him  accordingly.] 

M  u   20,   1775 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Edward  How,  Eben       i  <    ttler,  and   Nicl 
Mack  fellow,  mm    under  guard,  be  sent  up  to  I  lamina- 

tion ami  trial,  ami  Capt.  White  i-  appointed  to   attend  I  .  with 

tlir  above  named  persons. 

I    >■<!,  That  the  genera]  be  desired  to  furnish  a  guard  for  th. 
sion. 

I  led.  Thai  for  the  future,  no  person  having  orders  t"  impress  hor- 
ses, shall  impress  tin-  horse  <>t  Deacon  Timothj  Winn,  of  Woburn,  In' 
ami  In-  horse  being  employed  in  the  colon]  Bervice. 

Resolved,  Thai  it  i-  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  as  the  contest 
now  between  Great  Britain  and  the  colon  la  th'-  liberties  ami 

privileges  of  the  latter,  which  the  colonies  are  determined  t"  maintain, 
thai  the  admission  <>t'  any  persons,  a-  soldiers,  into  the  army  now  rais- 
ing, hnt  onl]  -mli  a-  .Hi-  freemen,  will  In-  inconsistent  with  tin-  princi- 
ples that  ai-r  in  In-  supported,  ami  reflect  dishonor  on  this  colony,  anil 
that  no  slave-  he  admitted  into  tin-  army  upon  any  consideration  what- 
ever. 

1  -  i  Read  having  satisfied  tin-  committee,  that  In-  regiment 
i-  full,  a  certificate  was  given  him  of  the  -ami',  ami  it  w  amend- 
ed to  the  honorable  the  Provincial  Congress,  that  his  reg it  might 

imissioned  according!] 

70 


554  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  23, 

Col.  Read  had  thirteen  sets  of  regulations  for  the  army  delivered 

him  by  order.1 

May  23,  1775. 

Whereas,  our  enemies  make  frequent  excursions  to  the  islands  and 
sea  coasts,  from  whence  they  plunder  hay,  cattle,  and  sheep  ;  which 
not  only  greatly  injures  many  individuals,  but  also  the  public,  and 
strengthens  the  hands  of  our  enemies  ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be 
recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  to  take  some  effectual  meas- 
ure to  secure  the  stock  on  the  islands  and  sea  coasts,  to  prevent  its  fal- 
ling into  the  hands  of  our  enemies. 

The  following  orders  relative  to  furnishing  one  of  the  expresses  with 
provisions,  horses,  &c,  were  issued,  viz.  : 

(1)  The  following  letter  was  addressed  to  General  Preble. 

Cambridge,  May  20,  1775. 

Uonordbh  General  Preble, 

,<ik: This  committee),  received  your  favor  of  the  fifteenth  instant,  touching  the  raising  men,  for 

the  service  of  this  colony,  and  note  your  just  observations  on  the  subject. 

The  committee,  after  the  resolutions  of  the  Congress  for  establishing  an  army  of  thirteen  thousand  six 
hundred  men,  thought  the  exigencies  of  the  times  and  the  exposed  situation  of  the  several  towns  near 
Boston,  made  it  absolutely  necessary,  that  the  army  should  be  immediately  raised,  and,  that  for  the 
facilitating  of  this  important  business  it  was  expedient  that  orders  should  be  issued  to  such  men  as 
were  recommended  as  proper  persons  for  such  impoitant  trusts.  Accordingly,  orders  were  issued  to 
as  many  colonels  as  were  sufficient  to  complete  said  army  ;  but  from  the  delay  which  appeared  in 
the  army's  being  formed,  by  the  slow  progress  made  in  the  enlisting  men,  and  the  exposed  situation 
of  the  colony  camp,  by  the  going  off  of  numbers  from  time  to  time,  it  was  rendered  necessary,  that 
further  orders  should  be  issued  for  completing  the  army  with  all  possible  speed  ;  and  in  consequence 
of  that  determination,  among  others,  Col.  March  received  orders  for  the  enlisting  of  a  regiment  for 
the  service  of  this  colony,  and,  we  understand,  has  made  some  considerable  progress  in  enlisting 
men  for  said  service.  AVe  are  also  informed  by  your  honor,  that  Col.  Phinney  has  received  enlist- 
ing orders  from  you,  and  has  engaged  in  the  business  of  enlisting  men  to  complete  a  regiment ;  and 
we  arc  further  informed  by  your  honor,  that  it  is  impracticable  that  two  regiments  should  be  raised 
in  the  county  of  Cumberland,  and  being  told  by  Col.  Phinney,  that  many  of  the  men  that  would  be 
raised  in  your  county,  could  not  be  supplied  by  the  towns  from  which  they  are  enlisted,  with  fire- 
arms and  blankets,  this  committee,  taking  into  consideration  the  exposed  situation  of  your  county 
and  ih''  probability  of  the  army's  being  completed  without  drawing  men  from  those  parts  of  the  col- 
ony which  arc  more  immediately  exposed,  would  recommend,  Sir,  that  you  would  use  your  influ- 
ence, that  a  stop  I).-  put  to  the  raising  any  men  hi  your  comity  until  it  may  be  known  by  tho 
returns  from  '  authorized  tor  the  raising  regiments,  whether  it  may  be  necessary 

to  take  any  men  from  \  ,  and  should  this  necessity  take  place,  this  committee  will  endeav- 

or to  give  yon  snch  earl]  intelligence  as  maj  be  necessary.     The  request  of  this  committee  to  your 
nor,  we  flatter  ourselves,  will  not  bo  conceived  by  you  as  carrying   in   it   the   least  disrespect  to 
i     |.  March  or  <  lol.  Pbinnej ,  but  solely  from  the  probability  of  the  army's  being  complete  without 
"ii  from  those  parti  of  the  colony   which  are  more  immediately  exposed.    We  should  bo 

a]  . . r i r  1 r  :it  head  quarters,  which  we  hope  your  health  will  soon  admit,  and  with  you 

„,.  join  in  tlo-  hop.   ol  soon  seeing  a  speedy  end  to  tho  great  difficulties  this  distressed  colony  now 

labors  under. 

U  .   am     Sir,  with  the  great  r<  spect,  your  honors  humble  servants, 

P.  B.     Please  to  inform  the  within  mentioned  colonels,  of  this  determination. 

N  ours,  &c. 


1775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  -  \n   n 


. .  . 


To  <ill  innkeepers,  taverners,  and  other  persons  whom  it  m, 

1 1  in  : 

\  ou  are  desired  to  furnish  the  bearer,  Mr.  John  Chandler  Williams, 
with  all  Decessariea  upon  bis  journey  and  return,  as  also  with  boi 
it  neoessarj ,  and  to  exhibit  the  accounts  to  the  committee  of  sail  I 
this  colony,  as  he  is  now  upon  the  country  Bervice 

M n   26,   1775 
The  following  warrant,  for  supplying  an  •  sprese  on  the  colon]  Ber- 
vice, was  issued  : 

To  nil  innkeepers,  taverners,  anil  <>tlur  persons  ir/m,,,  it  „un/  t,,n- 

<  >  in  : 

\  "u  are  desired  t"  furnish  the  bearer,  Mr.  John  GUI,  with  all  oe< 
Baries  upon   his  journt  ind  return  from  Rhode    [stand,  a-  also 

with  horses,  if  necessary,  ami  to  exhibit  your  account  to  the  commit- 
tee of  safety  for  this  colony,  he  being  an  express  on  the  colon]  service 

The  following  certificate  was  iri\<  n  Dr.  Bond 

Doct.  Nathaniel   Bond,  of  Ufarblehead,  having  been  charged  before 
this  committee,  with  having  acted  an  unfriendlj   part  to  tin-  col 
said  committee  appointed  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  Col.  Thomas  Gardner, 
and  Lieut.  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  as  a  court  of  inquirj   to  examine  wit- 
nesses in  the  case,  and  hear  and  determine  the  same;  and  upon  full 
inquiry  into  the  case,  they  air  clearlj  of  opinion,  that  -aid  Bond's 
era!  behavior  ha-  been  friendlj  to  American  liberties,  and  though  he 
may  have  discovered  an  imprudent  degree  of  warmth  in  Borne  instan- 
ce! \\c  do  not  find  an)  proof  of  an  inimical  temper  or  disposition 
to  this  country,   and  therefore,   recommend   him  to  the  esteem 
friendship  of  In-  country[men],  hoping,  that,  i-  the  error  which  o 
sioned  hi-  being  broughl  before  tin-  committee,  appears  to  have  I 
altogether   involuntary,  and    was   such    a-   several   of  our  most  firm 
friends  were  led  into  b)  false  rumors  Bpread  of  the  transactions  of  the 
nineteenth   instant,  no  impressions  to  the  doctor's  disadvantage  maj 
remain  on  the  mind-  of  any  person  whatsoever.1 

H 

rOCOrd  .it  [I  Will 

'I'll'   Hon.  B  G 

i 


556  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  21, 

This  committee  have  taken  into  their  most  serious  consideration, 
the  state  of  the  New  England  army,  proposed  to  be  raised  for  the  defence 
and  security  of  the  lives,  liberties,  and  property  of  the  Americans;  and 
find  that  the  several  colonies  have  not,  collectively,  raised  more  than 
24,500  men  ;  whereas,  30,000  were  supposed  to  be  necessary  ;  and  said 
committee  also  find  a  considerable  number  of  officers  of  minute  men 
now  at  head  quarters,  who,  with  their  men,  cannot  find  room  for  employ- 
ment in  the  army  upon  the  present  establishment  of  this  colony ;  and 
as  our  enemies  have  determined  to  distress  us  upon  our  sea  coasts,  by 
taking  our  vessels,  with  provisions,  salt,  molasses,  &c,  as  well  as  by 
plundering  our  islands  and  coasts  of  live  stock,  which  will  require  a 
greater  number  of  men  to  guard  said  coasts,  than  was  at  first  estima- 
ted ;  and  as  said  army,  or  any  part  thereof,  may  be  disbanded  at  any 
future  time,  when  the  public  safety  will  admit  thereof,  and  as  the  pub- 
lic military  spirit  now  runs  high,  it  is  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  con- 
sideration of  these  premises  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Con- 
gress ;  and  that  Col.  Palmer  be  directed  to  attend  said  Congress  with 
this  resolve,  in  order  to  know  whether  they  will  make  any  addition  to 
their  present  establishment. 

May  21,  1775. 

[This  committee  have  often  contemplated  the  mode  of  ascertaining 
the  completion  of  the  several  regiments,  and  find  no  clear  and  explicit 
rule  to  their  satisfaction,  and  therefore,  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  the 
honorable  Congress  of  this  colony,  whether,  a  return  from  a  muster- 
master,  that  such  or  such  a  regiment  had  such  a  number  of  privates 
who  had  passed  muster,  would  not  be  a  good  rule  for  ascertaining 
when  a  regiment  may  be  said  to  be  full ;  and  submit  the  consideration 
of  the  same  to  said  honorable  Congress.] 

rial  Congress  had  done  mo  tlio  honor  of  choosing  mo  a  memher  of  the  committee  of  safety,  and  that 
they  requested  my  attendance  without  delay.  I  readily  exert  myself  on  every  occasion  that  pre- 
sents, as  far  as  1  am  able,  to  promote  such  measures  as  have  a  tendency  to  relieve  the  country  from 
its  present  difficulties  mid  embarrassments  ;  hut  my  ill  state  of  health  forhids  my  attending  closely 
to  business,  and  therefore,  disqualifies  me  to  act  in  that  department,  with  advantage  to  the  public 
or  myself,  fi>r  which  reason,  I  have  to  entreat  the  indulgence  of  the  Congress,  while  I  ask  to  he  ex- 
cused from  that  service  ;  assuring  them  I  cannot  he  an  indifferent  observer  of  the  scene  that  is  now 
acting  ;  bnt,  as  I  \\u\  •■  hitherto  attended  to  our  public  affairs,  as  far  as  my  health  would  permit,  al- 
most to  the  n.t  il  neglect  of  my  nun  persona]  concerns,  I  shall  continue  to  do  so,  if  my  life  is  spared 
until  this  laud  <>!.t  lins  a  complete  deliverance  from  the  hands  of  tyranny  and  oppression}  hut  then 
it  iiiii-t  In-  iii  a  sphere  wherein  I  shall  no1  be  liable  to  so  much  confinement  and  solicitude  as  I  must 
in  il-- ink  submit  i",  as  a  membi  r  of  thai  committee." 

"  I  am,  with  lespect,  Sir,  your  most  humble  servant, 

B.  GREENLEAF." 


1775.]  I  I  »MMITTEE  OF  S  \\\:\\ 

M  n   22,   1775 
\\  1 1« - r .  a-,  it  appears  to  this  committee,  that  do   iron 
renders  it  ni  iders  should  !>«•  k.pt  in  pa)  at  present,  t> 

fore,  Voted,  that  all  such  riders  as  have  d  l>\   this  com* 

mittee,  be  from  tin-  da\  dischai   ed  from  Baid  Bervit 

- 

Mai   24,   1775 

1  ted,  That  the  commissary  general  be  directed  to  supply  John 
Carter,  and  three  others,  with  provisions  at  irmorers  and  coopers,  nou 
in  \\\c  \>m\  i  tn>  ■  sen  ic< 

I  ol.  Scammon  having  satisfied  the  committee,  that  hi 

rl)  full,  a  certificate  was  given  him  thi  ml  it  u  unmend- 

ril  to  tli  ■  Provinci  tl  <  ,  that  his  regimi  nt  be  commissioned  ac- 

cordingly. 

Resolved,  That   it  be   recommended  to  <  -.  immediately,  to 

take  such  order  respecting  the  remo\  al  <»t"  the  she<  i>  and  ha]  from  N 
die's  island  as  they  may  judge  proper,  together  with  th<  on   the 

adjacent  islands. 

Voted,  That  the  commissar)  general  be  directed  to  supply  twenty- 
Bve  nun  of  Capt.  Spr:  company,  who  art'  Btationed  al  CI 

Mai   26,    1775 

The  Congress  having  passed  a  resolve,  that  the  house  of  John  \ 
sal,  Esq.,  be  appropriated  for  the  use  of  the  commit!  ifety,  there- 

I     i .  tod  to  I 

articli 

any  iui 

[it  Com  "    • 

/'•/.  / 

The  lettora  which  wo  have  thi  G  Ward,  through   . 

gross,  carry  with  them  an  impression  which  the  commitli 
conscious  to  ourselves  of  ri  harged  the  heavy  dul 

with  fldi  hiy,  and  we  tliink,  the  general,  on  consideration, must  acknowli 
in.  mi  in  the  1  G  for  collectii 

•f  troubled  w iili  IK 

transurii if  the  affair.     Bat,  what  we  think  most  hari  lank,     u 

■ 

'Iniii  in  r 
to  Bpprisi    •  I  of  this. 

w     shall,  in  i' 
the  colon)  I,  from  thi  and,  in  the  intorim,  wo  think  il 

■  the  Minn'  ' 

With  r.  «j"  .1,  > ..nr  humble  ».r»nnt, 

D  \\  ID  (.  IUI   \  1  . 


585  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  27, 

fore,  Resolved,  that  the  quarter  master  general  be  directed  to  clear 
the  said  house,  immediately,  of  the  soldiers  now  lodged  there,  that  it 
may  be  improved  for  that  purpose. 

Colonels  Ward  and  Gardner  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that 
their  regiments  were  in  a  good  [state  of]  forwardness,  a  certificate  to 
that  purpose  was  given  them  ;  and  it  was  recommended  to  the  honor- 
able Provincial  Congress,  that  said  regiments  be  commissioned  accord- 
ing^- 

Colonels  Patterson  and  William  Prescott  having  satisfied  this  com- 
mittee, that  their  respective  regiments  are  nearly  full,  a  certificate  was 
given  them  of  the  same ;  and  it  was  recommended  to  the  Provincial 
Congress,  that  said  regiments  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

Colonels  Cotton  and  Bridge  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that 
their  respective  regiments  are  full,  a  certificate  was  given  them  there- 
of; and  it  was  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  that  said  regi- 
ments be  commissioned  accordingly. 

Colonels  Asa  Whitcomb,  Frye,  and  Doolittle  having  satisfied  this 
committee,  that  their  respective  regiments  were  nearly  full,  a  cer- 
tificate was  given  them  thereof;  and  it  was  recommended  to  the  hon- 
orable the  Provincial  Congress,  that  said  regiments  be  commissioned 
accordingly. 

Col.  Walker  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that  his  regiment  was 
complete,  a  certificate  was  given  him  thereof;  and  it  was  recommend- 
ed to  Congress,  that  said  regiment  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

Col.  Donaldson  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that  his  regiment  is 
in  good  forwardness,  a  certificate  was  given  him  thereof;  and  it  was 
recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  that  said  regiment  be  com- 
missioned accordingly. 

May  27,  1775. 

Col.  Mansfield  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that  his  regiment  is 
in  good  forwardness,  he  had  a  certificate  thereof,  and  a  recommenda- 
tion to  Congress,  that  the  regiment  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

Mr.  Wesson,  keeper  of  Thomas  Oliver,  Esquire's  farm,  had  orders  to 
secure  any  creatures  thai  might  be  put  into  his  inclosures  by  ill-dispos- 
ed persons,  and  to  inform  the  committee  thereof. 

Voted,  That  agreeably  to  the  recommendation  of  General  Ward, 
Jacob  Rhodes,  of  Charlestown,  be  empowered  to  impress  such  cattle 
as  may  be  necessary  for  the  removal  of  two  boats  from  that  town  to 
Cambridge. 

Joseph  Smith,  keepei  of  John  Vassal,  Esq's  farm,  had  orders  to  se- 


1775.]  (  OMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY 

cur.  nn \  creatures  that  might  !"•  pul  into  bis  inclot 
I'd  persons,  and  i"  inform  the  committee  thi  reo£ 
[The  following  letter  was  sent  to  the  Provincial  < 

[Gentlemen: — This  committee  baring  received  information  from 
Bundrj  person  tmen  of  the  town  of  Waltham  ting  the  con- 

duel  <>[   M  ijor   Alujili  Browne,  "i  said  NN  altharo,  informing,  that   1 
the  Baid  Browne,  at  Bundr)  times  and  in  sundr)  places,  <li«i  utter  mai 
things  disrespectful  and  reflecting  on  the  conduct  of  the  honorable 
I  ongn    -    tl  eral  i  ommittees,  and  upon  the  gen<  ral  of  tl. 

army,  this  committee,  apprehending  that  am.   determination  on  this 
case  is  out  of  the  department  <>f  this  committee,  I"  i  leav<  to  refei  the 
matter,  with  the  evidence  respecting  the  Bame,  to  your  honors,  ti. 
you  ma)  be  furnished  with  such  light  as  maj  enable  you  to  determine 
thereon,  a.-  to  \<>u  m  \.>ur  wisdom  shall  seem  meet 

We  are,  van  honors,  most  obedient  humble  servants.] 

\ln   28,   1775 

A  number  of  guns  taken  from  some  persons  in  Grafton,  were  ap- 

praised  bj  a  Bub-committee  appointed  i<>r  that  purpose,  and  delivered 

Luke  Drury,  for  the   use  of  his  company,  and  a  receipt  taken  in  the 

rough  minutes ;  as,  reference  thereto  being  had,  will   particularly  ap- 

pear. 

M  n   29,   ITS 

\  aumber  of  letters  taken  from  Robert  Temj       I  om- 

i mi t<c  of  Bafety  of  Cohasset,  were  Bent  to  this  committee  for  examina- 
tion, and  though  the  committee  think  that   tl.  tter  is  not  strict!] 
within  thru   commission,  yet   considering  that  the  present  CongT< 
must  be  dissolved  this  day,  and  the  good  and  safetj  of  this  colon]  may 
be  effected  b)  an  immediate  examination  of  said  letters,  therefon     R 

ilved,  that  the  matter  be  immediately  taken  up  bj  the  committee,  and 
as  Mi.  Temple  is  now  attending,  that  he  be  so  directed  respecting  said 
letters,  as  -hall,  after  examination,  appear  necessarj   to  promote  the 

ite-t    if. km!  n|"  this  culonv. 

I  oted,  That  a  committee  be  chosen  to  draw  up  a  certificate  for  Mr. 
Temple,  and  an  order  for  his  receiving  the  goods  taken  from  him. 
The  committee  appointed  for  that  pui  >rted  a  certifi< 

which  v.  epted,  and  is  a-  follows,  \iz.  : 

Whereas,  the  committee  of  inspection  <>!'  the  ili-tnct   «>f  Coin: 
have  transmitted  to  aumber  of  lettt  n  found  in  the  p<  u  ol 


500  COxMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [May  29, 

Robert  Temple,  Esq.,  and  this  committee  have  carefully  inspected 
said  letters,  and  had  the  said  Mr.  Temple  before  them,  and  examined 
him,  both  with  regard  to  his  principles  and  conduct  in  the  present  con- 
troversy between  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies  in  America;  and 
whereas,  we  think  it  the  duty  of  this  committee,  at  the  same  time  that 
we  applaud  the  vigilance  of  the  committee  of  Cohasset,  who  have  stop- 
ped those  letters,  and  that  of  the  town  of  Plymouth,  who  have  sent  two 
of  their  members  with  Mr.  Temple  to  this  committee,  to  do  justice  to 
individuals,  in  consequence  of  which,  we  Resolve,  that  it  be  recom- 
mended to  the  committee  at  Cohasset,  to  deliver  Mr.  Temple,  such  ar- 
ticles of  his  as  are  now  in  their  possession,  and  likewise,  that  they  and 
all  others  consider  and  treat  him  as  a  friend  to  the  interest  of  this 
country,  and  the  rights  of  all  America.1 

Col.  Q-uincy,  of  Braintree,  having  proposed  to  this  committee  the 
erecting  of  a  small  defensive  work  against  the  depredations  of  our  en- 
emies upon  the  farms  in  his  neighborhood,  [they]  do  refer  the  matter 
to  the  council  of  war. 

Col.  Fellows  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  his  regiment  is 
full,  he  had  a  certificate  thereof;  and  a  recommendation  that  said  regi- 
ment be  commissioned  accordingly,  was  given  him  for  the  honorable 
Congress. 

It  being  expected  that  the  present  Congress  will  be  dissolved  this 
night,  and  hearing  that  one  volume  of  copies  of  Mr.  Hutchinson's 'let- 
ters, are  in  the  hands  of  Capt.  McLane,  at  the  upper  paper  mills,  in 
Milton,  which  volume  may  be  of  use  to  this  colony,  if  in  the  hands  of 
the  Provincial  Congress ;  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Mr.  Gor- 
den,  of  Roxbury,  be  desired  and  empowered  to  receive  from  said  Capt/ 
McLane,  all  such  copies  as  are  in  his  hands,  or  in  any  other  hands, 

(1)  Robert  Temple,  Esq.,  subsequently,  presented  the  following  representations  to  the  committee. 

"  I,  Robert  Temple,  of  Ten  Hills,  near  Charlestown,  New  England,  do  declare,  that  I  have  re- 
ceived no  injury  to  mj  property,  nor  have  1  been  under  any  apprehensions  of  danger  to  either  my 
person  01  property  from  tin-  troops  that  an-  under  tin:  command  of  General  Ward.  But,  it  is  a  fai  t, 
that  I  have  been  so  threatened,  searched  for,  attacked  by  the  names  of  tory  and  enemy  to  this 
country,  ami  i  r,  that  not  only  my  own  judgment,  but  that  of  my  friends,  and 

of  almost  the  whole  of  the  t"»  n  u  here  I  lived,  made  it  necessary  or  prudent  fur  me  to  fly  from  my 
home.  I  am  confident,  that  'hi-  is  owing  to  the  wickedness  ofa  few,  very  few,  who  have  prejudiced 
Borm  hted  people  against  me,  wholive  t no  far   from   my  abode,  to   lie   acquainted   with   iny 

propi  r  character.     I  am  confirmed  in  thi  from  the  kind  protection  that  my  wife  and  family 

have  .   Mid  continue  t"  r.  ceive  from   <;■  neral   Ward,  as  well  as  from  the  sentiments  which 

the  committee  "I  I  in  pleased  to  entertain  of  me. 

R.  TEMPLE." 

/■■■•  , 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  8  IPET1 

ami  in  be  accountable  i"  the  present  or  Borne  futui     I  •  the 

same. 

\1  i ,    30    1775 

Blisha  Lettinwell  was  directed  i>>  proceed  with  two  teams  •    I 
and  bring  up  from  thence  the  c  innon  and  other   Btor<  -  -  ved  from  the 
Bchooner  which   has  been   burned   bj   our  people,  and  t"  lod 
stores  m  this  tow  n. 

Mai    31,   177S 

The  committee  met,  by  adjournment,  at  Water  town,  being  the 
appointed  b)  charter  for  the  election  of  councillors,  when  ll  ' 
gress  convened,  and  bad  a  suitable  discourse  delivered  [b<  ihem 

tfi  I'  sidenl  Langdon,  at  the  meeting-house,  where  the  committee 
attended  in  the  afternoon.  Afterwards  thej  nut,  and  adjourned,  to 
meet  at  Cambridge,  on  Tuesday  morning,  at  eight  o'clo 

.1 1  \  i    I ,   I " "  5 

On  a  motion  made  by  .Mr.  Samuel  Whittemore,  of  Glouci  ster,  that 
the  forces  now  raised  in  said  town,  and  In  Manchester,  should  remain 
there  lor  the  present,  for  the  security  of  the  sea  ports  Voted,  that 
there  be  return-  immediately  required  of  the  number  of  men  now  in 
camp,  ami  if  it  shall  then  appear  that  the  safety  of  the  whole  will  per- 
mit of  it,  the  request  will  be  granted. 

Jim     2,     ITT". 

\  gun  taken  from  Samuel  Flagg,  of  Grafton,  for  the  use  of  the  i 
ony,  was  appraised  by  a  committee,  appointed  for  that  purpose,  at  fort) 
shillings,  lawful  monej  ;  which   gun  was  delivered  Capt,  Luke  Drury, 
foi  the  use  of  his  company,  and  a  receipt  taken  from  him  in  the  rough 
minutes. 

Col.  John  Nixon  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  his  regiment  is 
in  good  forwardness,  he  had  a  certificate  thereof,  and  a  recommenda- 
tion to  the  Provincial  Congress  that  said  regiment  be  commissioned 
accordingly. 

.1 1  \ i    ■',   1 1 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Devens  be  a  committee,  to  join  Col.  Putnam,  from 
the  council  of  war,  as  a  committee  to  wait  upon  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies for  a  conference,  and  to  desire  their  attendance  at  head  qu  triers 

I  ,it,il.  That  Col.  Gridlej  be  required  to  make  immediate  return  ol 
the  regiment  of  at  tillery. 

Jim     ■">.     \','.< 

\  number  of  officers  belonging  to  Col  John  Nixon     n  rimeni    h 


562  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  10, 

recommended  to  the  Congress  to  be  commissioned ;  and  a  list  of  said 
officers  ordered  to  be  put  on  file. 

Col.  Glover  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  he  has  about  four 
hundred  and  sixty  men  in  his  regiment,  a  certificate  was  given  him  to 
that  purpose,  and  it  was  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress  that 
said  regiment  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

The  honorable  the  Provincial  Congress  having,  by  their  committee, 

inquired  of  this  committee  what  progress  has   been  made  in  raising  a 

reo-iment  for   the  train  :  Resolved,  that  the   honorable  Congress  be  in- 

formed  that  this  committee   have   given   out  enlisting   orders  to   raise 

nine  companies,  and  that  they  will   immediately  procure  a  return,  and 

forward  it  to  the  Congress. 

June  9,  1775. 

A  number  of  officers,  belonging  to  Col.  Whitcomb's  regiment,  were 
recommended  to  the  Congress  to  be  commissioned  ;  as  by  copy  of  the 
list  on  file. 

Two  small  arms,  taken  from  General  Brattle's  house,  were  appraised 
1>\  Capt.  White  and  Mr.  Devens,  a  committee  appointed  for  that  pur- 
pose, at  one  pound  six  shillings  and  eight  pence ;  which  guns  were  de- 
livered Capt.  Joseph  Stebbins,  for  the  use  of  his  company,  and  a  re- 
ceipt taken  for  the  same  in  the  rough  minute  book. 

Resolved,  That  the  armorers  repair  no  fire-arms  for  any  soldier, 
without  a  certificate  from  his  commanding  officer,  and  that  they  keep 
an  exact  account  of  what  arms  they  repair,  and  the  soldiers'  names  to 
whom  they  belong  ;  also  what  regiment  they  belong  to ;  and  also  that 
the  arms  that  first  come  be  first  repaired  ;  and  that  this  vote  be  trans- 
mitted to  the  several  armorers  in  the  colony  service. 

Capt.  Hall,  of  Mistick,  having  informed  the  [committee]  that  a  par- 
cel of  spars  were  brought  on  this  side  [of]  Mistick  bridge,  Voted,  that 
Mr.  Hall  be  desired  to  remove  them  to  such  a  place  of  security  as  he 
shall  judge  proper,  till  the  further  order  of  this  committee. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Ebenezer  Winship  have  the  recommendation  of 
this  committee  to  the  honorable  Congress,  for  being  commissioned, 
with  his  subalterns,  in  Col.  Nixon's  regiment. 

June   10,   1775. 

Whereas,  B  return  has  been  made  by  Col.  John  Glover,  of  the  state 
of  his  regiment,  now  at  Marblehead,  and  it  appearing  to  be  for  the 
safety  of  this  colony  [that]  said  regiment  should  continue  for  the  pres- 
ent at  said  Marblehead,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Col.  John  Glover  be, 
and  he  hereby  is  directed,  to  continue  said  regiment,  under  his  com- 
mand, at  Marblehead,  until  further  orders,  and  that  he   hold   them   in 


1775  |  COMMITTEE  OF  -  \n.i  \ 

linen  t"  march,  at  ■  minute's  warning,  to  mv  post  wb 
be  directed  ;  and  that  be  till  up  aaid  regiment  as  - i  as  possible. 

Whereas,  Bundrj  pieces  of  mowing  land,  belonging  t"  persona  who 
bave  left  this  to wd,  have  upon  them  considerable  quantitii 
which,  it'  not  cut  soon,  must  diminish  much  in  quantity,  and  as  hi) 
will  be  wanted  for  the  use  of  thi  ly,  therefor  /.'  /,  thai  ii 
be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Provincial  Con  that  thej  ap- 
point a  •• ittee  of  Congress  to  vien    said   p           if  land,  and 

thereon  ae  to  them,  in  tlu-ir  wisdom,  Bhall  seem  meel 

Voted,  Thai  Col.  Learned   be  empowered  to  appoint  one  armorer 

and  an   assistant,  for   the  arms   at   Roxbury,  provided  he  c btain 

tools  and  accommodation  t"r  them. 

\  list  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  been  commissioned,  >>r  who  have 
ived  an]  encouragement  for  commissions,  was  Benl  i"  Congri  - 
copy  Hi'  which  is  on  file,  [and  is  as  follows    \ 

The  following  return  was  sent  in  t<>  tin-  Provincial  <''>n_rr' 

In  obedience  to  a  resolve  <>t  the  honorable  the  Provincial  Congri 
"thai  the  committee  of  safety  certify  to  thi   I         ress  the  names   ol 
Buch  gentlemen  as  an  c  indidates  for  the  command  of  a  regiment,  with 
the  number  of  privates,  &c.'      This  committee   nov*    report,  that  be- 
sides twenty  gentlemen  to  whom  the)  have  given  certificates,  vis. 
Col.  Asa  Whitcomb,  General  Ward,    Lieut.   Col.  Ward,  Col.   G 
Col.  Fry,  Col.   Learned,  Col.   Read,  Col.  Nixon,  Col.  Fellows,  Gene- 
ral Thomas,  Lieut.  Col.  Bayley,  Col.   Bridge,  Col.  <  "otton,  Col.  W  alk- 
er,  Col.  Prescott,  Col.  Scammon,  Col    I »  m  Jdson,  Col.  Patterson,  Col. 
G    dner,  Col     Mansfield,  Col.  Gerrish ;  Gi         I   Heath  took   oul  ten 
of  orders,  and  bas  raised  a  full  regiment,  which   has  done  dutj  in 
the  army  for  Beveral  wi  he  bas  informed  this  committee,  bul 

made  no  return  in  writing,  nor  applied  for  a  certificate  Col.  David 
Brewer  has  received  ten  Bets  of  orders,  but  has  made  no  returns, 
though  we  hear  lie  has  enlisted  a  number  of  men  as  rangers  ( 
Robinson  has  applied  to  this  committee  for  a  recommendation,  in  con- 
sequence of  a  petition  signed  b)  ten  companies,  the  cop)  of  which 
petition  accompanies  this  report.  The  committee  promised  Col.  I! 
1 1 j — < > 1 1  that  they  would  recommend  him,  if  there  should  be  a  racancy. 

Col.  W Ibridge  informs  this  committee,  and  il  appears,  that  860  men 

Btand  read)  to  <j<>  under  him.  The  committee  would  observe,  thai 
Col.  Woodbridge  has  been  in  the  camp,  with  bis  minute  men,  doing 
dut)  ever  since  the  battle,  bul  did  noi  apply  t<>  this  committee  for  en- 
listing orders,  until  the  committee  had  issued  orders  sufficient  t"  com- 


504  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  10, 

plete  the  army,  and  therefore  the  committee  did  not  give  him  orders, 
but  promised  they  would  recommend  him,  if  there  should  be  a  va- 
cancy. 

Col.  Porter,  now  in  conjunction  with  Col.  Patterson,  and,  by  agree- 
ment with  Col.  Patterson,  to  have  the  chief  command  in  the  regiment, 
officiated  some  time  in  that  capacity,  waiting  for  the  men  raised  by 
Col.  Porter's  orders  to  arrive  ;  but  they  not  arriving  so  soon  as  expect- 
ed, another  officer  with  several  companies  arrived,  and  offering  to 
join  Col.  Porter's  regiment,  Col.  Porter  said  he  was  willing  to  resign, 
rather  than  the  public  service  should  be  hindered.  Since  this,  we  are 
informed  by  Col.  Porter,  that  the  men  raised  by  his  order  are  upon 
their  march  to  Cambridge. 

Col.  Henshaw  expected  to  have  the  command  of  a  lieutenant  colonel 
in  General  Ward's  regiment,  but  the  dispute  between  him  and  Col. 
Ward  having  been  already  laid  before  the  Congress,  and  acted  upon  ; 
we  would  further  represent,  that  he  has  signified  to  this  committee, 
that  a  number  of  companies  incline  to  go  under  him,  as  by  his  return 
which  accompanies  this  report. 

About  five  or  six  weeks  past,  Mr.  Greenleaf  applied  to  this  commit- 
tee, desiring  that  the  men  raised  in  and  about  Newbury  might  not  be 
annexed  to  Col.  Gerrish's  regiment,  or  any  other  where  it  would  be 
disagreeable  to  them.  He  afterwards  applied  to  this  committee  re- 
specting said  men,  and  desired  that  the  eight  companies  enlisted  upon 
orders  issued  by  this  committee,  through  Col.  Gardner's  hand,  who 
have  since  petitioned  in  favor  of  Col.  Little's  taking  the  command  of 
them,  might  be  put  under  him  as  colonel  of  a  regiment.  We  then  found 
we  had  ghen  orders  for  as  many  regiments  as  would  complete  the  es- 
tablishment made  by  this  colony,  and  therefore  did  not  give  Col.  Little 
any  orders  to  raise  a  regiment,  but  promised  that  if  any  vacancy  should 
happen  he  should  have  the  preference.  We  find  said  companies  were 
early  in  the  field,  and  have  done  duty  ever  since,  and  are  very  well 
equipped. 

Early  after  the  19th  of  April,  this  committee  sent  two  sets  of  beat- 
incr  orders  to  the  lion.  General  Preble,  desiring  him  to  give  out  such 
orders  to  such  persons  as  were  suitable  for  commissions,  in  order  to 
form  a  regiment  :  and  Col.  March  was  also  supplied  with  ten  sets  of 
orders,  tor  the  purpose  of  raising  a  regiment,  to  be  commanded  by 
him.  Soon  after,  it  was  represented  to  us,  by  the  committee  of  cor- 
respondence of  Falmouth,  that  it  would  be  inconvenient  to  that  coun- 
tv,  in  their  exposed  situation,  to  raise  men  for  the  army,  and  the  same 
was  agreed  to  by  Colonels  Phinney  and  March,  and  this  committee  :  on 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  -  \rm 

which  we  wrote  to  General  Preble,  informing  bun  of  the  same  1>>u 
beard  nothing  further,  until  about   six  days  |>a-t,  «  eturn 

from  Col.  Pbinnej  of  about  ti\o  hundred  nun  enlisted  in  ;i  regiment 
to  Lri>  under  his  command,  and  Col.  Man  b  certified  that  be  agreed  to 
come  in  as  his  second,  a  copj  of  which  letter  to  General  Pr< 
companies  this  report. 

Col.  Sergeant  -  c  l»   baring  been  i  Co    iress,  tl 

of  Baid  representation  accompanies  this  report 

The  committee  beg  lr:i\<-  further  to  repi  tsent,  that  tlx-  reason  why 
more  enlisting  orders  were  delivered  out  than  were  sufficient  to  enlist 
the  number  of  nun  established  bj  Congress,  was  an  apprehension  thai 
the  province  was  in  the  utmost  danger  for  want  <>!"  men.  the  commit- 
tee ii"i  being  able  i"  prevail  on  the  militia  and  minute  men  t<>  i  i r r \  in 
camp,  ami  i lit-rt  1 .. - 1 1 1 _r  i.ia  few  men  enlisted  at  that  time,  obliged  as  to 
issue  further  orders. 

Ji  m    12,   1775. 

The  committee  nut  apprehending  that  it  was  necessarj  to  detain 
Eliphalet  Hill,  of  Newbury,  an\  longer,  as  :i  rider  in  the  colon)  ser- 
vice, In'  \\:i-  <  1  i  —  r j •  i — « il  therefrom  yesterday. 

Shubael  ami  Joseph  Sever,  <>t"  Fraraingham,  entered  mi"  tin 
service,  as  armorers,  the  HMli  instant. 

I    ipt.  Lawrence,  in  Col.   Prescol  iment,  offering  to  a<-t  as  an 

armorer  without  any  pay  for  his  labor,  and  to  return  home  I'm-  some 
tools  which  are  necessarj  t"  effect  1 1 • « -  repairs  of  the  muskets,  it  was 
consented  to  by  the  committee,  and  the  said  Lawrt  d  to 

procure  Ins  tools  as  soon  a-  ma)  be. 

June   1  ;5,   l "  ■ 

Jonathan  Stickney,  in  Col.  W [bridge's  regiment,  received  a  small 

arm  of  one  Guillam,  a  Bcholar,  tor  which  he  gave  a  receipt  in  the 
rough  minute  book,  to  deliver  the  Bame  again  to  this  committee,  when 
so  required. 

Whereas,  it  is  daily  expected,  that  General  Gage  will  attack  <>ur 
army  now  in  the  vicinitj  of  Boston,  in  order  to  penetrate  into  the 
country,it  is  of  the  utmost  importance,  that  -aid  arm)  be,  in  i 
spect,  prepared  for  action  as  soon  as  possible,  therefore,  Resolved,  that 
the  genera]  I"-  desired,  to  order  each  colonel  in  the  army,  to  make  im- 
mediate return  to  him  of  tin-  state  and  equipment  of  the  respective 
regiments,  setting  forth  what  number  of  men  are  destitute  of  arms,  and 
what  arm-  arc  lit  for  immediate  service;  and,  thai  this  vot<  be  laid  be- 
fore the  general  as  - i  as  maj  be. 


566  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  14, 

Mr.  Devens  was  appointed  a  committee,  to  inquire  of  the  committee 
of  supplies,  relative  to  the  quantity  of  powder  in  their  possession,  and 
where  the  same  is.1 

On  a  motion  made,  Resolved,  that  the  debates  and  determinations  of 
this  committee  be  kept  in  profound  secrecy  by  its  members  and  their 
attendants,  until  further  order  of  this  committee. 

Whereas,  Daniel  Adams,  of  Boston,  a  lunatic,  now  in  camp  at  Cam- 
bridge, occasions  great  disorders  in  said  camp,  therefore,  Resolved, 
that  the  selectmen  of  the  town  of  Woburn  be,  and  they  hereby  are  di- 
rected and  empowered,  to  take  into  their  custody  and  care  the  above 
mentioned  Daniel  Adams,  and  make  such  provision  for  him,  at  the  ex- 
pense of  this  colony,  as  his  circumstances,  being  peculiar,  may  require, 
and  also  for  the  guards  while  there. 

Whereas,  frequent  complaints  have  been  made  to  this  committee,  of 
the  waste  and  destruction  of  the  property  of  some  persons  who  have 
left  their  habitations  in  sundry  towns  in  this  colony,  and  taken  refuge  in 
the  town  of  Boston,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the 
honorable  Congress  now  sitting  at  Watertown,  that  they  take  the  above 
into  their  consideration,  and  act  thereon,  as  to  them  in  their  wisdom 
shall  seem  meet. 

The  committee  earnestly  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress, 
that  the  representations  from  the  quarter  master  general,  be  taken  into 
immediate  consideration,  especially  as  the  committee,  from  their  own 
knowledge,  find  the  rooms  too  much  crowded,  and  the  healths  and  lives 
of  the  soldiers  thereby  greatly  exposed  ;  and  if  tents  cannot  be  imme- 
diately furnished,  that  some  barracks  be  forthwith  erected.2 

June  14,  1775. 

Whereas,  this  committee  are  informed,  that  Doct.  How,  of  Andover, 
is  prepared  to  receive  [insane  patients,]  and  is  well  skilled  in  such  disor- 
ders as  Daniel  Adams,  of  Boston,  sent  on  the  13th  instant,  to  the  town 
of  Woburn,  is  atfected  with,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  selectmen  of 
the  town  of  Woburn,  be,  and  they  hereby  are  released  from  keeping 
said  Daniel  Adams  in  the  town  of  Woburn,  and  they  are  required  to 
provide  a  horse  and  carriage,  with  provisions,  to  forward  the  said 
Adams  to  Andover,  the  expense  of  which  will  be  paid  by  this  colony. 

(1)  Fort]  lix  halfbarreli  of  powder  were  in  the  magazine  ii t    Watertown;  four  half  barrels  of 

cartridge!  had  been  lenl  to  C bridge  j  and  thirty-live  half  barrels  of  powder  were  expecteil  from 

Worcester  county. 

(2)  The  quarter  master  peneral  represented,  that  there  was  great  want  of  tents  and  barracks,  and 
that  the  lenst  delay  in  making  provision  for  the  shelter  of  the  troops,  would  ho  attended  with  injuri- 
ous consequences. 


1775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  -  UT.n 

Resolved,   That    Daniel    Adams,  a  lunatic,  now  at  Woburn, 
ried  to  the  town  of  Andover,  and  committed  to  the  careol  l»        I1 
and  the  Baid   Dod    Hoh  is  herebj  desired  to  take  propel  the 

—  1 1 « i  lunatic,  al  the  expense  of  this  colony. 

A  number  of  men  belonging  lo  the  compan)  ofCapt  Drury,  baring 
petitioned  that  the)  might  l»-  permitted  lo  join,  some,  the  regiment 
commanded  b)  Col.  <i  irdner,  and  others,  th<-  regiment  commanded  bj 
Col.  Nixon;  and  the  committee  having  considered  theii  era!  re- 
quests, I  "/.'/,  as  the  opinion  <>!'  this  comm  let  .  thai  Baid  compan]  be 
joined  to  Bucfa  regiment  as  it  Bhall  ij >j ><  a r  the  major  part  mpa- 

n\  are  in  favor  "f,  when  called  upon  for  that  purpot 

Resolved,  That   Capt.  White,  and    M      Devens,  bi  mmitte* 

proceed  lo  1 1 1 *  -  liouse  of  Thomas  Ireland,  of  Charlestown,  and  find 

whether  a  certain  infamous  woman,  who  calls  herself Jackson, 

be  ill'  re,  and  if  Bhe  can  !><•  found,  order  her  t<»  head  quarters,  th<  )  be- 
ing -'Hi  furnished  with  an  order  from  the  general,  for  a  file  of  men  foi 
that  purpose. 

Genera]  Heath  having  satisfied  this  committee,  that  his  regiment  is 
near  full,  a  certificate  was  given  him  thereof;  ami  it  was  recommend- 
ed i"  the  honorable  <  Ion  tress,  that   his  regiment  be  commissioned 
cordingly. 

.Mr.  Nathaniel  Mulliken  having  represented  to  tin-  committee,  t hut 
on  the  19th  of  April  last,  his  house  was  plundered  ami  burned  bj  the 
Boldiery  ;  at  which  time  In-  lost  a  pair  of  silver  shoe  buckles,  which  he 
says  li«'  i-  well  informed  an-  in  tin-  possession  oi  ■  int  of  thi    >2 

regiment,  now  in  Concord  jail ;  it  1-  the  desire  of  this  committee,  that 
the  committee  of  correspondence  tor  said  town,  with  whom  the)  think 
it  properlj  belongs,  would  make  inquirj  into  tin-  matter,  and  it'  they 
fmd  it  to  be  a-  has  be<  n  represented,  that  the)  would  use  their  endeav- 
ors, that  the  said  Mulliken  ma)  have  justice  done  him  b)  the  deliver] 
of  -aid  buckles, 

Two  l"ih>  taken  from   John   Borland,  Esq's   house,  lor   tin-  colon) 
service,   were  appraised   b)    Messrs.   Devens,  Watson,   ami  Orn< 
twenty-seven  shillings  and  thirty-three  shillings,  which   guns  were  de- 
livered William  Hudson  Ballard,  lor  tin-  use  of  his  company,  and  a  re- 
ceipt  t  don  for  the  same  in  the  rough  minutt 

Upon  reading  a  letter  from  General  Thomas,  in  favor  of  Capt  1  *rael 
Henrick,  Resolved,  that  tin-  committee,  do  not  think  tin-  matter  con- 
tained in  .-aid  letter  comes  within  the  commission  of  tin-  committer  . 
and  therefore,  refer  il  to  tin-  honorable  Congress. 


568  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  15, 

June  15,  1775, 

The  following  resolve  respecting  the  allowance  for  provisions  to  the 
soldiers  in  the  Massachusetts  army,  passed   at  the  Congress,  June  10, 

1775. 

Resolved  That  each  soldier  in  the  Massachusetts  army  shall  have 
the  following  allowance  per  day,  viz.  : 

Article  1.     One  pound  of  hread. 

Art.  2.  Half  a  pound  of  beef,  and  half  a  pound  of  pork,  and  if  pork 
cannot  be  had,  one  pound  and  a  quarter  of  beef;  and  one  day  in  seven 
they  shall  have  one  pound  and  a  quarter  of  salt  fish  instead  of  one  day's 
allowance  of  meat. 

Art.  3.     One  pint  of  milk,  or  if  milk  cannot  be  had,  one  gill  of  rice. 

Art.  4.     One  quart  of  good  spruce  or  malt  beer. 

Art.  5.     One  gill  of  peas  or  beans,  or  other  sauce  equivalent. 

Art.  G.     Six  ounces  of  good  butter  per  week. 

Art.  7.     One  pound  of  good  common  soap  for  six  men  per  week. 

Art.  8.     Half  a  pint  of  vinegar  per  week  per  man,  if  it  can  be  had. 

Ordered,  That  Capt.  Benjamin  White,  and  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  be 
a  committee  to  join  with  a  committee  from  the  council  of  war,  to 
proceed  to  Roxbury  camp,  there  to  consult  with  the  general  officers  on 
matters  of  importance,  and  to  communicate  to  them  a  resolve  this  day 
passed  in  this  committee,  respecting  Bunker  hill  in  Charlestown,  and 
Dorchester  neck. 

Whereas,  this  committee  lately  applied  to  the  honorable  the  Con- 
gress of  this  colony,  for  an  augmentation  of  the  army  now  in  the  vicin- 
ity of  Boston,  and  as  some  circumstances  have  since  taken  place,  which 
strengthen  the  arguments  then  used  in  favor  of  the  said  augmentation, 
particularly,  thai  many  of  the  then  expected  reenforcements  for  Gener- 
al Gage's  army  have  arrived ;  that  General  Gage  has  issued  a  very  ex- 
traordinary proclamation,  in  which  the  inhabitants  of  Massachusetts 
Bay  are  in  the  most  explicit  manner  declared  rebels1  ;  and  various  ac- 
counts have  been  brought  to  this  committee  of  the  movements  of  Mr. 
Gage's  army,  and  that  he  intends  soon  to  make  another  attempt  to  pen- 
etrate into  the  country ;  from  the  consideration  of  all  which  premises 
together  with  that  of  our  army  : 

"Resolved,  That  the  good  and  welfare  of  the  colony  requires,  that 
there  be  an  immediate  augmentation  of  said  army;  that  such  soldiers 

i.  The  proclamation  "i  Genei   I  G  printed  in  the  journal*  of  Congress,  page  33U. 


1775.]  CO  MM  I  TIKI'  OF  B  \li:i  V 

in  thr  army  u  an-  destitute  of  arm-  In-  immediate!)  supplied  there*  uli ; 
that  such  regiments  of  militia  a-  an-  in  ani  degree  destitute  "i  ofl 
be  immediately  filled  up  in  Bucb   manner   u  the  honorab      I 
in  iv  direct ;  and,  that  all  the  militia  in  tin-  colon)  I"-  "m;.  red  i"  bold 
themselves  in  readiness  i"  march  on  tin-  shortest  notice,  compli 
equipped,  having  thirt]   rounds  of  cartridges   per  man;  .'II   which   i> 
earnest)]/  recommended  t<»  the  immed  msideration  <>i"  the  bonora* 

lil.-  Congress  aow    Bitting    at    Watertown ;    to  which  the  committee 
would  beg  leave  i"  add,  a  general  recommendation  t"  the  people  t< 
in  meeting  armed,  on  the  Lord's  day,  in  « »r «I « •  r  to  prevent  being  thrown 
into  confusion. 

\\  hereas,  it  appears  of  importance  to  the  safety  of  tin-  colony,  I 

I ission  of  the  lull  called    Bunker's  lull  in  Charlestown,  l><-  securel) 

ki  pi  ami  defended,  ami  also,  bo ne  lull  <>r  lulls  on  Dorchester  m  ck 

be  likewise  Becured,  therefore,  /.'<  ohed,  unanimously,  that  it  he  re- 
commended to  tin-  council  of  war.  that  thr  above  mentioned  Bunker's 
lull  he  maintained  by  sufficient  tor..-  being  posted  there,  ami  a-  the 
particular  situation  of  Dorchester  neck  i-  unknown  to  tin-  com- 
mittee, the]  desire  that  th<  council  of  war  take  ami  pursue  such  steps 
respecting  tin'  -am.',  as  to  them  shall  appear  t>.  be  tor  thr  security  of 
this  colony. 

Ordered,  That  ('apt.  Benjamin  White,  and  Col.  Joseph  Palmer,  !"• 
a  committee  to  join  with  a  committee  from  the  council  of  war,  to  pro- 
ceed  to  Ko\!>ur\  camp,  there  to  consult  with  tip  general  officers  on 
matters  of  importance,  an. I  to  communicate  to  them  a  i.  solve  tin-  .!  <\ 
.1  in  tin-  committee  respecting  Bunker's  hill  in  Charh  stown,  ami 
Dorchester  neck. 

Jim      16,    I " "  ■"> 

The  committee  took  into  consideration  tin'  resolves  of  Congres 
relative  to  barracks;  whereupon,  Voted,  that  Mr.  Watson,  Mr.  Crush- 
ing and  Doct.  Holten,  It  a  committee  to  make  inquir)  whether  am 
bouses  or  tents  are  to  be  obtained  tor  the  troops  that  warn  .-..ver. 

The  coi issar)  general  was  directed  to  furnish  Messrs.  Joseph  ami 

Thomas    Austin,  armorer-  in  the  colony  service,  with  provision 
wanted 

Col.  Gridley's  captains  ami  subalterns  for  the  train,  were  tin-  daj 
recoiiimemleil  i    i         re--  to  in-  commissioned. 

Mi    Burbeck  was  recon ml.il  a-  lieutenant  colonel  in  Col.  Grid- 

lej  -  tram  of  artillery,   Mr    Scarborough  Gridley  a-  tir.-t  majoi 
Mr    David  Mason  a-  second  major,  in  said  regiment  of  artillerj 


570  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  18, 

June  17,  1775. 

Colonels  David  Brewer  and  Jonathan  Brewer,  having  made  returns 
of  the  field  officers,  and  officers  of  nine  companies  of  their  respective 
regiments,  it  was  recommended  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  that  they 
might  be  commissioned  accordingly. 

[The  following  order  was  issued  to  the  towns  in  the  vicinity  of 
Boston.] 

[  To  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of ] 

[Gentlemen  : — You  are  ordered  instantly  to  send  all  the  town 
stock  of  powder  you  have  to  the  town  of  Watertown,  saving  enough 
to  furnish  one  pound  to  each  soldier.] 

The  following  was  voted  to  be  sent  Mr.  John  Badger,  viz.  : 

Sir  : — As  the  safety  of  the  colony  army  demands  that  any  person 
or  persons  suspected  of  having  the  small  pox,  be  immediately  placed 
in  such  place  as  may  prevent  its  spreading  in  said  army,  and  your 
house  is  thought  proper  for  that  purpose,  you  are  directed  immediately 
to  quit  said  house,  that  the  person  now  suspected  may  be  placed 
therein. 

The  following  vote  was  laid  before  the  committee  of  supplies,  viz. : 
As,  in  consequence  of  our  late  movements,  a  constant  fire  is  kept 
up  on  the  colony  troops,  we  think  it  necessary  that  there  should  be 
quick  intelligence  brought  to  head  quarters  from  the  scene  of  action : 
we  therefore  desire  that  this  committee  may  be  immediately  furnished 
with  four  of  the  best  riding  horses  for  the  service  aforesaid.1 


a 


June  18,  1775. 

A  letter  was  forwarded  to  the  commanding  officers  of  the  militia  in 
the  neighboring  towns,  for  the  march  of  their  respective  regiments,  as 
per  copy  on  file,  [which  is  as  follows :] 

(1)  The  committee  of  supplies  inform  the  committee  of  safety,  tluit  they  are  unable  to  furnish 
horses  to  send  the  summons  for  the  militia  by  express.  They  add,  "  we  are  sensibly  concerned 
for  the  expenditure  of  powder,  and  as  any  great  consumption  by  cannon  may  be  ruinous,  on  our 
side,  we  think  it  propel  to  inform  you,  that  exclusive  of  thirty-six  half  barrels  of  powder  received 

from  the  governor  and  council  of  C( ecticut,  there  are  only   in  the  magazine  twenty-seven  half 

barrels,  and  that  no  more  can  be  drafted  from  the  towns  without  exposing  them  more  than  they  will 
consent  to." 

The  following  cii    liar  was  addressed  to  the  towns: 

Chamber  of  Supplies,  Watertown,  June  IB,  1775. 

(ii.N  ii.kmkn  : — The  welfare  of  our  country  again  induces  us  to  urge  your  exertions  in  sending  to 
the  magazine  in  this  [dace,  what  can  be  procured  of  the  following  articles  ;  salt  pork,  beans,  peas, 


1775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY  n  I 

(  '  IMBRIOG]  .    .Ii  M      18,     I  *  75 

|  To  tin  Commanding  Officer  <</'  the  Militia  of  tin   Town  of  .] 

[Sib  : — As  the  troops  under  General  Gage  are  moving  from  Boston 
into  the  country,  you  are,  on  the  receipt  of  this,  immediate!)  t"  mu 
tor  the  men  under  your  command,  see  them  properlj  equipped,  and 
march  them  forthwith  to  Cambridge. 

\\ .  order  of  the  <  lommittee  of  Safety. 

BENJA.  WHITE,  Chairman.] 

A  letter  countermanding  the  above  orders,  was  forwarded  to  the 
several  colonels  in  the  neighboring  towns,  as  per  copy  on  file,  [which 

is  a.s  follows  :  ] 

[It  is  thoughl  besl  by  tins  committee,  that  those  companies  of  the 
militia  which  have  not  been  called  into  the  camp,  at  Cambridge,  bj 
written  orders,  should  remain  at  their  respective  town-,  and  that  those 
companies  of  them  which  have  been  so  called,  and  are  on  their  march, 
should  return,  and  hold  themselves  in  complete  readiness  to  give  us 
their  assistance  when  called  upon.] 

.1,  m    19,    L775. 

Resolved,  That  the  house  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Cook,  of  Menotomy, 
be  improved  as  a  hospital  for  the  colony  army;  and  that  Mr.  William 
Bustis  be,  and  herein  is  appointed,  to  the  care  of  the  sick  and  wound- 
ed in  said  hospital,  till  the  further  order  of  this  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Doct.  Isaac  Foster  be,  and  he  hereby  is  directed,  to 
take  up  and  improve  as  hospitals,  bo  many  houses  in  Menotomy,  as  he 

may  find  necessary  for  the  safetv  of  the  sick  and  wounded  of  the  col- 
ony army,  and  thai  he  employ  such  person  or  persons  as  maj  be  ne- 
cessary to  cam  such  provisions  and  other  necessaries  as  may  be  want- 
ed for  the  use  of  the  aforesaid  sick   and  wounded:  and  further,  that 

vinegar,  and  blankets,  the  prices  whereof,  n-;  well  ns  ilio  carting,  shall  be  allowed  according  '•>  1 1  <  • 
custom  of  your  place,  which   wo  dosire  you  to  certify.     It  is  of  the  utmost   impoi  t  the 

army  should  be  supplied  agreeably  to  the  resolve  of  the  Co  Hj  ""ll  ' 

I  the  lour  first  of  which  are  necessary  i"« »r  the  subsistence  as  well  ts  the  health  of  th a, 

the  othora  for  their  comfort.     Th<  of  the  deficiency  in  blnnk  ""' 

ber  of  iii.ii  enlisted  from  Boston  and  other  town-,  which  have  been  vacated,  and  they  all  ma 
procured  immediately,  or  our  worthy  countrymen  « ill  suffer. 

\    the  country  affords  every  thing  in  plont)  r -- 1 r>   to  subsist  the  army,  and  we 

pr'  in  many  things  hut  by  your  assistance,  we  assur irsolvoi  thai   you  will  ael   yoni 

I,  iri-  as  worthily  i-  you  have  dour,  and  bono  thai  the  evenl  of  :ill  ooi 
t  inn  of  our  count  i  v . 

DAVID  <ui:i;\  BR,    ■  < 

To  the  &  I  ■   i 


572  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  20, 

he  take  such  precautions,  respecting  the  small  pox  hospital,  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  prevention  of  the  spreading  of  that  epidemical  dis- 
order in  the  camp  or  elsewhere. 

Pursuant  to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress  sent  to  this  com- 
mittee, respecting  the  nomination  of  four  conductors,  two  clerks,  and 
one  overseer,  for  a  company  of  artificers  in  the  regiment  of  artillery  ; 
the  committee  beg  leave  to  recommend  the  following  persons  to  the 
offices  affixed  to  their  names,  viz.  :  Mr.  John  Ruddock,  Mr.  John 
Austin,  Mr.  John  Kneeland,  Mr.  Thomas  Uran,  Conductors ;  Mr.  Na- 
thaniel Barber,  Jr.,  Mr.  Isaac  Pierce,  Clerks;  Joseph  Airs,  Overseer 
of  the  Artificers. 

It  being  very  desirable  to  obtain  the  most  certain  accounts  of  the 
names  and  places  of  abode  of  the  persons  who  have  been  killed  or 
wounded  in  the  battle  of  Lexington,  so  called,  on  the  19th  of  April 
past,  and  at  any  time  since ;  and  also  of  all  such  as  may  be  killed  or 
wounded  at  any  future  time,  during  the  present  unnatural  contest  be- 
tween Great  Britain  and  the  American  colonies,  in  order  to  transmit 
to  future  generations  the  names  of  such  as  have  gloriously  suffered  in 
the  cause  of  liberty  and  their  country,  to  effect  which,  Resolved,  that 
it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress  to  order,  that  the  select- 
men  of  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  transmit,  from 
time  to  time,  to  this  or  some  future  Congress  or  house  of  representa- 
tives, the  names  and  addition  of  all  such  persons,  who  have  been 
or  may  be  killed  or  wounded  as  above,  within  their  respective  towns 
and  districts ;  and  that  they  severally  cause  the  same  to  be  fairly  en- 
tered upon  their  town  and  district  books. 

June  20,  1775. 

The  following  was  sent  to  the  Provincial  Congress,  viz.  : 
This  committee  being  informed  that  Capt.  John  Wiley,  who  was  re- 
commended as  a  proper  person  for  the  command  of  a  company,  in  the 
train,  has  not  skill  for  such  a  trust,  and  that  the  company  will  leave 
the  army,  unless  some  other  person  is  appointed  to  said  command, 
your  honors  will  please  to  take  this  matter  into  consideration,  and  act 
thereon,  as  you  in  \<>ur  wisdom  shall  judge  necessary. 

Resolved,  That  no  more  of  the  militia  of  this  colony  march,  than 
are  called  for  by  express  orders  from  this  committee,  on  any  alarm  that 
may  take  place. 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  Abnei  Graves,  who  came  down  as  a  minute  man 
on  the  20th  of  April,  to  defend  his  country,  be  discharged,  and  he  is 
accordingly  discharged. 


I/O 


«  I  >MMITTEE  OF  8  Ml.  IN 


l  .■/,(/,  That  a  certificate  I"-  given  Samuel  Poo),  ol  Hu.-ton,  to  p  .!■*•* 
the  guard  to  the  town  of  Littleton. 
Tin-  following  receipt  was  taken  from  Benjamin  Lincoln,  Esq., via 

Received  of  tin*  honorable  the  committee  of  safety,  thirty-eeven 
blankets,  which  the)  received  into  their  hands,  and  give  their  n  i 
lor  them  to  Air.  William  \  Received  bj  me, 

i;i:vi  wii.n  UNO  »i.\ 

Jim  21,  1 ; :  :> 

Resolved,  Thai   Joseph   Adams,  driver  of  the  stage  from  Newbury, 

1 1 <  1  he  herebj  is  directed,  to  transport   back   to   Newbury,  Eliaa- 

beth  Royal  and  her  ohild,  who,  as  sh<  is  wife  to  W  illiam  Royal, 

lir.-t  sergeant  in  the  63d  regiment  of  foot,  now    in    Boston,  snd  deliver 

her  to  the  care  of  the  b<  lectmen  of  said  Newbury,  who  are  hereby  di- 

d  to  provide  for  her   and  her  child,  at  the  expense  of  the  colony. 

I  ted,  That  the  quarter  master  general  l>c  directed  to  order  nine 
horses  in  the  colons  service,  to  be  Btabled  at  Mr.  Hastings'  ham  this 
nielli. 

Mr.  Thomas  William-,  on  the  colony  service  to  Marblehead,  had  an 
order  on  the  taverners  and  innholders,  for  the  necessary  -"i'i,!;  of  l,r"- 
visions  for  man  ami  horse. 

Col.  Woodbridge,  having  satisfied  this  committee  that  eight  compa- 
nies, belonging  to  this  regiment,  were  in  good  forwardness,  it  was  re- 
commended to  the  honorable  (  ss,  that  thej  be  commissioned  ac- 
cordingly . 

Ordered,  Thai  Mr.  James  Munroe,  an  armorer  in  the  provincial 
Bervice,  take  into  his  keeping  a  [quantity]  of  old  iron,  saved  out  ol 
the  cutter  burned  ai  Winnesimit  ferry,  he  t<>  be  accountable  to  the 
committee  tor  the  same. 

Stephen    Frost,  ensign  in  Capt.  Locke's  compan]  of  Col.  Gar  dm 
regiment,  was  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress  for  a  commis- 


MOD 


Two  half  barrels  of  powder  were  received  t' i  Billerica,  for  which 

Col.  Palmer  gave  a  receipt.  Said  powder  was  delivered  to  Major  Bar- 
ber of  the  train. 

Whereas,  a  great  number  of  horses  have  been,  from  time  t"  time, 
put  into  the  Btables  and  yard  at  Mr.  Hastings',  at  head  quarters,  not 
belonging  to  the  colony,  to  the  committee  of  safety,  or  the  general 

Officers,  their  aids  de  camp,  or  pOBl  rider-,  to  tin  expense  "I   the 

public,  and  inconvenience  of  the  committee,  generals,  Ate,  therefore, 


574  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  23, 

Resolved,  that  no  horses  be  hereafter   admitted  into  said  stables  or 
yard,  or  be  taken  from  thence,  but  only  by  order  of  said  committee  or 

general  officers. 

As  it  is  thought  of  great  importance,  that  intelligence  of  the  state 
and  situation  of  the  army,  or  any  part  thereof,  should,  at  all  times,  be 
known  to  the  general  officers,  and  that  such  orders  as  may  be  sent  by 
the  generals,  be  communicated,  with  all  speed,  therefore,  Resolved, 
that  it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  that  they  make 
such  establishment  for  aid  de  camps,  to  the  generals,  as  to  them,  in 
their  wisdom,  shall  seem  meet. 

June  22,  1775. 

Samuel  Patch,  in  Col.  William  Prescott's  regiment,  was  recommend- 
ed to  the  honorable  Congress,  to  be  commissioned  as  a  captain  ;  and 
Zachary  Walker  and  Joshua  Brown,  as  lieutenants  in   said  regiment. 

Resolved,  That  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is  recommended  to  the  town  of 
Medford,  that  they  immediately  supply  Major  Hale  with  as  many 
spades  and  shovels  as  they  can  spare,  as  it  is  of  importance  for  the 
safety  of  this  colony,  that  the  works  begun  on  Winter  hill  be  finished, 
and  that  they  will  be  retarded  unless  soon  supplied  with  tools  of  that 
kind. 

A  number  of  Col.  Donaldson's  officers  were  recommended  to  the 
honorable  Congress  to  be  commissioned,  as  by  copy  on  file. 

June  23,  1775. 

Agreeably  to  a  resolve  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  orders  were 
issued  to  the  colonels  of  the  several  regiments,  that  they  forthwith 
make  return  of  the  officers  in  their  respective  regiments  who  are  not 
commissioned,  [that  they]  may  immediately  receive  their  commissions, 
and  that  the  vacancies,  if  any  such  there  are,  may  be  filled  up. 

A  letter  from  General  Thomas,  recommending  a  supervisor  for  the 
armorers  at  Roxbury,  is  referred  over  to  Congress. 

The  following  was  voted  to  be  sent  the  Provincial  Congress,  viz.  : 

This  committer  beg  leave  to  represent  to  the  honorable  the  Provin- 
cial Congress,  that  they  apprehend  it  [to  be]  absolutely  necessary  for 
the  safety  of  the  colony,  that  two  persons  of  ability  and  prudence  be 
appointed  to  superintend  the  regular  supply  of  our  two  camps;  one 
of  them  to  be  placed  in  the  camp  near  this  place,  and  the  other  at 
Roxbury,  whose  duty  it  shall  severally  he,  constantly  to  attend  said 
camps,  and  examine  into  the  supplies  of  each  regiment,  to  see  thai 
such  supplies  are  properly  delivered  out  in  time,  quantity  and  quality, 
and  seasonably  to  advise  the  commissary  general  when,  and  what  articles 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  8  UT/n 

of  supplies,  are  wanted  at  the  respective  camps       All  which  i-  humbly 
submitted 

Col.   Palmer  and  Col.  Orne  appointed  a  commitl  om- 

mittee  from  the  council  <»t  war,  to  view  the  encampment  "n   P 
lull,  and  the  works  carrying  <»n  there. 

This  day  wae  lodged  with  this  committee,  by  CapL  Cyprian  Howe, 
thirty  arm-,  Ben!  bj  Capt  Josiah  Stone,  of  Pramingbam,  for  which  a 
receipt  «^  given  b)  the  secretarj  of  this  committi 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Joseph  Jon<  b,  of  Lan  isler,  be  supplied  with  pro- 
visions, till  the  further  orders  of  this  committee,  he  being  well  skilled 
in  the  train. 

The  following  fire-arms  were  received  from  the  town  of  Attlebor- 
ough,  \  1/ 

gun  from  Henry   Richardson,     - 
Jacob  Perrj       -    -    - 
"  George  Stanley,     -    - 

Amos  Stanley,  -    -    - 
Samuel  Freeman,  .lr., 
B  n  jam  in  Allen,     -    - 

Ditto, 

David  Richardson, 
"  Ebenezer  Lan.-,     -    ■ 

Blisha  <  fa) ,  -     -     -    ■ 
Daniel  Dagget,       -    ■ 

•  SO     I 
The  following  fire-arms  were  received  from  the  town  of  Rehoboth, 


\  1 

1. 

- 

appraise 

d 

at 

'  1 

16 

•  > 

*  • 

- 

1 

i  : 

1 1 

3, 

- 

ii 

ti 

•  i 

llll 

.. 

1 

- 

.( 

1 

III 

11 

5, 

- 

ti 

■  > 

llll 

II 

«i. 

- 

.. 

1 

16 

a 

■ 

- 

•■ 

1 

1 

■  ■ 

B, 

- 

•• 

.  i 

.  » 

'•'. 

- 

•■ 

1 

i 

.. 

I'», 

- 

•  • 

•• 

.  > 

l  l 

•■ 

1 1. 

- 

•  > 

■  > 

\  I/.. 


Lr,in  from  .1   i        Dagget,   -    -  Mo.  11,  appraised  at    I  2     - 

Benjamin  Ridge, 


b 

II 


Elisha  < ' .i r ; »- - m -  r,    - 
"         \  ithan  Round, 
"         Richard  Whittaker, 
James  Dagget,  -    - 
Benjamin  If  idii<'. 
John  Wheeler,  -    - 
William  Cole,    - 
Stephen  Bullock,    - 


N  i 

11, 

12, 

13, 

i  > 

1  1. 

i. 

1",, 

•■ 

16, 

* . 

17, 

18, 

<( 

1'.', 

20, 

.i 

•  > 

- 

i  l 

ii 

I 

I 

. . 

> 

- 

- 

•  • 

.. 

I 

19 

> , 

i  > 

.  > 

l 

i  1 

l 

i  ; 

.. 

I 

i  : 

i 

- 

576  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  24, 

June  24,  1775. 

Ordered,  That  the  commanding  officer  who  has  the  charge  of  the 
hay  on  John  Vassal,  Esq.'s  estate,  be  directed  to  supply  Mr.  £eth 
Brown,  who  has  the  care  of  the  colony  horses,  with  as  much  hay  as 
they  may  need  for  their  consumption. 

A  gun  taken  after  the  late  action  was  appraised  by  this  committee  at 
thirty  shillings,  and  delivered  Col.  Brewer  for  the  use  of  his  regiment; 
for  which  he  gave  his  receipt  to  be  accountable  to  this  committee  in 
the  roush  minute  book. 

A  gun,  appraised  at  two  pounds  fourteen  shillings,  was  delivered 
Elisha  Frizel,  of  Capt.  Robert  Oliver's  company,  in  Colonel  Doolit- 
tle's  regiment,  he  having  had  his  gun  split  in  the  late  engagement.  A 
receipt  was  taken  for  the  same  in  the  rough  minute  book. 

A  number  of  Col.  Frescott's  officers  were  recommended  to  the  hon- 
orable Congress,  to  be  commissioned  as  by  the  captain's  return  on  file. 

Capt.  Ezra  Badlam,  of  a  company  in  the  train,  and  four  lieutenants, 
were  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  to  be  commissioned,  as 
by  the  captain's  return  on  file. 

Capt.  Samuel  McCobb,  of  Col.  Nixon's  regiment,  had  twenty  fire- 
arms delivered  him,  appraised  by  the  towns  which  sent  them  at  thirty- 
seven  pounds  twelve  shillings,  for  which  he  gave  his  receipt  in  the 
rough  minute  book,  to  be  accountable  to  this  committee. 

Ordered,  That  Mr.  Brown,  the  keeper  of  the  colony  horses,  do  not 
admit  any  horses  into  the  stables  of  John  Vassal,  Esq.,  but  such  as 
are  the  property  of  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  the  overseer,  and  such  a  part  of  the  company  of  ar- 
tificers under  his  direction  as  may  be  necessary,  be  posted  in  Newton, 
in  buildings  of  Mr.  John  Pigeon,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  on  their 
business,  and  what  loss  said  Pigeon  shall  sustain,  in  consequence  of 
said  artificers  being  posted  there,  this  committee  will  use  their  influ- 
ence that  the  damage  so  sustained  be  reimbursed  by  this  colony. 

Resolved,  That  the  cannon  in  this  and  the  town  of  Watertown,  not 
mounted,  and  all  other  military  stores  not  wanted  for  present  use,  be 
removed  forthwith  to  the  town  of  Newton,  where  the  artificers  are  to 
carry  on  their  works. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Pigeon,  the  commissary  <_reneral,  have  the  care  and 
direction  of  removing  the  spare  military  stores  to  Watertown. 

A  gun,  said  to  have  belonged  to  James  Boynton,  was  delivered  to 
Eliphalet  Cole,  in  Capt.  Parley's  company,  in  Col.  Fry's  regiment. 

A  inin  \\;i-  (lclivrrcil  to  Aaron  ('r<>iu!>\,  in  Capt.  Gridley's  company, 
<>f  the  train. 


1775.]  C<  »MMI  T  TEE  <  >1    E  \li;  T\ 

Bighty-four  fire-arms,  collected  from  several  towns,  were  received  ol 

Mr.  'I'll as  Cowden,  for  the  use  "I  this  colony,  Rm  which  ■  receipt 

was  given  linn  by  .Mr.  Watson,  of  Lhius  committi 

.li  m    25,   l "  75 

Whereas,  Sir.  Pigeon,  the  commisi  leral,  has  represented  i<> 

this  committee,  that  the  public  service  will   !>«■  promoted   bj  a  faithful 
person  being  appointed  as  a  supervisor  of  the  camp,  for   reasons  off 
ed;  upon  consideration  "f  which,  and  for  other  reasons,  this  commit- 
i  e  beg  leave  to  represent  t<»  the  honorable  Congress,  thai  they  appre- 
hend  it  to   !>-■  absolutely  m  ■  for  the  safetj  of  this  colony,  thai 
two  persons,  of  known  ability  and  prudence,  be  appointed,  to  superin- 
tend the  regular  supply  of  <>ur  two  camps  .  one  of  them  to  be  plao  d 
in  the  camp  mar  tin-  place,  and  the  other  at  <>r  n<  u   ftoxbury     who 
duty  it  shall  severally  be,  constant!]  to  attend  Baid  camps,  and  examine 
into  the  supplies  of  each  regiment,  to  Bee  thai  Buch  supplies  are  prop- 
erlj  delivered  out,  in  time,  quantity  and  quality,  and  seasonabl]  to  - « *1— 
vise  the  commissary  general  when,  and  what    articles  of  supplies   are 
wanted  at  the  respective  camps,  and  also  to  take  care  thai  the  empty 
cask.-  arc  saved   and   returned   t<»  the  commissar]  general's  office  fbi 
farther  service,  and  in  general  t"  do  all  the  service  to  the  public  which 
such  appointment  requires. 

Jim    36,   I" 75 

Twenty  small   arm-  were  delivered  CapL  Lemuel  TrescoU,  of  Col 
Jonathan  Brewer's  regiment,  for  the  us<  of  bis  company,  t"i  which  he 
gave  a  receipt  in  the  minute  hunk,  to  be  accountable  when  called  upon 
therefor. 

Six  sm all  arms  were  delivered  Capt.  William   Hudson   Ballard,  for 
the  use  of  his  compan]  in  Col.  Fry's  regiment,  f<>r  which  hi  gave  a 
ceipt,  to  be  accountable  when  failed  upon  therefor 

<  "ii|.  Moses  Little,  having  made  a  return  to  this  committee  of  a  lieu- 
tenant colonel,  major,  ten  captains,  and   twenty   lieutenants,   it    a 

recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  that  thej  be  con ssioned 

accordingly. 

Three  small  arm-  were  delivered  CapL  John  Nutting,  foi  the  use  ol 
his  compan]  in  Col.  Prescott's  regiment,  amounting,  l>\  appraisemi  at, 
to  seven  pounds  ten  shillings,  for  which  be  gave  a  receipt  in  the  min- 
ute I k,  to  be  accountable  when  called  upon  therefor. 

Six  small  arm-  were  delivered  Lieutenant   Whitney,  for  the  u« 
Capt    I'arueH'-  compan]   in  Col.  Prescott's  regiment,  amountit 
73 


578  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  27, 

by  appraisement,  to  thirteen  pounds  twelve  shillings,  for  which  a  re- 
ceipt was  given  by  the  lieutenant  in  the  minute  book. 

Six  small  arms  were  delivered  Capt.  Joshua  Parker,  of  Col.  Pres- 
cott's  regiment,  for  the  use  of  his  company,  amounting,  as  by  appraise- 
ment, to  thirteen  pounds  eight  shillings,  for  which  he  gave  a  receipt  to 
be  accountable  to  the  committee  when  called  upon  therefor. 

Ten  small  arms  were  delivered  Capt.  Asa  Lawrence,  for  the  use  of 
his  company  in  Col.  Prescott's  regiment,  appraised  at  nineteen  pounds 
three  shillings,  for  which  he  gave  a  receipt  to  be  accountable  to  this 
colony,  which  receipt  is  on  file. 

Three  small  arms,  for  the  use  of  Capt.  Wyman's  company  in  Col. 
Prescott's  regiment,  appraised  at  five  pounds,  were  delivered  to  his 
lieutenant,  for  which  he  gave  a  receipt  in  the  minute  book,  to  be  ac- 
countable when  called  upon  therefor. 

Three  small  arms,  for  the  use  of  Capt.  Oliver  Parker's  company  in 
Col.  Prescott's  regiment,  were  delivered  said  Parker,  amounting,  as  by 
;ippraisement,  to  four  pounds  nine  shillings  and  four  pence,  for  which 
a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

Whereas,  this  committee  find  the  public  hospital  in  this  town  has 
been  much  neglected,  to  the  great  injury  of  the  patients  in  said  hospi- 
tal, occasioned  by  the  want  of  some  suitable  person  being  placed  there 
as  surgeon,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Doct.  John  Warren,  be,  and  he 
hereby  is  appointed,  to  the  oversight  of  said  hospital,  and  that  he  take 
proper  care  such  provision  be  made  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  com- 
fortable support  of  the  patients  in  said  hospital  until  further  orders. 

Fifty-eight  small  arms,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  one  hundred 
and  nine  pounds  fifteen  shillings,  were  delivered  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb, 
for  the  use  of  his  regiment,  and  a  receipt  taken  for  the  same  in  the 
minute  book. 

June  27,  1775. 

Passed  upon  John  Chandler  Williams'  account,  who  was  employed 
as  a  rider  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  amounting  to  £\  4s  6d,  as  by 
the  copy  thereof  on  file. 

It  was  recommended  to  the  honorable  the  Provincial  Congress,  that 
William  Dana  lie  commissioned  as  captain  lieutenant;  Mr.  Treadwell 
as  first  lieutenant;  Jonas  Simmons  and  William  Stevens  as  second  lieu- 
tenants: in  Capt.  Edward  Craft's  company  of  the  train,  in  Col.  Grid- 
ley's  regiment. 

A  gun  was  taken  for  the  use  of  tins  colony,  which  was  owned  by 
Aaron   Par,  of  Mansfield,  who  died  of  the  wounds  he  received  in  the 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OP  S  \\\:\\ 

battle  of  Bunker  lull,  which  gun  has  been  valued  l>\  this  committ< 
thirty-six  shillings  l.iu  fu]  mon< 

One  hundred   and   twenty-four   small  arma  were  received  of   Mr 
Al)i;ih  Sadler,  and  ten  of  Capt.  Stone,  collected  by  them  for  the 
vice  ol  tin-  colony,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  two  hundred  and 

fifty-one  p ids  fourteen   shillings    and    eight  pence,   for    wind: 

ceipts  were  given  bj  .Mr.  Wat 

Jim     28,    1"  " 

Two  small  arm-  w(  re  delivered  Col.  Samuel  Gerrish,  t"< >r  the  use  of 
his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraised  value,  to  three  pounds  three 
shillings,  ii>r  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

The  following  is  a  resolve  of  tin-  Provincial  Congress,  relative  t.» 
supplying  the  army  with  -mall  arm-,  \i/..  : 

In  Provincial  Congress,  Watertown,  Jdni    26,   1"* 

Whereas,  this  Congress  has  ordered  a  number  of  fire-arms  to  be  fur- 
nished tr<>m  several  towns  and  districts  in  this  colony,  to  be  forwarded 
to  the  army,  to  supply  those  who  arc  destitute  of  arm-;  but  n«>  provi- 
sion is  made  for  delivering  them  out,  and  taking  proper  receipts   foi 
the  same,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  all  the  small  arm-  thai  an-  <>r  may 
be  procured  1>\  the  above  order,  be  delivered  to  the  committee  "f 
iv,  at  Cambridge,  thej  to  give  their  receipts  i"r  the  same  to  the  per- 
son from  whom  thej  receive  them;  thai  the  same  be  delivered  out  to  such 
officers  as  shall  produce  orders  therefor  from  the  Hon.  General  Ward, 
they  giving  receipts  for  the  same  to  the  Baid  commits  e  of  safi  ly,  to  be 
returned  in  good  order,  unless  lost  in  the  service  of  the  colon]  .  and 
everj  soldier  who  shall   receive  any  Buch  fire-arms,  shall  Lri\c  bis  re- 
ceipt for  the  same  to  the  officer  from  whom  he  shall  receive  it,  to  b< 
turned  as  aforesaid  ;  ami  the  officer  shall  return  said  rect  ipts  t"  the  i 
mittee  of  safetv  ;  and  in  case  the  same  shall  no!  be  returned al  thee 
of  the  campaign,  <>r  sooner,  the  value  of  the  said  fire-arms  shall  1" 
ducted  out  of  the  wages  of  the  person  receiving  the*same;  and  thai 

the    co ittee    of  safety    shall    appraise  all  such  arm-   as   lia\<-   nol 

already  been  appraised,  ami  take  an  account  of  the  whole. 

Bj  order  of  <  longri 

JOSEPH    \\  MMM'A     /'     riifatf. 

The  following  was  received  I         General  Ward   in  < 
the  above  \  ote  of  Con  i  /  : 


>S0  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  28, 

Head  Quarters,  Cambridge,  June  28,  1775. 

The  general  orders,  that  the  commanding  officer  of  each  regi- 
ment make  application  to  the  committee  of  safety  for  so  many  fire-arms 
as  their  respective  regiments  stand  in  need  of;  each  commanding  offi- 
cer to  give  his  receipt  for  the  fire-arms  he  may  receive,  and  the  com- 
mittee of  safety  are  hereby  ordered  to  deliver  out  arms  to  such  com- 
manding  officers  as  make  application  to  them  for  the  same. 

Per  order,  SAMUEL  OSGOOD,  Major  of  Brigade. 

In  consequence  of  the  above  order  of  the  council  of  war,  the  follow- 
ing protest  was  entered,  and  a  copy  of  the  same,  together  with  the 
other  proceedings,  was,  by  a  vote  of  this  committee,  laid  before  the 
honorable  Congress,  viz.: 

Whereas,  the  Provincial  Congress  did,  on  the  26th  instant,  pass  a 
resolve,  "  that  all  the  small  arms  that  are  or  may  be  procured   by  the 
above  order  (mentioned  in  said  resolve,)  be  delivered  to  the  commit- 
tee of  safety,  at  Cambridge,  they  to  give  their  receipt  for  the  same,  to 
the  person  from  whom  they  receive  them ;  that  the  same  be  delivered 
out  to  such  officers,  as  shall   produce  orders  therefor  from  the  Hon. 
General  Ward :"    and   whereas,  the  Hon.  General   Ward,   in   conse- 
quence of  that  part  of  the   above  quotation  which  is  scored,  has  this 
day  issued  general  orders,  in  which  are  these  words,  "  and  the  commit- 
tee of  safety  arc  hereby  ordered  to  deliver  out  arms  to  such  commanding 
ojjiccrs  as  make  application  to  them  for  the  same  :"    and  whereas,  this 
committee  apprehend,  that  said  resolve  does  not  empower  the  general 
to  ordtr  them  to  deliver  said  arms,  but  only  to  order  his  officers  to  re- 
ceive from  the  committee  such  arms  as  they  are  ordered  by  the  honor- 
able Congress  to  deliver  on  the  general's  orders   to  his   officers  :   and 
whereas,  the  committee  apprehend,  that  it  is  of  vast  importance  that  no 
orders  are  issued  by  the  military,  or   obeyed  by   the  civil   power,  but 
only  such  as  are  directed  by  the  honorable  representative  body  of  the 
people,  from  whom  all  military  and  civil  power  originates;   and,  though 
this  committee  are  satisfied,  that  General  Ward  has  misunderstood  said 
resolve,  and  does  not  mean  or  intend   to  set   up   the  military  power 
above  the  civil,  yet,  lest  this  order  of  the  general,  should  be  adduced 
as  a  precedent  in  future,  we  think  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  protest 
against  the  general's  said  order ;    notwithstanding   which  protest,  we 
also  think  it  our  indispensable  duty  to  deliver  said  arms  agreeably  to 


!".-,.)  I  0MM1TTEE  OF  5  Mil  \  &\ 

tli.-  -jurit  of  said  resolve,  and  a-  the  exigencj  of  the  public  reqoii 
ami  submit  our  conduct  to  tin-  honorable  Congri 

Forty-three  -mall  arm-,  amounting,  a-  In  appraisement,  to  seventy- 
nine  pounds  two  shillings  and  four  pence,  were  delivered  to  Col  <iar.l- 
ner,  for  the  use  of  bis  regiment,  ami  a  receipt  takes  lor  the  same  hi 
tin-  minute  book,  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  Boad. 

Thirty  .-mail  arm-  were  delivered  Major  Brooks,  tor  tin-  u f  I 

Bridge's  regiment,  amounting,  a-  bj  appraJ  --1111111,  to  fiAy-five  pounds 
nineteen  >lnllin:_r-  ami  six  pence,  tor  which  he  gave  a  receipt  to  be 
countable  to  tin-  colony,  which  receipt  1-  on  the  files  of  the  commit- 
■ 

Nine  -mall  arm-  were  delivered  Col.  William  Preacott,  tor  the  uae 
of  In-   regiment,  amounting,  a-  by  appraisement    1  pounds 

mm-  shillings,  for  whicb  a  receipt  was  Lri\<-n  in  tin-  minute  l>ook. 

Twenty-five  -mall  arm-  were  delivered  Col.  Fry,  for  the  use  of  his 
regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  forty-nine  pounds  eight 
shillings  and  two  pence,  tor  which  In-  gave  a  receipt  to  I..-  accountable 
to  the  colony,  which  receipt  is  on  the  minute  l>ook. 

Twenty-five  small  arm-  were  delivered  Col.  John  Glover,  tor  ih<-  nan 

of  his  regiment,  ai intiii_r.  a-  by  appraisement,  to  forty-eix  pounds 

twelve  shillings  ami  eight  pence,  for  which  In-   gave  a   receipt   in   the 
minute  book  to  i>.  tntable  to  tin-  colon] . 

deceived  of  Major  Barber,  store-keeper  for  the  tram-,  l«\  onl.-r  of 
tin-  Provincial  Congress,  thirty-two  -mall  arms,  amounting,  as  bj  ap- 
praisement, to  € . 

Mr.  Devens  ami  Col.  Orne,  appointed  to  draw  up  a  vote  relativi 
(.'apt.  Trevet  and  company,  reported  tin-  following,  which  was  ace 
ed,  \  1/.  : 

Whereas,  from  a  mistake  made  l»\  on,-  of  the  i_r,''i'-ral  offici  rs,  Capt. 
Samuel  Etussel  Trevet  has  been  put  under  arrest,  which  nn-tak>-  , 

forth  in  a  certificate  by  onl.-r  of  the  general,  ami  upon  exaj ation  it 

appears  that  said  Trevet  In-  approved  himself  a  j><>»\  officer,  but 
mistake   has  unhappil)   operated   to  the  dispersion  of  in-  companj  ; 
therefore,  Resolved,  thai  Capt.  Trevet  be  directed  to  collect  In-  said 
company,  as  soon  a-  possible,  ami  then  apply  to  tin-  committee,  in  or- 
der to  be  commission*  .1.' 

1     \  n 1  from  number!  of  thi    Pi  l< 

an. I  ni"  ill.'  ,  to  inquire  int..  the  alleged  mUconducl  ol 

1       Imerioan  army  i  ttle  of  the  I7lh  of  June.    The  invi   i 

ed  on  the  il  i    loam,  that  as  he  wu  riding  op  tho  lull,  du 


582  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [June  30, 

This  committee  being  greatly  alarmed  at  the  danger  of  the  small 
pox  spreading  in  the  American  army,  which,  should  it  take  place,  we 
fear  may  be  attended  with  very  fatal  consequences  to  this  colony  and 
continent :  therefore,  Resolved,  that  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to 
the  honorable  Congress,  to  take  such  speedy  and  effectual  measures, 
to  prevent  a  communication  of  that  very  dangerous  and  distressing 
distemper,  from  the  small  pox  hospital,  to  the  army,  or  to  the  inhabit- 
ants of  this  colony,  as  to  them  in  their  wisdom  may  seem  meet. 

Whereas,  sundry  persons,  who,  in  the  exigency  of  our  public  affairs, 
have  been  employed  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  are,  from  time  to 
time,  exhibiting  their  accounts  to  this  committee,  in  order  for  payment, 
therefore,  Resolved,  that  said  accounts  be  transmitted  to  the  honora- 
ble Congress,  that  this  matter  be  taken  into  their  consideration,  and 
that  such  orders  pass  thereon  as  their  wisdom  may  dictate. 

June  30,  1775. 

One  hundred  and  fifty-two  small  arms  were  received  of  Capt.  Wil- 
liam Page,  collected  by  him  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  amounting,  as 

by  appraised  value,  to  £ ,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  him  by 

Mr.  Watson 

Mr.  Samuel  West  was  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  to 
be  commissioned  as  second  lieutenant  in  Capt.  Abner  Cranson's  com- 
pany, in  Col.  Asa  Whitcomb's  regiment. 

Forty  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  John  Paterson,  for  the  use  of 
his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  seventy-eight  pounds 
sixteen  shillings  and  four  pence,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  in  the 
minute  book. 

Fifty-one  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  James  Scammon,  for  the 
use  of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  ninety-seven 
pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  which  guns  a  receipt 
was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

Three  small  anus,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  were  received  of  Col. 
Simeon  Spalding,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  five  pounds  four 
shillings. 

ment,  ho  met  nn  officer  of  art  illery  drawing  a  cannon  down,  who  :i  1  l«-ir«-il  as  the  cnusc  of  his  move- 
iii'- ii i ,  thai  be  had  expended  hi-* nanilion.  General  Putnam  dismounted,  and  finding  some  cart- 
ridges unexpended,  ordered  the  officer  to  return  to  his  post.  Another  captain  left  the  field,  under 
similar  circumstances.  It  was  in  evidence,  that  the  balls  were  too  largo  for  tho  service  of  the 
guns,  and  that  it  wi  k  the  cartri  »y  could  be  used.    The  officers  ap- 

pear to  have  left  the  hill  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  guns  from  capture.    The  examination 

subsided)  without  further  proceedings.     Capt.  Trevct  was  in  no  way  implicated  in  any  nuspici I 

misconduct,  anil  hii  arrest  r<  suited  from  an  unfortunate  mistake. 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  S  UT.n 

Whereas,  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress  has  tin-  da\  •, 
ilve,  appointing  this  committee  to  be  a  commit! 
further  emission  of  notes  or  lull-  of  credit,  as  mentioned   in  said  re- 
solve :  but  tin-  commits  e,  finding  themselves  unable  to  proceed  in  the 
business  without  ;i  more  perfect   knowledge  of  the  emissions  lately 
made,  both  in   quantitj  and   circumstances  ol  payment;  and  also 
want  of  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  demands  made,  <>r  to  be  made, 
upon  the  colony,  do  Resolve,  that  Col.  Palmer  attend  the  honorable 
Congress  to-morrow,   in   order  to  obtain    ill    necessarj    light  in  the 
premises. 

\\  hereas,  a  considerable  number  "f  whale  boats  h  a  procured 

lor  the  service  of  this  colony,  and  man)  of  them  are  Baid  to  be  now  in 
the  town-  of  Braintree  and  \\  eymouth,  and,  unless  proper  care  I 
ken  of  said  boats,  they  will  probablj  sustain  great  damage:  therefore, 
/.'     rived,  that   it   be  recommended   to  the  honorable  Congress,  that 
such  order  be  taken  resp<  cting  -  lid  boats,  as  their  wisdom  maj  direct 

This  committee  beg  leave  to  suggest  to  the  honorable  Congri 

O  3  3 

whether   the   magazine  wherein  gunpowder  is  deposited,  ought  not  to 
narded  by  electrical  point-  ;  as  an}  considerable  I"--  in  that  article 
would  deepl)  affect  the  public, which  is  humbly  submitted. 

Twenty-seven  small  arm-,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  were  received 
of  Mr.    Benjamin    Ely,  lor  which  a  receipt  was  given  l>\  the  secretary 
of  tin-  committee,  winch  guns   were  collected  l>\  order  ol  I 
and  amount,  by  appraisement  . 

Forty-four  small   arm-,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  were  •  !  of 

Mr.   John   Bliss,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  him  by  tfa 
of  tin-  committee,  which  guns  were  collected   l>\  order  ol  < 
and  amount,  by  appraisemi  nt,  to  € . 

Voted,  That  the  commissary  general   be  directed  to  supply  I 
quarters  with  provisions  .1-  usual,  till  the  further  order  of  this  commit- 
tee. 

.1 1  1  \    I ,   I '  75. 

Forty-nine  small  arm-,  for  the  u-e  of  the  colony,  were  received 
from  the  Re\  Mr.  Lemuel  Kollock,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  by 
Mr.  Devens ;  which  guns  were  collected  by  order  of  Congress,  and 
amount,  by  appraisement,  to  € . 

Fifteen  hi  1  all  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Ruggles  Woodbri 
use  of  In-  regiment,  amounting,  as  b)   appraisement,  to  twenty-nine 
pound-  sixteen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  which  gun 
taken  in  the  minute  hook. 


5S4  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  3, 

Voted,  That  two  thirds  of  the  hay  under  the  care  of  Mr.  David  San- 
ger, be  brought  to  head  quarters,  and  one  third  carried  to  the  commit- 
tee of  supplies,  at  Watertown. 

Six  small  arms  were  received  of  Mr.  Abner  Ellis,  for  the  use  of  this 

colony,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  £ ,  for  which  a  receipt 

was  given  by  the  secretary  of  this  committee. 

Forty-four  small  arms  were  received  of  Benjamin  Ely,  by  the  hands 
of  Mr.  Solomon  Edwards,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  for  which  a  re- 
ceipt was  given  by  the  secretary,  which  arms  were  collected  by  order 
of  Congress,  and  amount,  as  by  appraisement,  to  £ . 

Eight  small  arms  were  received  of  Col.  John  Dickinson,  by  the 
hands  of  Benjamin  Scott,  Jun.,  for  the  use  of  this  colony,  amounting, 

by  appraisement,  to  £ ,  for  which   a  receipt   was  given  by  the 

secretary. 

Capt.  Jacob  Miller  was  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  as 
a  captain  in  Col.  Doolittle's  regiment,  in  the  room  of  Capt.  Leland, 
who  has  resigned. 

Seventy-one  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  David  Brewer,  for  the 
use  of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  one  hundred 
thirty-eight  pounds  six  shillings,  which  guns  he  engaged  should  be  re- 
turned in  good  order,  unless  lost  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  as  by 
his  receipt  in  the  minute  book. 

Thirteen  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  for  the 
use  of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  twenty-six 
pounds  seven  shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute 
book. 

July  2,   1775. 

One  hundred  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Glover,  for  the  use  of 
his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  one  hundred  ninety- 
two  pounds  eleven  shillings,  which  guns  he  engaged  should  be  return- 
ed in  good  order,  unless  lost  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  as  by  his  re- 
ceipt in  the  minute  book. 

One  hundred  and  seven  small  arms  were  received  of  Mr.  Daniel 
Hemmenway,  by  the  hands  of  Mr.  John  Elder,  for  the  use  of  this  col- 
ony, for  which  a  receipt  was  given  by  Mr.  Abraham  Watson. 

July  3,  1775. 

Twenty-six  -mall  arms  were  delivered  Col.  James  Fry,  for  the  use 
of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  fifty-five  pounds 
four  shillings,  fur  which  a  receipt  was  given  in  the  minute  book. 


1775.]  <  OMMITTEE  OF  B  \n;n . 

Ten  small  arma  were  deliver      l        I    ihraim  Doolittle,  I 
of  In-  regiment,  amounting,  aa  bj  appraisement,  to  twenty-two  |>.>ir 
eighteen  shillings,  tor  which  a  receipt  waa  taken  in  ili<-  minute  bo 

<  >ne  gun,  f<»r  the  ii-.'  of  <  lol.  <i  irdner*s  regiment,  ua-  delivered  t<> 
Lieut.  Col.  Bond,  amountin  praisement,  to  1  iurteen 

shillings,  For  which  a  receipt  ken  in  the  minute  (»«»••!<. 

T(  ii  -mall  arm-  were  deliv(  r<     (        M       -  Little,  for  the 
regiment,  amounting,  aa  by  appraisement,  to  twenty-two  poum 
Bhilling  and  four  pence,  for  which  a  r<  given  in  the  minute 

book. 

Two  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  M         I         ,  for  the  his 

regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  four  pounds  four  shilliu 
tor  which  a  receipt  waa  taken  in  the  minute  l»»<>k. 

Thirteen  guns  were  received  <>f  Mr.  Benjamin  Ely,  l»\  tin-  bands  of 
.Mr.  John  Baton,  collected  by  order  ol  Congress,  for  which  a  receipt 
w  as  gii  en  him. 

Fifteen  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  William  Prescott,  for  the  use 
i>i  In-  regiment,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  twenty-nine  pounds 
sixteen  shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  in  the  minute  hook. 

A  number  of  officers  in  Col.  \V [bridge's  regiment.  w<  am- 

mended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  to  be  commissioned,  as  bj   return 
on  file. 

Whereas,  Mr.  Edmund  Quincy,  of  Stoughtonham,  has  represented 
to  this  committee,  that  sundry  household  goods  and  otto  i 
or  late  the  propertj    <>t'  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Esq.,  and  other  | 
publicly  known  to  be  also  enera  ad  liberl  \    -  il- 

ea, are  hid  in  several  places  in  and  near   Milton,  which  property   will 
probably  I"-  lost  or  h  isted,  unless  prop.  i-  taken  of  the  Bame,  for 

Buch  persons  as  ma)    hereafter   justly  claim  the  same,  ther< 

'ved,  that  Baid  Quincy,  !"■,  and  he   herebj  is  empowered,  to  receive 

and  convej  to  this  cot itte         '  •.  all  such  _  ■■■  Is  11  d 

as  aforesaid,  tor  the  use  of  such  person  or  persons  as  the   horn 
Congress  or  some  future  Congress,  or  House  of  Repr< 
colon)   may  order:   he  ateo  producing  to  iln>  committee,  the  I 
or  Hon-,  of  Representatives,  an  account  of  ill  the  articles  he  i 
receive,  the  names  of  the  persons  from  whom  he  in  ive  the  e 

and  .in  at  of  the  ch  urges  that  may  arise  from  such   -a:  nd 

removal  ,  an. I  he  also  is  hereby  empowered,  to  press,  it'  necessary .  sue 
is  •-  may  be  needed  for  r<  mo>  ing  Buch  effects 

llso,  R      !     ;.  Thai  thi  \  I  e  immed  transmitt    I 

I  i 


58G  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  5, 

of  said  Quiney,  to  the  honorable  Congress  now  sitting  at  Watertown, 
for  their  approbation  or  disapprobation. 

Henries  Vomhavi,  an  Indian,  having  represented  to  this  committee, 
that  he  had  taken  two  horses  at  Noddle's  island,  one  a  little  horse, 
which  he  is  desirous  of  retaining  as  some  recompense  for  his  fatigue 
and  risk  in  that  action,  in  which,  it  is  said  he  behaved  with  great 
bravery ;  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  that  said  Indian  should 
be  gratified  in  his  request,  which  will  be  an  encouragement  to  others 
in  the  service,  provided,  the  honorable  Congress  should  approve 
thereof. 

Passed  upon  Mr.  William  White's  account,  a  person  employed  by 
this  committee  as  a  rider  in  the  colony  service,  which  account  amount- 
ed to  six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  four  pence,  and  a  certificate  was 
given  him  accordingly. 

Thirty-nine  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Jonathan  Brewer,  for 
the  use  of  his  regiment,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  sixty-eight 
pounds  eighteen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  which  a  receipt  was 
taken  in  the  minute  book. 

July  4,  1775. 

Mr.  George  Armstrong,  who  brought  in  a  company  of  minute  men, 
and  has  been  in  the  army  since  the  first  alarm,  having  desired  leave  of 
absence  from  the  camp,  for  some  time,  it  was  accordingly  granted 
him ;  and  an  order  was  given  the  said  Armstrong,  on  the  taverners 
and  innholders  on  the  road  to  Murraysfield,  to  supply  him  with  neces- 
sary provisions  on  his  return  home. 

Mr.  Eleazer  Wier,  was  directed  to  deliver  Benjamin  Willing,  one 
dozen  and  a  half  of  files,  for  the  use  of  the  armorers  now  working  at 
Mr.  Gideon  Frost's  shop. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  David  Sanger  be  directed  to  fill  the  widow  Vas- 
sal's barn  with  hay. 

Nine  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Joseph  Read,  for  the  use  of 
his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  seventeen  pounds 
fourteen  shillings,  for  which  guns  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute 
book. 

Four  guns  were  delivered  Col.  Moses  Little,  for  the  use  of  his  regi- 
ment, amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  nine  pounds  two  shillings, 
for  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

July  5,  1775. 
Thirty-seven  fire-arms  were  received  from  Major  Ebenezer  White, 


1775.]  '  MMITTEE  OF  9  \IT.T\ 

w  1 1 n- 1 1  guns  were  collected  l>\  order  of  Congress,  and  amount,  u  b\ 
appraisement,  to  eighty-five  pounds  Beven  shillin 

Thirty-seven  sntall  arms,  valued  at  eighty-five  pounds  • 
were  delivered  General  Thomas,  for  the  use  of  his  regimi  nt,  as  bj  his 
ipt  on  file. 

Si\  Bmall  arms  were  delivered  Col.  William  Prescott,  for  the  u f 

his  regiment,  amounting,  b)  appraisement,  to  eleven  pounds  six   shil- 
lings, for  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  1 1%. 

Four  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  NN  illiam  IV  ■  itt,  for  the  use 
of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  eight  pounds  four- 
teen shillings,  for  which  :i  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

I    n  small  arras  were  delivered  Col.  M         Little,  for  the  use  of  his 
regiment,  amounting,  as  bj  appraisement,  to  eighteen   pound 
shillings  ri 1 1 < l  four  pence,  for  which  a  receipt  was  taken   in  the  minute 
book. 

Passed  upon  John  Bullfinch's,  and   twelve  other  persons'  accounts, 
who  worked  with  Jeremiah  Russell,  amounting  in  the  whole  to  forty- 
four  pounds  eight  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  which  a  certificate 
given  them,  for  tin-  committee  of  acco  ints 

Voted,  Thai  Joseph  Bates  have  liberty  to  cut  thirty  hundred  of  hay, 
on  John  Vassal,  Esq's  estate  in  Cambridge,  he  to  !»•  accountable 
therefor,  and  that  Samuel  Sanger,  who  has  the  care  of  th<-  hay,  \«-  di- 
rected according!] 

Bight  guns,  collected  in  Princeton,  were  received  of  Mr  Ephraim 
\\  ol son,  by  the  hands  of  SylvanusOakes,  amounting,  b)  appraisement, 
to  fourteen  pounds   -•  ven  shillings,  for  which  ;i  receipt  iven  him 

by  the  secretary. 

.1 1  i  \   1 1 .   1775 

I  ted,  That  Joseph  and  Parsons  Smith,  be  allowed  to  cut,  each, 
ouo  ton  of  English  hay,  and  our  ton  of  black  grass,  on  the  est  ite  of 
John  V.i.  ,'.  Esq.,  in  Cambridge,  they  to  !><•  accountable  therefor: 
and  that  Mr.  David  Sanger  be  directed  accordingly. 

\  hand  vice,  screw  plate,  and  pins,  were  purchased  of  Mr    Richard 
■  r   the   u  e  of  the   armorers,  amounting,  as  bj   i         it    in   the 

minute  I k,  to  eight  shillin 

Mr  Seth  Brown  was  directed  and   empowered   to  clear  the  widow 
irns,  lor  the  reception  of  hay  and  horses  for  the  colon] 
and  also  to  prevent  horses  feeding  in  the  pastures  owned  h] 
widow. 

Mi-     Elizabeth   Hicks   was   paid  four  shillings,  b]  Mr.  l»  for 

bringing  up  ;t  boat  from  Charlestown,  as  bj  n  c<  ipt  on  file. 


588  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  6, 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Fisk,  who  has  the  care  of  Jonathan  Sewall's  farm, 
have  liberty  to  cut  on  said  farm  one  ton  of  English  hay  and  two  tons 
of  salt  hay,  and  that  Mr.  David  Sanger  be  directed  accordingly. 

[Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Provincial  Con- 
gress to  pass  the  following  resolve  :] 

Whereas,  the  exigencies  of  the  colony  require  that  there  should  be, 
as  soon  as  possible,  an  emission  of  bills  of  credit  :  therefore,  Resolved, 
that  there  be  immediately  issued  on  the  credit  of  this  colony,  and  de- 
posited in  the  treasury,  a  sum  not  exceeding  one  hundred  thousand 
pounds,  lawful  money,  in  bills  of  credit  of  the  following  denomina- 
tions, viz.  :  of  one  shilling,  of  two  shillings,  of  two  shillings  and  six 
pence,  of  four  shillings,  of  five  shillings,  of  seven  shillings  and  six 
pence,  of  eight  shillings,  of  eleven  shillings,  of  thirteen  shillings,  of 
seventeen  shillings,  of  nineteen  shillings,  of  thirty  shillings,  of  forty 
shillings,  of  sixty  shillings,  of  eighty  shillings,  and  of  one  hundred 
shillings;  to  be  five  thousand  of  each  denomination,  and  no  more,  and 
to  be  of  the  form  following,  viz.  : 


Colony   or  the  »  T  1WK  ivt      inn 

AT  „  July  ,  l//o.  No.  109. 

Massachusetts    b.\Y.     ) 

The  possessor  of  this  bill  shall  be  paid,  by  the  treasurer  of  this  col- 
ony, two  shillings  and  six  pence,  lawful  money,  by  the  18th  day  of 
July,  1777,  and  [it]  shall  be  received  in  all  payments  at  the  treasury  at 
all  times. 

By  order  of  Congress. 

A.  D.  1 

B.  E.  >  Committee. 

C.  F.  j 


which  said  bills  shall  be  paid  and  received  in  the  public  treasury,  and 
in  all  payments  in  this  colony,  without  any  abatement  or  discount, 
upon  any  pretence  whatsoever,  under  penalty  of  treble  damages  to 
both  the  payer  and  receiver,  which  penalty  shall  be  applied  to  the 
discharge  of  the  public  debts  of  this  colony. 

And  said  bills  shall  also  be  printed  on  the  back,  with  the  colony 
seal,  the  value  of  the  bill,  and  its  date,  and  round  the  seal,  these  words : 
Issued  in  (l<j)  nee  of  American  Liberty.  Also,  Resolved,  that  A.  B.  and 
C.  be  a  committee  to  sign  or  authenticate  all  said  bills,  from  one  shil- 
ling to  eleven  shillings,  inclusively  ;  and  that  D.  E.  and  F.  be  another 
committee  to  sign  or  authenticate  all  other  the  said  bills,  which  are  of 
from  thirteen  shillings  to  one  hundred  shillings,  inclusively. 


L775.]  I  OMMITTEE  OF  SAPET\ 


5000  bill  -  250 

500 

r. /.        -        -  625 

1,250 

<i/.        -        -         1,875 

2,000 

2,750 


.-,1)11(1 

"  ■! 

5000 

"   ! 

5000 

1 

500  i 

••  5 

5000 

"  : 

5000 

..  . 

5000 

"  Us. 

5000 

••  135. 

5000 

"  17,. 

5000 

..  |,, 

5000 

•• 

5000 

.<  , 

«  i 

■ 

..  . 

5000 

"1005. 

550 
1,250 
1,750 
7,500 

id, (too 
15,000 
•jo. ooo 
.      25,000 £100,000 

[The  Following  letter  was  Benl  to  General  Washington    ] 

Mwii  i'i\  I         llency  : — The  bearer,  Capt.  Brown,  is 

the  officer  who  took  the  horses  that  came  off  from  Bunker's  bill;  you'll 
se  to  direct  said  horses  being  delivered  t"  1; 

To  His  Excellency  General  Washington. 

This  committee  have,  with  great  concern,  considered   the   advanta- 
our  enemies  will  derive  from  General  <i  i_r'-  -  misrepresentations  of 
the  battle  of  Charlestovvn,  un  interacted   by  the  truth  of  that 

day's  transactions  being  fairly  and  honestly  represented  \>>  <>ur  friends, 
and  others,  in  Great    Britain:    therefore,  thai    it   be   humbly 

recommended   I  •  honorable  I  now  sitting  al  Watertown, 

to  appoint  a  committee  to  draw  up  and  transmit  to  Gn  il  Britain,  as 
possible,  ;i  lair,  honest  and  impartial  tnl  of  the  late  battle 

of  Charli  stown,  on  the  17th  ultimo,  so  that  our  friends,  ;<.n<\  othet 
that   part  of  the  world,  may  n  in  an)  >osed   upon   b) 

Genera]  Gage's  misrepresentations  <>t"  that  day's  trai  is;  and  that 

they  also  be  a  standing  committee  for  that  purpo 

With   hearts  deeply  affected   by  the  sufferings  of  '>ur  friends  in  the 
town   and   harbor  of  Boston,  now   under  th  '    hand  of  tyrannic 

power;  and   reflecting  upon   the  advice  of  the  late  Continental  Con- 

enemiae  seiziug  an)  of  our  friends,  il  is  K 
by  tin-  committee,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the   honorable   Provin- 
cial   Co  nun-    sitting      •    W  itertown,    to    recommend    t"   the 
grand  A            a  Congress,  that  ever)  crown  officer,  within  the  united 


590  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  7, 

colonies,  he  immediately  seized,  and  held  in  safe  custody  until  our 
friends  who  have  been  seized  by  General  Gage  are  set  at  liberty,  and 
fully  recompensed  for  their  loss  and  imprisonment. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  John  Steel  and  his  two  sons  be  appointed  armorers 
for  this  colony's  forces. 

Eight  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Ebenezer  Bridge,  for  the  use 
of  his  regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  seventeen  pounds 
six  shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

Whereas,  the  honorable  Congress  have  made  an  establishment  for  a 
company  of  artificers,  which  consists  of  carpenters,  blacksmiths,  and 
wheelwrights ;  and  a  captain  is  appointed  for  the  carpenters,  but  no 
provision  is  made  for  captains  or  master  workmen  for  the  blacksmiths 
and  wheelwrights,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  premises  be  recom- 
mended to  the  consideration  of  the  honorable  Congress,  now  sitting  at 

Watertown. 

July  7,   1775. 

Two  guns  were  received  from  Capt.  Josiah  Stone,  of  Framingham, 
for  the  use  of  this  colony,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  three 
pounds  sixteen  shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  by  Mr.  Devens. 

Forty  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Scammon,  for  the  use  of  his 
regiment,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  seventy-four  pounds  thirteen 
shillings  and  four  pence,  for  which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute 
book. 

One  small  arm  was  delivered  Col.  Gridley,  for  the  use  of  his  regi- 
ment, amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  two  pounds  four  shillings,  for 
which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

Passed  upon  Matthew  Clark's  account,  amounting  to  nine  pounds 
three  shillings  and  six  pence;  and  a  certificate  was  delivered  him  for 
the  committee  on  accounts. 

Whereas,  Mr.  Scth  Brown,  who  has  had  the  care  of  horses  for  the 
cannon,  has  resigned  thai  employment,  and  as  Thomas  Organ,  who 
was  in  the  service  of  the  late  General  Warren,  is  willincr  to  un- 
dertake  that  service,  looking  upon  him  to  be  a  person  well  qualified 
for  that  trust,  we  desire  he  may  be  appointed  accordingly. 

The  above  was  directed  to  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee  of  sup- 
plies. 

Passed  upon  Mr.  Isaac  Bissel,  a  post  rider's  account,  amounting, 
as  by  copy  on  file,  to  two  pounds  one  shilling;  and  a  certificate  was 
given  him  for  the  committee  on  account-. 

[Where.;-,  a  number  <>f  soldiers  in  the  American  army,  are  from 
time  to  time,  observed  to  be  much  disguised  with  spirituous  liquors, 


L775.]  <  OMMITTEE  OF  -  \ri.i  \ 

ami  Bhould  not  some  effectu  il  measures  >  to  put  this 

disorder,  not  only  the  morals  and  health,  Inn  also  the  ii 
ti<  -  of  this  people  will  be  endangered  ;  therefor*     /.'     >hed,  that  it  be, 
; 1 1 1 « J  n  i-  hereb)  recommended  to  his  Excellenc)  General  W  ton, 

that  an  order  be  issued  to  Buppresa  retaih  rs  of  spirituous  liquors  within 
ami  near  the  camps,  in  Buch  m  mm  r  as  t>>  him  m  i)  seem  n 

Upon  application  made  to  tin-  committee  l>\  Capl    R  ml  due 

examination  into  the  matter,  the  following  was   voted  t>>  be  sent   the 
1 1 1 it  1 1 .  &c,  of  the  town  of  Heading,    >  be  communicated  to  the 
adjacent  toy  ns. 

Gentlemen  — When  *  pi  .1  ■  R  ers,  late  an  inhabitant  of 
Charlestown,  but  who,  through  the  nec<  Limes,  has  been 

obliged  t"  quil  Charh  stown,  has  since  i  iken  up  his  residence  in  the 
town  of  Reading  ;  but  so licentious  persons  of  the  town  of  Stone- 
ham,  as  i-  repre»  nted  to  us,  have  thre  itened  to  raise  a  mob,  and  drive 
him  oul  of  said  Reading,  to  the  great  terror  of  his  family,  and  tin-, 
without  any  cause  thai  we  can  find,  evidence  having  appeared  of  his 
good  behavior  while  in  Charlestown;  in  ordei  to  put  a  stop  t->  Buch 
disorderly  conduct,  it  i  R  tved,  that  all  the  inhabitants  <>t"  tin-  i 
n\  be  desired,  as  the)  regard  the  peace  and  wi  Ifare  of  the  country,  to 
behave   peaceabl)   and   quietly  towards  the  said  Capt.  R  and   if 

In-  conduct  should  hereafter  be  unworthj  a  friend  t<>  American  liberty, 
-  thru  to  !»■  orderl)  complained  of,  t"  Buch  authorit)  then 

exist  within  this  colony,  but  l>_\  no  means  to  In-  proceeded  against   in 
an)  disorder!)  manner. 

Twenty-eight  guns,  for  the  use  of  the  colony,  collected  by  »»ril<  r  of 
Congress,  were  received  of  Mr.  John  Ingraham,  July  7th. 

Passed  upon  Mr.  John  Barber  -  i  count,  amounting  to  seven  pounds 
thirteen  shillings  and  eighl  pence  ;  and  a  certificate  «  is  given  him  for 
the  committee  <>n  accounts. 

Two  small  arm.-  wire  received  of  Col.  Simeon  Spaulding,  f"r  the 
use  of  tin-  colony,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  to  tw<>  pounds  twelve 
shillin 

Two  small  arms,  appraised  al  four  pounds   Four  shillings,  w< 
livered  Capt.  Job  Cushing,  of  Col.  Ward-  regiment,  as  b)  receipt  on 
file. 

r  nail  arm-  [v  livered,]  for  tin 


59 2  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  8, 

regiment,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  twenty-seven  pounds  three 
shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  has  been  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

The  honorable  the  Provincial  Congress  having  acquainted  this  com- 
mittee, that  Mr.  James  Winthrop,  post  master  in  Cambridge,  had  de- 
clined serving  any  longer  in  that  office,  and  desired  that  another  might 
be  recommended  to  them  for  that  place  : 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Jonathan  Hastings,  Jun.,  be  recommended  to  the 
honorable  Congress,  as  a  suitable  person  for  the  trust  aforesaid. 

Two  small  arms  were  received  of  Mr.  Seth  Stone,  of  Cambridge, 
for  the  use  of  this  colony,  amounting,  as  by  appraisement,  to  three 
pounds  eighteen  shillings,  for  which  a  receipt  was  given  him  by  the 
secretary. 

Passed  upon  John  Gill,  Jun.,  a  post  rider's  account,  amounting  to 
six  pounds  seventeen  shillings  and  eight  pence,  for  which  a  certificate 
was  given. 

[Whereas,  many  complaints  have  been  made  to  this  committee,  that 
the  armorers  frequently  deliver  the  arms  out  of  their  shops  unfit  for 
service,  and  delay  the  work  unnecessarily  ;  in  order  to  prevent  occa- 
sion for  such  complaints  in  future,  and  to  hasten  the  public  service  in 
an  orderly  manner,  which  has  not  yet  been  provided  for,  it  is  Resolved, 
that  it  be,  and  it  hereby  is,  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress, 
to  make  an  establishment  for,  at  least,  four  master  armorers,  each  one 
of  whom  shall  work  and  superintend  one  shop,  each  of  which  shops, 
as  we  apprehend,  may  well  accommodate  eight  men,  including  the 
master.] 

[Resolved,  That  the  instructions  to  be  given  to  the  officers  of  the 
regiments,  be  sent  to  the  council  of  war,  and  if  approved,  be  forwarded  : 
they  are  as  follow  :] 

[Inst rue tions  for  the  officers  of  the  several  regiments  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bet)/  forces,  who  are  immediately  to  go  upon  the  recruiting 
servii  i .  j 

[You  are  not  to  enlist  any  deserter  from  the  ministerial  army,  nor 
any  stroller,  negro,  or  vagabond,  or  person  suspected  of  being  an  ene- 
my to  the  liberty  of  America,  nor  any  under  eighteen  years  of  age.] 

[As  the  cause  is  the  besl  that  can  engage  men  of  courage  and  prin- 
ciple to  take  up  anus,  so  it  is  expected  that  none  but  such  will  be  ac- 
cepted by  the  recruiting  officer  ;  ihe  pay,  provision,  &,c,  being  so  am- 
ple, it  is  not  doubted  but  the  officers  sent  upon  this  service,  will,  with- 
out delay,  complete  their  respective  corps,  and  march  the  men  forth- 
with to  camp. ' 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  -  \\\.v\ 

[You  are  not  to  enlisl  any  person  who  is  not   an   Amei  rn 

unless  -in  h  person  has  a  wife  and  family,  and  is  a  Bettled  resident  in 

this  country.  ] 

[The  persons  you  -  nlist,  must  be  provided  with  good  and  complete 
arms.  ] 

One  small  arm  was  received  ol  M     B  muel  Haynes,  of  Sudbury,  for 

ilir  ii-.-  of  this  colony,  amounting,  by  appraisement,  t"  thirt]  shillii 
for  which  a  receipt  was  given  him  b)  the  clerk. 

vVhen        con uderable  u  aris<  a   in   -"in.-  pin   "t   the 

army,  from  Bome  >>t'  the  soldi  isting  a  second   lime  mi"  other 

companies  than  those  which  thej  first  enlisted  into,  ami  ifnol  prevent- 
ed  will  be  attended  with  great  inconvenience,  there!         />'  that 

it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress,  t"  pass  such 

i r.l.T  a-  ma)  .-an-.'  those  Boldiers  who  have  conducted  a-  above,  to 

return  tn  their  respective  companies  into  which  tiny  were  tir-t  enlist- 
ed, <>r  otherwise  order,  a-  to  them  in  their  wisdom  Bhall  seem  mi 

\\  hereas,  it  is  necessary  [that]  the  house  of  Mr.  John  \  J, order- 
ed by  Congress  for  the  residence  of  his  excel) en c j  General  N\ 
ton,  should  In-  immediate!)  put  in  such  condition  >-  may  make  u  >"ii- 
\,  in.  nt  tor  thai  purpose,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  Mr.  Timothj  Aus- 
tin he,  ami  hereby  is  empowered  ami  authorized,  t>>  put  Baid  house  in 
proper  ...r<l(  r  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned,  and  that  he  procure 
-mil  assistance  ami  furniture  a-  may  ho  ni  .•-  ssarj  to  put  said  housi  in 
proper  condition  for  the  reception  of  In-  excellencj  ami  In-  attend- 
ants. 


\    .,.       i  ...  .ni  to  the  town*  required  to  ntrniab  clotl 

\'. 

'<  GcNTLKiizit:     In  obodien  •   to  the  oidor  of  I  have  proportion 

.,,,  .,ii  ih.   towni  and  dUtrii  U  in  Ihii  colony, excepting  Boston  and  < 
i  loeed  you  the  proportion,  w  ith  th.  ii  roiol 

..r  and  quality  of  the  cloth  which  ihall  he  manufactured  by  you,  and  ofl 
olothi  of  which  the  coaU  ihall  you,  that  th. 

a.  In.  i.  a  to  ii"-  men  ol  your  town  a  admit 

•■  u  illemon,  respectfully,  >"nr  moal  hu 

DAVID  CHE!   i  tea. 

p.  8       \  i  '  ■■  number  ofihirl  "I  lummi  I 

..    ii,.    Ilvi 

countrymen,  to  Furnish  tbii  committi  .  with  -.  large  nu  nb 

in  tWO  «lnrl«,  !»..  p  in  .,!  .    in. I  two  , 

portioned  aa  thi  share  ol  your  town,  and  tend  I  M 

il.nv  M.    We  -ii  ai  !■■ 
prices  winch  you  ihall  certify,  relying  on  youi  judgment  lo  prevent  imp 


594  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  11, 

July  11,  1775. 

The  commission  from  the  honorable  Congress  to  this  committee, 
was  this  day  received  from  said  Congress. 

His  excellency  General  Washington  having  signified  to  this  commit- 
tee, that  they  send  Monsieur  Viart  to  the  town  of  Worcester  ;  Resolv- 
ed, that  a  post  immediately  proceed  with  said  Viart,  to  Worcester,  and 
that  Mr.  Devens  provide  a  horse  for  that  purpose. 

Two  small  arms  were  delivered  Col.  Mansfield,  for  the  use  of  his 
regiment,  amounting  to  five  pounds  eight  shillings  four  pence,  for 
which  a  receipt  was  taken  in  the  minute  book. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  of  correspondence  in  the  town  of 
Worcester,  be  hereby  required  and  directed  to  take  into  their  custody, 
Monsieur  Viart,  a  Frenchman ;  that  they  suffer  him,  on  his  parole,  to 
have  the  liberty  to  walk  for  his  health  to  a  convenient  distance  about 
the  town,  but  to  guard  against  his  escape,  till  they  shall  receive  fur- 
ther orders  on  this  subject,  either  from  the  general  or  this  committee. 

The  following  order  was  issued. 

Cambridge,   July  11,  1775. 

To  the  Tavcrners  and  Innholders  on  the   road  between  Cambridge  and 

Worcester. 

You  are  hereby  required  to  supply  with  necessary  provisions,  Mr. 
,  and  a  Frenchman  with  him,  (he  being  on  public  service,)  and 


charge  the  same  to  this  colony. 

The  honorable  the  Congress  of  this  colony,  having  passed  a  resolve 
that  this  committee  be  appointed  to  draw  up  and  transmit  to  Great 
Britain,  a  fair  and  impartial  account  of  the  late  battle  of  Charlestown, 
as  soon  as  possible  ;  and  this  committee  being  exceedingly  crowded 
with  business,  therefore,  Resolved,  that  the  Rev.  Doct.  Cooper,  Rev. 
Mr.  Gordon  and  the  Rev.  Mr.  Peter  Thatcher,  be  desired  to  draw  up 
a  true  statement  of  said  action,  as  soon  as  may  be,  and  lay  it  before 
this  committee. 

The  committee  of  safety  of  Marblehead,  were  advised  by  this  com- 
mittee, that  five  ships  sailed  this  day  from  Boston,  their  destination 
unknown. 

The  taverners  and  innholders  on  the  road  to  Marblehead,  were  re- 
quired to  supply  Mr.  Thomas  Williams,  an  express  in  the  colony  ser- 
vice, with  necessary  provisions,  and  to  transmit  an  account  of  the 
charge  thereof,  to  this  committee. 


1775.]  I  I  >MMITTEE  OF  8  \!  i:r\ 

Whereas,  a  number  ol  horses  have  been  tak<  u  ti 

niir  Boldiers,  and  a  difficulty  arises  whose  propert)  the  horse*  in  ju 
oughl  t'»  be:  therefore,  Resolved,  that  il  be,  and   it   is  bei 
mended,  to  the  bouorable  Congress,  to  take  such  order 
same,  as  to  them,  in  1 1 1« -i r  wisdom,  shall  seem  rn 

[Whereas,  bie  excel lencj  General  Washington,  by  In-  Mr. 

Heed,  lias  sen!  to  thic  committee  fifteen  persons,  taken  :it  Long 
Island,  tin-  committee  apprehending,  that  bj  their  commission,  the) 
have  no  power  to  dispose  of  said  person  therel  R  ved,  thai 
the  above  fifteen  persons  !>■•  immediate!)  Ben  I  n<  the  honorable  the 
Congress,  at  Watcrtown,  and  that  Mr  diehard  Devens  and  Col  Orne, 
be  a  committee  to  eo  to  the  Congress  unh  tin-  resolve.] 

Juu    12,   1775. 
[Whereas,  frequenl  complaints  have  been   made  to  this  committ 
that  many  of  the  arms  returned  from  the  armorers  have  not  been  suffi- 
ciently repaired, which  error  may  have  arisen  from  ignoranl  or 
persons   being  employed   as   armorers,  or  for  want  of  a   master  work- 
man or  superintendent   m  each  shop,  therefore,  /«'      ved,  thai    Benja- 
min Guillam,  an  armorer   in  the  shop  belonging  to  G       »n  Frost,  be, 
and  he  hen  by  is  directed,  to  work  as  a  master  armorer  in   said  shop, 
and  to  superintend  the  oilier  armorers  in  that  -hop,  whose  dut)  it  shall 
be  to  receive   into   said  shop  such  arm-  as  may,  at  an)  time,  be  senl 
there,  hv  am  of  the  colonels  in  that  part  of  the   American   arm)  be- 
longing to  this  colony,  in  order  to  In-  repaired  ;   to  see  that    Buch   arm- 
are  properlv  repaired  :  to  deliver  the  same,  when  ired,  to  the 
persons  from  whom  the)  were  received;  to  see  thai  m<  persona  em- 
ployed in    said  shop,  as  armorer-,  are   either    ignoranl  of  --aid  liii-n 
or  careless,  or  idle;  and  if  any  such  should  be  employed  in  the  shop, 
said  Guillam  shall,  w  ithoul  delay,  inform  this  committee  then  of    and 
that  he  sutler  no  more  than  eight   armorers,  including  himself,  to  be 
employed  ai  an)  one  time,  in  said  -hop.  | 

J i  i.v    13,   \~ 75 

|  Mi.  Benjamin  Guillam,  an  armorer,  had  an  order  on  the  committee 
ol  mpplies  for  two  hundred  pounds  of  iron,  and  what  files  and  old 
brass  be  has  occasion  for.  tor  himself  and  other-  thai  work  in  ln- 
shop.l 

|  Mr.  Monroe  recommended  Seth  Johnston,  of  Old  Rutland,  and 
Enoch  Putnam,  of  Granby,  as  proper  person-  foi  armorers.] 

[Thomas  Organ  was  this  day  commissioned  to  take  the  care  ol  the 


590  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY.  [July  14, 

colony  horses,  and  from  time  to  time  to  attend  to  such  orders  as  he 
shall  receive  from  this  committee.] 

[His  excellency  General  Washington  having  this  day  ordered,  to  the 
direction  of  this  committee,  ten  prisoners  taken  some  time  past,  at  Ma- 
chias,  on  board  an  armed  cutter,  the  committee,  apprehending  from 
their  commission  of  the  8th  instant,  that  they  are  altogether  restricted 
from  actincr  as  a  committee  but  only  in  the  recess  of  Congress,  except 
in  conformity  to  certain  special  resolves  of  Congress,  or  for  making 
provision  for  the  poor  of  Boston  and  Charlestown,  and  guarding 
against  the  small  pox;  as  mentioned  in  said  commission,  have  Re- 
solved, that  the  said  prisoners  be  sent  to  Congress  for  their  orders,  and 
that  Doct.  Church  be  directed  to  attend  Congress  with  this  resolve.] 

[Whereas,  Lieut.  Ely  Stiles  has  represented  to  this  committee,  that 
he  has  been  at  considerable  expense  in  conducting  the  prisoners  from 
Machias  to  head  quarters,  and  desires  to  be  repaid,  but  this  matter 
not  being  within  the  powers  with  which  this  committee  is  vested,  they 
beg  leave  to  recommend  the  consideration  of  this  case  to  the  honor- 
able Congress.] 

[Whereas,  some  evil  minded  persons,  taking  advantage  of  the  con- 
fusion occasioned  by  the  battles  of  Lexington  and  Charlestown,  have 
plundered  and  carried  off,  into  several  parts  of  this  and  the  neighbor- 
ing colonies,  sundry  goods  and  household  furniture  belonging  to  some 
of  the  unhappy  sufferers  of  Boston  and  Charlestown  :  therefore,  Re- 
solved, that  it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Congress,  that  the 
several  selectmen  and  committees  of  correspondence  in  the  several 
towns  and  districts  within  this  colony,  be  directed  and  ordered,  and 
also  the  town  officers  in  the  neighboring  colonies  be,  and  they  hereby 
are  severally  and  earnestly  requested,  to  inspect  their  several  towns 
and  districts,  and  if  they  observe  any  such  goods  or  household  furni- 
ture, such  officers  are  directed  or  desired  to  send  all  such  effects  to 
the  office  of  Mr.  Joseph  Pierce  Palmer,  quarter  master  general,  in 
Cambridge,  for  the  benefit  of  the  true  and  rightful  proprietors,  or  that 
the  Congress  may  take  such  other  measures  as  in  their  wisdom  may 

seem  meet.] 

July  14,  1775. 

[Whereas,  Mr.  Seth  Brown,  who  lately  had  the  care  of  the  artillery 

horses,  at  Cambridge,  resigned  that  employment :    upon   which  this 

committee  recommended  to  the  committee  of  supplies  to  appoint  Mr. 

Thomas  Organ  to  the  care  of  said  horses,  instead  of  said   Brown,  but 

.-aid  committee  of  supplies  having  signified  to  this  committee  that  such 

appointment  was  not  within   their   commission,  but  was,  as  they  appre- 


1775.]  COMMITTEE  OF  S  MT.n 

bended,  within  our-,  and  accordingly    returned  -;u.l  recommendation 
with  their  repl)  upon  the  back  thereof:  and  whereas,  the  publit     - 
requires  thai  said   horses  should  U-  taken  proper  care  of,  and  alu 
kepi  in  readiness  for  use  upon  the  shortest  notice,  therefore    /.'      '•-,,{, 
that  although  said  appointment  is  nol  within,  but  contrary  t"  the  i 
mission  of  this  committee,  yet  apprehending  that  it  is  abeolutelj  ne- 
r\  for  the  public  service,  that  an  hostler  should  be  appointed  for 
that  employment,  and  no  other  mode  of  appointment   appearing,  in 
this  time  of  the  recess  of  Congress,  this  committee  do.  for  the  i 
Bons  assigned,  appoint  said  Organ  to  1 1  •  •  -  care  of  said  horses,  for  th<- 
purpose  aforesaid,  until  further  orders.] 

Jim     1 5 .    1775 

[Ordered,  That  Mr.  Sanger  put  as  much  hay  into  the  general's 
barns,  in  this  town,  as  they  will  receive,  any  order  to  the  contrarj  not- 
h  ithstanding.  ] 

[Complaint  having   been  made  to  this  committee  by  the  honorable 
General  Ward,  and  other  officers  in  the  army,  that  several  men  are 
dangerously  sick,  and   their  lives  would  be   greatly  hazarded,  except 
immediate  application  of  medicine  be  made  to  them,  and  that  the  sur- 
geons of  some  of  tin-  regiments  had  applied,  but  could  not  obtain  any; 
a  sub-committee  was  therefore  chosen  to  visit  the  hospital,  and  t" 
the  surgeons,  and,  upon  inquiry,  found  that  there  were  no  such  medi- 
cines as  are  immediately   wanted:    therefore,   Resolved,  that   as  the 
lives  of  some  part  of  1 1 1 « -  army  are  in  great  danger,  for  want  of  d 
cines,  notw  ithstanding  the  commission  of  the  committee  of  Bafetj  i 
not  ad  nit  of  direction  in  this  matter,  that   Mr.  Commissar]  I         ie  be 
ired  to  procure,  at   the   expense  of  the  colony,  such   medicine 

ma\    be   immediately   and    absolutely   necessarj  ;    in   i sequent 

which,  the  following  order  was  given  Mr.  Commissar]  Craigie 

Sib  : — You  are  hereby  desired  immediately  to  supply  the  store  un- 
der vour  care,  with  such  medicines  as  arc  absolute!]  ni  •  for  the 
present  relief  of  the  sick  in  the  arm).]1 

(10  Although  •  i  "i"  the  eomn 

journal  it  not  , 


APPENDIX 


i  •  i ;  <  m   i .  i .  i  >  i  \  i 


i  N  \  ENTIONS   OF   T  II  E    l'  EO  PL  E 


(   "I    NTIESOF    MASSA4    III   SE'J    I 


i  <  >\\  ENTION  <'l    SUFI  OLK  I  01  \  I  N . 

\  i  ,-i  mi  •  tiug  <>t'  the  delegati  -  of  <\n\  town  and  district  in  the  count]  of 
Suffolk,  held  on  Tuesday,  the  sixth  of  September,  177 1,  al  the  bous         II 
Richard  W  oodward  of  Dedham,  and,  bj  adjournment,  at  the  house  of  Mi. 
Daniel  Vbso  of  Milton,  on  Friday,  the  ninth  instant,  Joseph   Palmer,   I 
being  chosen  1 1 1 > •« !<  rator,  and  \\  illiam  Thompson,  Esq.,  '-K  rk,  a  comn 
was  chosen  t"  bring  in  a  report  ti>  the  convention,  and  the  followii  _ 
several  times  read,  and  put  paragraph  bj  paragraph,  was  unanimous!]  i 

\  i/.  : 

\\  hereas,  the  power,  bul  not  the  justice  ;  the  but  not  tin- 

c I* •  1 1 1  of  Gr<  al  Britain,  which  <'i'i>i<|  persecuted,  ■  I,  and  ••  x i !»••  I  our  fu 

citivr  parents  from  their  native  shores,  now  pursues  us,  their  guiltli  ss  <-lnl 
(Inn,  with  unrelenting  Beveritj  :  and  whereas  ilii>,  then  savage  and  unculti- 
vated desert,  was  purchased   by  the  i"il  and  treasure,  or  acquired  b; 
valor  and  blood  of  those,  our  venerable  progenitors,  \\lu>  bequeathed  ' 

ili>    dear  bought  inheritance,  who  consigned  it  i ir  care  and  protection; 

the  most  sacred  obligations  are  upon  us  i"  transmit  the  glorious  purchase, 
unfettered  In  power,  uucloggi  d  with  shackles,  to  our  innoci  ni  and  be! 
offspring.    <>n  the  fortitude,  on  the  wisdom,  and  on  the  exertioi 
important  day,  is  suspended  the  fate  of  this  new  world,  and  <>\  unborn  mil- 
lions.    If  a  boundless  extent   of  continent,  swarming  with  millions,  will 
taruelj  Bubmit  to  live,  move,  and   have  their  being  -'it  the  arbitrary  will 
licentious  minister,  the]  n%  ill   baselj  yield  i"  voluntnr)  Blavery,  and  future 

general s  shall  load  their  memories  with  incessant  <  ns.    <'n  tlw 

other  band,  if  we  arrest  1 1  j  *  -  hand  which  would  ransack  oui   pockets,  il 
disarm  llie  parricide  \\h"  points  the  dagger  i<>  om   bosoms,  if  v.<-  uobl 
feat  that  fatal  edict,  whi<  li  proclaims  s  powi  i    i"  frame  laws   Ibi    i 


M-2  SUFFOLK  CONVENTION. 

cases  whatsoever,  thereby  entailing  the  endless  and  numberless  curses  of 
slavery  upon  us,  our  heirs  and  their  heirs  forever  ;  if  we  successfully  resist 
that  unparalleled  usurpation  of  unconstitutional  power,  whereby  our  capital 
is  robbed  of  the  means  of  life  ;  whereby  the  streets  of  Boston  are  thronged 
with  military  executioners  ;  whereby  our  coasts  are  lined,  and  the  harbors 
crowded  with  ships  of  war;  whereby  the  charter  of  the  colony,  that  sacred 
barrier  against  the  encroachments  of  tyranny,  is  mutilated,  and  in  effect  an- 
nihilated ;  whereby  a  murderous  law  is  framed,  to  shelter  villains  from  the 
hands  of  justice  ;  whereby  that  unalienable  and  inestimable  inheritance 
which  we  derived  from  nature,  the  constitution  of  Britain,  which  was  cove- 
nanted to  us  in  the  charter  of  the  province,  is  totally  wrecked,  annulled, 
and  vacated;  posterity  will  acknowledge  that  virtue  which  preserved  them 
free  and  happy;  and  while  we  enjoy  the  rewards  and  blessings  of  the  faith- 
ful, the  torrent  of  panegyric  will  roll  down  our  reputations  to  that  latest 
period,  when  the  streams  of  time  shall  be  absorbed  in  the  abyss  of  eternity. 
Therefore,  we  have  resolved  and  do  resolve  : 

1.  That  whereas,  his  majesty,  George  the  third,  is  the  rightful  successor 
to  the  throne  of  Great  Britain,  and  justly  entitled  to  the  allegiance  of  the 
British  realm,  and,  agreeably  to  compact,  of  the  English  colonies  in  Amer- 
ica ;  therefore,  we,  the  heirs  and  successors  of  the  first  planters  of  this  col- 
ony, do  cheerfully  acknowledge  the  said  George  the  third  to  be  our  rightful 
sovereigu,  and  that  said  covenant  is  the  tenure  and  claim  on  which  are 
founded  our  allegiance  and  submission. 

2.  That  it  is  an  indispensable  duty  which  we  owe  to  God,  our  country, 
ourselves,  and  posterity,  by  all  lawful  ways  and  means  in  our  power,  to 
maintain,  defend,  and  preserve  those  civil  and  religious  rights  and  liberties, 
for  which,  many  of  our  fathers  fought,  bled,  and  died ;  and  to  hand  them 
down  entire  to  future  generations. 

3.  That  the  late  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  for  blocking  up  the  harbor 
of  Boston,  and  for  altering  the  established  form  of  government  in  this  col- 
ony, and  for  screening  the  most  flagitious  violators  of  the  laws  of  the  prov- 
ince from  a  legul  trial,  are  gross  infractions  of  those  rights,  to  which  we 
are  justly  entitled  by  the  law^s  of  nature,  the  British  constitution,  and  the 
charter  of  the  province. 

4.  That  no  obedience  is  due  from  this  province,  to  either  or  any  part 
of  the  acts  abovementioned ;  but  that  they  should  be  rejected  as  the  at- 
tempts of  a  wicked  administration  to  enslave  America. 

5.  That  so  long  as  the  justices  of  our  superior  courts  of  judicature,  court 
of  assize,  and  general  gaol  delivery,  and  interior  courts  of  common  pleas 
in  this  county,  are  appointed,  or  hold  their  places  by  any  other  tenure  than 
that  which  the  charter  and  the  laws  of  the  province  direct,  they  must  be 
considered  as  under  undue  influence,  and  are,  therefore,  unconstitutional 
officers,  and  as  such,  n<>  regard  ought  to  be  paid  to  them  by  the  people  of 
this  county. 

<:.  That  if  the  justices  of  the  superior  court  of  judicature, court  of  assize, 
&c,  justices  of  the  court  of  common  pleas,  or  of  the  general  sessions  of 


SI  FFOLK  <  <>w  l\  HON 

the  peace,  -hall  -it  and  act  during  iheir  present  disqual 

i\  will  Bupport  and  bear  harmless  all  -1  ■ 

jurors,  and  other  oflii  •>  ahull  i  to  carrj  iuto  i    •  rutiuii  ill 

of  said  courts  ;  and, 

must  ait.  ihI  the  bus| 

mend  it  t<>  all  cr<  ditora  I  mable  si 

to  their  debtors ;  and  to  all  debtors  t"  disci  just  debts,  with  all 

possible  speed;  and  if  anj  dispi  ning  debts  or  trespasses  ?-i i»»ul.l 

arise,  which  cannot  l»-  settled  b)  die  |  m I  it  to  them  to 

submit  all  such  ran-  bitration ;  and  if     •   parties,  or  either  of  them, 

shall  refuse  bo  to  do,  the)  ought  ti>  be  considered  as  coo| 
enemies  <>i"  this  country. 

7.  Thai  it  I"-  recommended  i"  the  collectors,  of  ta  d  «" 
othei  officers,  who  have  public  moneys  in  their  bands 

and  ii"t  to  make  anj  pawn.  Dt  thereof  t.i  the  provii  aunty  tn 

until  the  civil  government  of  the  province  is  placed  upon  a  constitutiomi 
foundation,  or  until  it  shall  otherwise  be  ordered  bj  the  proposed  provincial 
congn  b& 

8.  That  the  persons  who  have  accepted  seats  at  the  council  board,  bj 
virtue  of  a  mandamus  from  the  king,  in  conformity  t.>  the  lat<-  act  of  the 
British  parliament,  entitled  an  act  for  regulating  1 1 j •  -  government  <>t'  the 
Massachusetts  bay,  have  acted  in  direct  violation  of  the  dutj  thej  o* 
their  country,  and  have  therebj  given  great  and  jusl  offence  to  tiiis 
Therefore, 

Resolved,  That  this  county  do  recommend  it  to  all  persons  who 
highly  offended  bj  accepting  said  department,  and  have  Dot,  already,  pub- 
bclj  resigned  their  Beats  at  the  council  board,  t.>  make  public  <  tiona 

ni  tin  ir  places  at  said  board,  on  <>r  before  the  tw<  otieth  day  of  this  instant 

tember;  ami  that  all  persons  neglecting  so  to  do,  shall,  from  ami 
thai  day,  be  considi  n  I  bj  this  count}  as  obstinate  and  incorrigible  enemies 
t>>  this  colony. 

9.  That  the  fortifications  began  and  now  carrying  «'ti  upon  Boston  n< 
are  justly  alarmiug  to  this  county,  and  give  us  reason  t..  apprehend  some 
hostile  intention  against  that  town;  more  especially  as  the  commander  in 
rhiii' has,  in  ;i  \n\  extraordinary  manner,  removed  the  powdcrfrom  the 
magazine  at  Charlestown,  and  baa  also  forbidden  the  keeper  of  1 

/in.  at  Boston,  to  deliver  out  to  the  owners,  the  powder  which  the)  1...I...I 
in  >ai.|  magazine. 

10.  Thai  the  late  act  <>f  parliament,  for  establishing  the  roman  catholic 
r-  ligion  and  the  Fri  och  laws  in  thai  extensive  country  now  called  Canada, 
is  dangerous jn  an  extreme  degree,  t.>  the  |""!  Btanl   reli   io  ,  and  t.>  «!>«• 
civil  rights  and  liberties  of  all  America;  and  therefore,  as  men  and  pi 
tanl  christians,  we  are  indispensably  obliged  to  take  all  pro]  i  r  m<    -  in 

our  security . 

1 1.  That,  whereas,  our  >  Demies  have  Battered  themselvi  s  thai  they  shall 
M.''  •  an  eas;  prej  of  this  numerous,  bra*  e,  and  hard)  people,  I  n  ep 


604  SUFFOLK  CONVENTION. 

prehension  that  they  are  unacquainted  with  military  discipline  ;  we,  there- 
fore, for  the  honor,  defence,  and  security  of  this  county  and  province,  advise, 
as  it  has  been  recommended,  to  take  away  all  commissions  from  the  officers 
of  the  militia:  that  those  who  now  hold  commissions,  or  such  other  persons, 
be  elected  in  each  town  as  officers  in  the  militia,  as  shall  be  judged  of  suffi- 
cient capacity  for  that  purpose,  and  who  have  evidenced  themselves  to  be 
inflexible  friends  to  the  rights  of  the  people  :  and  that  the  inhabitants  of 
those  towns  and  districts,  who  are  qualified,  do  use  their  utmost  diligence 
to  acquaint  themselves  with  the  art  of  war  as  soon  as  possible,  and  do  for 
that  purpose  appear  under  arms  at  least  once  every  week. 

12.  That  during  the  present  hostile  appearances  on  the  part  of  Great 
Britain,  notwithstanding  the  many  insults  and  oppressions  which  we  most 
sensibly  resent ;  yet,  nevertheless,  from  our  affection  to  his  majesty,  which 
we  have  at  all  times  evinced,  we  are  determined  to  act  merely  on  the  defen- 
sive, so  long  as  such  conduct  may  be  vindicated  by  reason  and  the  princi- 
ples of  self-preservation,  but  no  longer. 

13.  That  as  we  understand  it  has  been  in  contemplation  to  apprehend 
sundry  persons  of  this  county,  who  have  rendered  themselves  conspicuous 
in  contending  for  the  violated  rights  and  liberties  of  their  countrymen,  we 
do  recommend,  should  such  an  audacious  measure  be  put  in  practice,  to 
seize  and  keep  in  sale  custody  every  servant  of  the  present  tyrannical  and 
unconstitutional  government,  throughout  the  county  and  province,  until  the 
persons  so  apprehended  be  liberated  from  the  hands  of  our  adversaries, 
and  restored  safe  and  uninjured  to  their  respective  friends  and  families. 

14.  That  until  our  rights  are  fully  restored  to  us,  we  will,  to  the  utmost 
of  our  power,  (and  we  do  recommend  the  same  to  the  other  counties,)  with- 
hold all  commercial  intercourse  with  Great  Britain,  Ireland,  and  the  West 
hidies,  and  abstain  from  the  consumption  of  British  merchandize  and  man- 
ufactures, and  especially  of  East  India  teas  and  piece  goods,  with  such  ad- 
ditions, alterations,  and  exceptions,  only  as  the  grand  Congress  of  the  colo- 
nies may  agree  to. 

15.  That  under  our  present  circumstances,  it  is  incumbent  on  us  to  en- 
courage arts  and  manufactures  amongst  us,  by  all  means  in  our  power;  and 
that  Joseph  Palmer,  Esq.,  of  Braintree,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Duer,  of  Roxbury, 
Mr.  James  Boicc  and  Mr.  Edward  Preston,  of  Milton,  and  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Guild,  of  Walpole,  l>e,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  committee,  to  consider 
of  the  best  ways  and  means  to  promote  and  establish  the  same,  and  report 
to  this  convention  as  soon  as  may  be. 

16.  That  the  exigencies  of  our  public  affairs  demand  that  a  provincial 
congress  be  called,  to  concert  such  measures  as  may  be  adopted  and  vigor- 
ouslv  executed  by  the  whole  people  ;  and  we  do  recommend  it  to  the  seve- 
ral towns  in  this  county,  to  choose  members  for  such  a  provincial  congress, 
to  be  bolden  at  Concord,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October  next  ensuing. 

17.  That  this  county,  confiding  in  the  wisdom  and  integrity  of  the  Conti- 
nental Congress,  now  Bitting  at  Philadelphia,  will  pay  all  due  respect  and 
submission  to  such  measures  as  maj  be  recommended  by  them  to  the  colo- 


-I  FFOLK   CONVENTION 

in- *,  for  the               "ii  .ui.l  establishmt  di  of  our  ju-t  i 
gious,  and  for  renewing  that  harmony  and  uuioi  G 

the  colonies,  jo  earnestly  wished  i"i  b)  all  l I  men. 

I-.  Whereas,  the  universal  un<  which  pre* 

men,  arising  from  the  w  ud  oppressive   i 

ministration,  ma}  influenc me  unthinking  i 

upon  private  property  :  we  would  heartil)  recommend  to  all  p> 

community,  not  to  engage  in  an)  i"in~.  .j,,,,,  ||„. 

property  "i  an]  pej  boob  n  I 

government;  but  b)  a  steady,  manly,  uniform,  and   p ■: 

in  convince  our  enemies,  that  in  •  important,  in 

Bolemn,  our  conduct  shall  l»-  Huch 

and  the  admiration  of  the  brave  and  free  of  ever) 

i  rj . 

19.  That  should  our  enemies,  b)  an)  sudden  ii 

.  the  aid  and  brethren  in  the  counti 

one  of  the  comraittet  ol  i         spondence,  or  a  selectman  of  sucb  town,  or 
the  town  adjoining  where  such  hostilities  shall  commence,  or  shall  b 
pected  to  commence,  shall  despatch  couriers  with  written   i  -   n>  the 

selectmen  or  committees  of  corn  spondence  of  tin-  sevi  ral  towns  in  tl 
cinity,  with  ;i  written  account  < ■  T  Biich  matti  rs,  who  shall  despatch 
committees  or  selectmen  more  remote,  till  proper  and 
be  obtained  :  and  that  the  expei  idcouri  yed  by  tJ 

i\.  until  it  - 1 1 : 1 1 1  be  otherwise  ordered  b)  the  pn 

/  I      t  Joseph  \\  arren,   Esq.  ai  tin  i  'hui  I 

ton,  Deacon  Joseph  Palmer  and  Col.  Ebenezer  Thayer,  of  B  I 

Lemuel  Robinson,   William  llolden,  I  I  John  I1  U 

chesl      '      iL  William   Heath,  of  lloxbury,  Col.  William  Taylor  and   U 
Samuel  Gardner,  of  Milton,   I  G    dner,   Esq-,  CapL  B  n  White 

and  ('apt.  Thon        \  |>inwall,  of  Urookline,  N  3 

.Mr.  Richard  Woodward,  >>\   Dedham,  be  a  committi  scel- 

lencj  the  governor,  t"  inform  bim  tliat  1 1 1 i -  count)  are  alarmed  at  the  t'"in 
fications  making  on  Boston  neck,  and  to  remonstrate  against  the  same,  and 
the  it  peated  insults  offered  bj  the  Boldier)  tn  persona  passing  and  n  | 
inu'  iiitn  that  town,  and  to  confer  with  bim  upon  those  Bubji 

\\  II. 1. 1  Wl  THOMPSON,  ' 

The  committee  appointed  at  the  convention,  according!)   prepared, 
on  Monday,  September  12th,  177  1.  presented  the  t'"IIi»\\iii- 

'/'..  his  Excellency  Than       G     ■.  /.' <■/..  Captain   G  '  r  in 

Chief  of  his  Majesty's  provinct  oj  Ma  '  •  II";/. 

May  it  pltasi  your  Excellency  *— The  count)  of  Suffolk,  I" 
in  then  opinion,  justly  alarmed,  at  the  formidable  appt  lility, 

now  threatening  lii-  majesty's  good  subjects  of  t  *  j  :  —  country,  and  m 


606  SUFFOLK  CONVENTION. 

ticubriy  of  the  town  of  Boston,  the  loyal  and  faithful  capital  of  this  province, 
beg  leave  to  address  your  excellency,  and  to  represent,  that  the  apprehen- 
sions of  the  people  are  more  especially  increased  by  the  dangerous  design 
now  carrying  into  execution,  of  repairing  and  mantling  the  fortification  at 
the  south  entrance  of  the  town  of  Boston,  which,  when  completed,  may,  at 
any  time,  be  improved  to  aggravate  the  miseries  of  that  already  impoverish- 
ed and  distressed  city,  by  intercepting  the  wonted  and  necessary  intercourse 
between  the  town  and  country,  and  compel  the  wretched  inhabitants  to  the 
most  ignominious  state  of  humiliation  anil  vassallage,  by  depriving  them  of 
the  necessary  supplies  of  provisions,  for  which  they  are  chiefly  dependant 
on  that  communication. 

We  have  been  informed,  that  your  excellency,  in  consequence  of  the  ap- 
plication of  the  selectmen  of  Boston,  has,  indeed,  disavowed  any  intention  to 
injure  the  town  in  your  present  manoeuvres,  and  expressed  your  purpose  to 
be  for  the  security  of  the  troops  and  his  majesty's  subjects  in  the  town.  We 
are  at  a  loss  to  guess,  may  it  please  your  excellency,  from  whence  your  want 
of  confidence  in  the  loyal  and  orderly  people  of  this  country  could  originate. 
A  measure  so  formidable,  carried  into  execution  from  a  preconceived  though 
causeless  jealousy  of  the  insecurity  of  his  majesty's  troops  and  subjects  in 
the  town,  deeply  wounds  the  loyalty,  and  is  an  additional  injury  to  the  faith- 
ful subjects  of  this  country,  and  affords  a  strong  motive  for  this  application. 
We  therefore  entreat  your  excellency,  to  desist  from  your  design,  assuring 
your  excellency,  that  the  people  of  tliis  county  are  by  no  means  disposed  to 
injure  his  majesty's  troops;  they  think  themselves  aggrieved  and  oppressed 
by  the  late  acts  of  parliament,  and  are  resolved,  by  divine  assistance,  never 
to  submit  to  them ;  but  have  no  inclination  to  commence  a  war  with  his 
majesty's  troops ;  and  beg  leave  to  observe  to  your  excellency,  that  the  fer- 
ment now  excited  in  the  minds  of  the  people,  is  occasioned  by  some  late 
transactions,  by  seizing  the  powder  in  the  arsenal  at  Charlestown,  by 
withholding  the  powder  lodged  in  the  magazine  of  the  town  of  Boston  from 
the  legal  proprietors,  insulting,  beating,  and  abusing  passengers  to  and  from 
the  town  by  the  soldiery,  in  which  they  have  been  encouraged  by  some  of 
their  officers,  putting  the  people  in  fear,  and  menacing  them  in  their  nightly 
patrols  into  the  neighboring  towns,  and  more  particularly,  by  fortifying  the 
sole  avenue  by  land  to  the  town  of  Boston.  In  duty,  therefore,  to  his  maj- 
esty, and  to  your  excellency,  and  for  the  restoration  of  order  and  security  in 
this  county,  we,  the  delegates  from  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  being 
commissioned  for  this  purpose,  beg  your  excellency's  attention  to  this  our 
humble  and  faithful  address,  assuring  you  .that  nothing  less  than  an  immedi- 
ate removal  of  the  ordnance,  and  restoring  the  entrance  into  that  town  to  its 
former  state,  and  an  effectual  stop  of  all  insults  and  abuses  in  future,  can 
place  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  in  that  state  of  peace  and  tranquillity, 
in  which  every  free  subject  ought  to  live. 

By  order  of  the  committee, 

JOSEPH  WARREN,  Chairman. 

Boston,  Sept.  10,  173  I. 


31  FFOLK  c  <  >\\  i;\  in  »\  ,.,,- 

To  which  address,  bis  excellency  was  pli  ow  <l  to  nuke  the  follow 
Bwer : 

<  .'i  nm  i   :  i  n  : — I  hoped  the  as  uranccc  I  gave  the  selcctmi  I 

ibe  subject  of  your  address  to  me,  had  b  factor)  I  I 

cannot  possiblj  intercept  the  intercourse  between  the  i>>\mi  and  th< 
it  i-  iu\  dutj  ;iii<l  interesl  i"  encourage  il  :  and  it  uch  inn 

with  mj  duty  and  interest  to  form  the  strange  scheme  you  are  pleased  i" 

_<  ~t,  of  reducing  the  inhabitants  t"  f  humiliation  and  \. 

by  stopping  their  supplies ;  noi   have  I  madi  ,  than 

wl  ;it  nature  has  made  it.     N  "ii  mention  t 1 1 « -  soldi)  i  I 

abusing  passengers  as  a  common  thing  ;  an  instai  <  • ,  pei  baps,  i 
of  the  bad  behavior  of  some  disorderly  soldiers;  but  I  mtu  d  t«>  the 

inhabitants  of  l»>tli  town  and  country,  for  their  d  behavior,  from 

their  first  arrival  to  this  time.    1  would  ask,  wh 

numbi  rs  eoing  armed  in  and  oui  of  the  town,  and  through  th<-  country,  in 
an  hostile  manner?  Or,  why  were  the  guns  removed,  privately,  in  the 
night,  from  the  batter;  at  Charlestown? 

The  refusing  submission  to  the  late  acts  of  parliament,  I  find 
throughout  the  province;  and  I  shall  lay  the  same  before  sty. 

THOM  kS  G  \> 

-    •.  12,  it;  i. 

The  committee  of  the  delegates  from  the  several 
Suffolk,  who  presented  the  address  to  the  governor,  on  n 
swer,  met  together,and  having  carefully  perused  tli<-  same,  were  of  opinion, 
thai  his  excellency's  answer  could  not  be  deemed  satisfactory  to  the  county. 
And  further thougbt,his excellency, in  bisreply.had  b  i  d  pli  asedto  pn 
several  questions,  which,  if  unanswered  bj  the  committee,  would  leav<    on 
the  miuds  of  persons  not  fullj  acquainted  with  the  state  offacts,  Borne 
disagreeable  impressions  concerning  the  conduct  and  behavior  of  the 
plain  this  county  and  province.     And  the  following  addi  -  unani- 

mously \  oted  tn  bis  excellency. 

May  it  plea*  your  Excellency  .-—The  auswi  r  you  have  been  pleased  to  fa 
vor  us  with,  to  the  address  this  daj  presented  to  you,  gives 
faros  it  relates  to  your  own  intentions;  and  we  thank  your  .•■ 

the  declaration  which  you  have  made, that  it  isy duty  and  interesl  t< 

courage  an  intercourse  between  town  and  country  ;  and  we  i  utreal  your  in- 
dulgence, while  we  modestlj  replj  to  the  questions  proposed  in  your  an 
Bwer.     ^ur  excellency  is  too  well  acquainted  with  the  human  b<  art  nol  to 
be  sensible,  thai  il  is  natural  for  the  people  to  be  soured  bj  op| 
jealous  for  their  personal  security,  when  their  exertions  for  the  pn 
of  meir  rights  ore  construed  into  treason  and  rebellion.    Our  lib 
invaded  bj  acts  of  die  British  parliament;  trooi»sar nl  to< 


608  SUFFOLK  CONVENTION. 

acts ;  they  are  now  erecting  fortifications  at  the  entrance  of  the  town  of 
Boston  ;  upon  the  completing  those,  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston 
will  be  in  the  power  of  a  soldiery,  who  must  implicitly  obey  the  orders  of  an 
administration,  who  have  hitherto  evinced  no  singular  regard  to  the  liberties 
of  America.  The  town  is  already  greatly  impoverished  and  distressed  by 
the  operation  of  the  barbarous  port-bill.  Your  excellency,  we  ore  persuad- 
ed, from  principles  of  humanity,  would  refuse  to  be  an  actor  in  the  tragical 
scene  that  must  ensue  upon  shutting  up  the  avenues  to  the  town,  and  re- 
ducing the  inhabitants  by  distress  and  famine,  to  a  disgraceful  and  slavish 
submission  ;  but  that  cruel  work  may  possibly  be  reserved  for  a  successor, 
disposed  and  instructed  thereto.  Daily  supplies  of  provisions  are  necessary 
for  the  subsistence  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  town.  The  country,  disgusted 
and  jealous  at  the  formidable  operations  now  carrying  on,  survey  with  hor- 
ror, a  plan  concerted,  whereby  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  may 
be  imprisoned  and  starved,  at  the  will  of  a  military  commander.  They 
kindly  invite  them  to  abandon  the  town,  and  earnestly  solicit  them  to  share 
the  homely  banquet  of  peace  in  the  country.  Should  their  refusal  involve 
them  in  miseries  hitherto  unheard  of,  and  hardly  conceived  of,  the  country 
must  stand  acquitted,  and  will  not  hold  their  liberties  so  loosely,  as  to  sacri- 
fice them  to  the  obstinacy  of  their  brethren  in  Boston. 

Your  excellency  has  been  pleased  to  order  the  powder  from  the  magazine 
in  Charlestown ;  to  forbid  the  delivery  of  the  powder  in  the  magazine  of 
Boston  to  the  legal  proprietors ;  to  seize  the  cannon  at  Cambridge  ;  and 
to  bring  a  formidable  number  from  Castle-William,  which  are  now  placed 
at  the  entrance  of  the  town  of  Boston  ;  and  has,  likewise,  in  addition  to  the 
troops  now  here,  been  pleased  to  send  for  reenforcements  to  Quebec,  and 
other  parts  of  the  continent.  These  things,  Sir,  together  with  the  disposi- 
tions of  the  ships  of  war,  we  humbly  think,  sufficiently  justify  the  proceed- 
ings for  which  your  excellency  seems  to  be  at  loss  to  account. 

Your  excellency  has  suggested,  that  nature  has  made  it  easy  to  cut  oft*  the 
communication  between  town  and  country.  Our  only  request  is,  that  the 
entrance  into  the  town  may  remain  as  nature  has  formed  it.  If  security  to 
his  majesty's  troops  is  the  only  design  in  the  late  manoeuvre,  we  beg  leave 
to  assure  your  excellency,  that  the  most  certain,  and  by  far  the  most  honor- 
able method  of  making  them  secure  and  safe,  will  be  to  give  the  people  of 
the  province,  the  strongest  proof  that  no  design  is  forming  against  their  lib- 
erties. And  we  again  solicit  your  excellency,  with  that  earnestness  which 
becomes  us  on  this  important  occasion,  to  desist  from  even  thing  which  has 
a  tendency  to  alarm  them,  and  particularly  from  fortifying  the  entrance  into 
the  town  of  Boston.  We  relj  on  your  excellency's  w  isdom  and  candor,  that 
in  your  proposed  representation  to  our  common  sovereign,  you  will  endeav- 
or to  redeem  us  from  the  distresses  which  we  apprehend   were  occasioned 

bj  the  gr< 91  misinformation,  ami  thai  you  w  ill  assure  his  majesty,  that  no 

w  isJb  of  independence,  no  adi  erse  sentiments  or  designs  tow  aids  his  majes- 
i\  or  his  troops  now  here,  actuate  his  good  subjects  in  this  colony  ;  but  thai 
their  sole  intention  is  to  pre  ervc  pure  and  inviolate  those  rights  to  which, 


MIDDLESEX   <  <  »\\  I.N  I  H  >\ 

as  men  and  English  Americans,  the]   are  justlj  entitled,  and 
I)'  "ii  guarantied  t"  them  b)  his  majesty's  royal  pn  d<  • 

\  copj  of  the  foregoing  was  <!•  liven  .1  i<>   Mr.  .-■  en  I        I 
chairman,  with  n  desire,  that  be  would,  as  -">.u  a~  wu  convenient,  pn 
ii  in  the  governor,  .in<l  requesi  ln~  excellency  t<>  appoiul  o  time  i < - 1  n 
il  in  form.    'I'll              >r\  informed  the  chairman  Uie  i  day,  that  be 

had  seen  the  governor,  and  bad  given  bim  the  copy  of  the  addn  .»-,  but,  tliat 
he  declined  receiving  il  iu  form,     i       ch  lirman  mentioned  t"  bim  Ibe  im- 
portance of  the  busini  bs,  declaring  bit  I-  lit  t  in 
an)  danger,  and  lhai  no  person  hnd,  bo  I 
an)  Mrj.>  which  indicati  .1  on)  hostile  intention,  until  thi 
ing  offthi  powdi  r  from  the             tie  in  the  county  .>i  .Mi. I. II.  - 
if  an)  ill  consequences  should  arise,  that  should                                     G 
Itritain,  the  most  candid  and  judicious,  1  *«  ■  t  f  *  in  Europ<  and  Arocrii 
consider  the  author  of  the  ferment  now  raised  in  the  minds  of  the  i><  ople, 
a>  a.  countable  for  whatever  i sequences  might  follow  from  it. 

He  tin  i  lesired  tl  e  more  to  make  application  to 

llency,  and  t"  state  the  affair  to  bim  in  that  serious  manner  \nIm.-Ii  the 
case  seemed  to  require.    The  secretar)  accordingl)  made  a  second  applica- 
tion to  the  governor,  but  received  for  answer,  thai  he  bad  given  all 
faction  in  his  power,  and  he  could  not  Bee  that  any  further  argtum 
don  upon  the  subject  would  !»•  to  an)  purpoe       I  pon  tins,  the  committee 
were  again  convened,  and  it  was  uuanimousl)    R  ''.  thai  the)  bail 

cuted  the  commission  intrusted  t"  them  b)  1 1 1 ■  -  county,  to  the  utmoei 
ability.     And  after  voting  that  the  repl)  t.>  his  excellency's  answer  should 
I..-  inserted  in  the  public  papers  as  Boon  as  possible,  the)  adjourned  wit 
day. 

Ever)  vote  passed  b)  the  delegates  of  the  c ity,  and  b)   the  comra 

appointed  to  wail  on  the  governor,  was  unanimi 


CO.N\  ENTION  OF  MIDDLESEX  COUNTY. 

At  b  meeting  of  th<  following  gentlemen,  being  committei  b  from  i 
town  and  district  in  the  count)  of  Middlesex,  and  province  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  held  at  Concord,  in  said  county,  on  the  30th  and  31st  days  of  \ 
gust,  1*7 1.  to  consult  upon  measures  proper  t<>  be  taken  ;it  the 
important  da] ,  \  i/. : 

Cap!  Thomas  Gardner,    Doct   Samuel    Blodget,  Capt   Samuel    Whit- 

tei ■e,  Mr.   Loammi  Baldwin,  Mr.  Abraham  Watson,  Copt   Ezekiol  II"". 

Mr.  Samuel  Thatcher,  Mr.  John   Maynard,  Capt  EUiphalel  Robbins,  Mr. 
Phinehaa  Gleason,  Capt.  Ephraim  Frosl     M      Samson  Bclchei    II     J 
Wellington,  Mr.  Thomas  Plympton,  Mr.  Nathaniel  S|  U     II 


010  MIDDLESEX  CONVENTION. 

Maynard,  Capt.  Isaac  Foster,  Doct.  Samuel  Curtis,  Mr.  Peter  Edes,  Mr.  Al- 
pheus  Wood,  Mr.  William  Wyer,  Mr.  Edward  Barnes,  David  Cheever,  Esq., 
Mr.  William  Boyd,  Mr.  Richard  Devens,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Bridge,  Jr.,  Mr.  John 
Frothinghain,  Mr.  Joshua  Abbot,  Mr.  John  Codman,  Capt.  Ralph  Hill,  Doct. 
Isaac  Foster,  Mr.  William  Thompson,  Mr.  Samuel  White,  Doct.  Timothy 
Danforth,  Mr.  Josiah  Capen,  Capt.  Josiah  Bowers,  Mr.  David  Beamis,  Mr. 
Solomon  Pollard,  Mr.  David  Sanger,  Capt.  Thaddeus  Bowman,  Mr.  Elijah 
Bond,  Mr.  Jonas  Stone,  Mr.  Ephraim  Wood,  Jr.,  Mr.  Joseph  Loring,  Mr. 
John  Flint,  Mr.  Benjamin  Brown,  Mr.  Nathan  Merriam,  Joseph  Haven,  Esq., 
Mr.  William  Clark,  Capt.  Josiah  Stone,  Mr.  Joshua  Hammond,  Mr.  William 
Brown,  Capt.  Jonas  Stone,  Mr.  David  Haven,  Mr.  Edward  Durant,  Mr.  Eb- 
enezer Marshall,  Capt.  Samuel  Wyman,  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  Austin,  Mr. 
Robert  Douglass,  Mr.  Simeon  Spaulding,  Mr.  Samuel  Stevens,  Jr.,  Mr.  Jona- 
than Stow,  Mr.  Benjamin  Walker,  Capt.  Daniel  Taylor,  Capt.  Francis  Har- 
ris, Mr.  James  Hussey,  Mr.  Asa  Holden,  Mr.  James  Locke,  Mr.  Obadiah 
Sawtell,  Henry  Gardner,  Esq.,  Mr.  Benjamin  Brown,  Mr.  John  Marble,  Mr. 
Jonathan  Flint,  Doct.  Charles  Whitman,  Mr.  Joseph  Parker,  Capt.  Phinehas 
Taylor,  Capt.  John  Dexter,  Mr.  Joseph  Bryant,  Capt.  Ebenezer  Harnden, 
Mr.  James  Hay,  Mr,  Thomas  Hill,  Mr.  Edward  Buckman,  Mr.  Samuel 
Sprague,  James  Prcscott,  Esq.,  Mr.  James  Kettell,  Oliver  Prescott,  Esq.,  Mr. 
Benjamin  Pierce,  Capt.  Josiah  Sawtell,  Mr.  Thomas  Rand,  Capt.  Benjamin 
Jaquith,  Mr.  Josiah  Smith,  Mr.  Timothy  Walker,  Mr.  Joshua  Symonds,  Mr. 
Edward  Kendall,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Brooks,  Jr.,  Mr.  William  Borden,  Capt.  Josiah 
Ilartwell,  Mr.  Thomas  Upham,  Mr.  Oliver  Hoar,  Mr.  Abel  Perry,  Mr.  Daniel 
Rogers,  Jr.,  Mr.  Hezekiah  Broad,  Mr.  Samuel  Park,  Mr.  Peter  Colburn,  Capt. 
Thomas  Mellen,  Mr.  Ephraim  Colburn,  Capt.  Roger  Dench,  Mr.  Stephen 
Davis,  3Ir.  Jacob  Gibbs,  John  Read,  Esq.,  Capt.  Jonathan  Minot,  Mr.  Joseph 
Hartwell,  Mr.  John  Abbot,  Mr.  John  Moore,  Doct.  Asaph  Fletcher,  Capt. 
John  Webber,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Boynton,  Mr.  Daniel  Mellen,  Mr.  Zacheus 
Wright,  Mr.  Aaron  Phipps,  Capt.  Richard  Sanger,  Mr.  Joshua  Hemenway, 
Mr.  Benjamin  Fassett,  Mr.  Francis  Falkner,  Mr.  Samuel  Bullard,  Mr.  John 
Heywood,  Capt.  William  Coolidge,  Mr.  Ephraim  Hapgood,  Mr.  Jonathan 
Hammond,  Capt.  William  Prescott,  Mr.  Samuel  Harrington,  Mr.  Henry 
Woods,  Mr.  Jacob  Bigelow,  Mr.  William  Green,  Capt.  Abijah  Brown,  Mr. 
Nehemiah  Hobart,  Mr.  Charles  Withered,  Mr.  Joseph  Danforth,  Capt.  Ed- 
mund Bancroft,  Mr.  Lemuel  Perham,  Mr.  Josiah  Fisk,  Mr.  Jonathan  Brown, 
Mr.  Samuel  Farrar,  Mr,  Aaron  Beard,  Capt.  Abijah  Pierce,  Mr.  David  Bay- 
ley,  Capt.  Eleazer  Brooks,  Mr.  Ebenezer  Stone,  Capt.  Joseph  Butterheld, 
Mr.  Jonathan  Locke. 

Tin-  Honorable  Janus  Prescott,  Esq.,  was  chosen  chairman. 

Alter  having  read  the  late  act  of  the  British  parliament,  entitled  an  act 
for  the  heller  regulating  the  g<>\ eminent  of  the  province  of  Massachusetts 
Baj  in  Pfev  England,  and  debated  thereon : 

Votedj  That  a  committee  be  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  said 
act,  and  report  to  this  meeting. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Jonathan  Williams  Austin  of  Chelmsford,  Capt.  Thomas 


MIDDLESEX   CON1  ENTION  01 1 

Gardner  of  Cambridge,   Doct  I  Foster  ofCli 

Stone  of  Framingham,   Mr.  Richard   Bevei     oft  i1        Oliver 

Presoott  of  Groton,  II         • .  I    q.  of  S!  Willim      M     »n  of 

Framingham,  and  Mr.  Ehcni         U  I  .  of  Hillerica,  be  the  commit 

w  Imi  n  ported  as  follow 

li  is  evidenl  to  ever]  attentive  mind,  thai  this  province  is  in  b  \- 
gerous  and  alarming  situation.     We  are  obliged  to  say,  however  painful  it 
may  be  to  us,  that  the  question  now  i-,  whether,  b)  a  kuIjh 
late  acts  of  the  parliament  of  G  ented  t"  be  the 

abject  slaves,  and  entail  thai  ■   on  poateri 

manly,  joint,  and  virtuous  opposition,   assert  and   support  !>>m. 

There  is  a  mode  "t"  conduct,  which  in  our  verj  critical  cir  .  we 

would  wish  i"  .i(l"|it:  a  conduct,  on  tin-  ..in  band,  i 
t<>  tyrannj  and  oppression,  on  ti"-  other,  never  degenerating  ini 
sion,  ami  confusion.      Tin-  i~  a  spirit  which  we  rev<  re,  a-  we  find  ii  exhib- 
ited hi  former  ages,  ami  will  command  applause  to  the  latest  posterity. 

The  lair  acts  of  parliament  pervade  the  whole  system  of  jurisprudi 
l>\  which  means,  we  think,  the  fountains  of  justice  are  fatall]   corrupted. 
Our  defence  must,  therefore,  be  immediate  in  proportion  t"  tin  suddenness 
of  tin-  attack,  ami  rigorous  in  proportion  t«>  the  dai 

We  must  now  exert  ourselves,  or  all  those  efforts,  which,  for  ten  yi 
past,  have  brightened  the  annals  of  this  country,  will  !><•  totally  fi 
Life  and  death,  or,  what  is  more,  freedom  and  slavei  suliar 

Bense,  now  before  us,  and  the  choice  and  Buecess,  und<  r  God,  d< 
l\  npon  oureelvi  s.     \\  •  are  therefore  bound,  as  struggling  m>i  onl]  for  our- 
selves, lint  future  generations,  t"  express  our  sentiments  in  the  followiii 
solves;  sentiments  which,  we  think,  are  founded  in  truth  and  justice, 
then  fore  sentinu  nts  we  are  d<  termined  t<>  abide  by. 

/.'  Phat  as  true  and  loyal  subjects  of  our  graciou  G 

the  third,  king  of  Great  Britain,  web]  m>  means  intend  to  withdraw  oar 
allegiance  from  him ;  but,  while  permitted  the  free  exercise  of  our  natural 
and  charter  rights,  are  resolved  to  expend  life  and  treasure  in  Ins  .»■  rvia  . 

/.'■  nived,  Thai  when  our  ancestors  t  migrated  from  Gn  at  Britain,  chat 
and  Milium  stipulations  expressed  the  conditions,  and  what  particular  rights 
thej  yielded;  what  each  part]  had  to  do  and  perform;  and  which  each  of 
the  contracting  partit  >  were  squall]  bound  by. 

/■'■    •  I  li.it  we  know  of  no  instance,  in  \\lii'-li  this  province  has  n 

■  I  the  rules  on  their  part,  or  an]  ways  fbrfi  ited  their  natural  and  char 
in-  rights  to  an]  [tower  on  earth. 

I'm/,  That  the  parliament  of  Great   Britain  have  exercised  a  power 
contrary  to  the  abovementioned  charter,  bj   passing  acts,  which  hold  up 
tin  ii  absolute  supremac]  over  the  colonists;  b]  another  set  blocking  up  '!"• 
|n>rt  of  Boston  ;  and  b]  two  late  acts,  the  one  entitled,  an  act  fbt  b 
idating  the  government  of  the  province  of  M  usetts  Bsy,  the  other  en* 

titled,  an  act  for  the  more  impartial  administration  of  jiurtii 


612  MIDDLESEX  CONVENTION. 

incc ;  and  by  enforcing  all  these  iniquitous  acts  with  a  large  armed  force,  to 
dragoon  and  enslave  us. 

Resolved,  That  the  late  act  of  parliament,  entitled  an  act  for  the  better 
regulating  the  government  of  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in 
New  England,  expressly  acknowledges  the  authority  of  the  charter,  granted 
by  their  majesties  king  William  and  queen  Mary,  to  said  province  ;  and  that 
the  only  reasons  suggested  in  the  preamble  to  said  act,  which  is  intended  to 
deprive  us  of  the  privileges  confirmed  to  us  by  said  charter,  are,  the  inex- 
pediency of  continuing  those  privileges,  and  the  charge  of  their  having 
been  forfeited,  to  which  charge  the  province  has  had  no  opportunity  of 
answering. 

Resolved,  That  a  debtor  may  as  justly  refuse  to  pay  his  debts,  because  it 
is  inexpedient  for  him,  as  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain  deprive  us  of 
our  charter  privileges,  because  it  is  inexpedient  to  a  corrupt  administra- 
tion for  us  to  enjoy  them. 

Resolved,  That  in  all  free  states  there  must  be  an  equilibrium  in  the 
legislative  body,  without  which  constitutional  check,  they  cannot  be  said 
to  be  a  free  people. 

Resolved,  That  the  late  act,  which  ordains  a  council  to  be  appointed  by 
his  majesty,  his  heirs  and  successors,  from  time  to  time,  by  warrant  un- 
der his  or  their  signet  or  sign  manual,  and  which  ordains  that  said  council- 
lors shall  hold  then  offices  respectively  for  and  during  the  pleasure  of  his 
majesty,  his  heirs  and  successors,  effectually  alters  the  constitutional  equili- 
brium, renders  the  councillors  absolute  tools  and  creatures,  and  entirely  de- 
stroys the  importance  of  the  representative  body. 

Resolved,  That  no  state  can  long  exist  free  and  happy,  where  the  course 
of  justice  is  obstructed,  and  that,  when  trials  by  juries,  which  are  the  grand 
bulwarks  of  life  and  property,  are  destroyed  or  weakened,  a  people  falls  im- 
mediately under  arbitrary  power. 

Resolved,  That  the  late  act,  which  gives  the  governor  of  this  province  a 
power  of  appointing  judges  of  the  superior  and  inferior  courts,  commis- 
sioners of  oyer  and  terminer,  the  attorney  general,  provosts,  marshals,  and 
justices  of  the  peace,  and  to  remove  all  of  them,  the  judges  of  the  superior 
court  excepted,  \\  ii limit  consent  of  council,  entirely  subverts  a  free  adminis- 
tration of  justice  ;  as  the  fatal  experience  of  mankind,  in  all  ages,  has  testi- 
fied; that  there  is  no  greater  species  of  corruption,  than  when  judicial  and 
executive  officers  depend,  for  their  existence  and  support,  on  a  power  inde- 
pendent of  the  people. 

Resolved,  That  by  ordaining  jurors  to  be  summoned  by  the  sheriff  only, 
which  -In  rill'  is  to  be  appointed  hy  the  governor,  without  consent  of  coun- 
cil, that  security  which  results  from  .1  trial  hy  our  peers  is  rendered  alto- 
gether preearions,  and  there  is  not  onh  an  evident  infraction  upon  our 
charter,  but  a  subversion  of  our  common  rights  as  Englishmen. 

Resolved,  That  every  people  have  an  absolute  right  of  meeting  together  to 
cOnsiul  upon  common  grievances,  and  to  petition,  remonstrate,  and  \\^: 
every  legal  method  for  their  removal. 


MIDDLESEX   COW  BIS  I  h  >\  ,.i  | 

//.  >,, 'i-.,/,  That  the  act  which  prohibits  these  constitutional  m< 
away  the   scaffolding  of  English  freedom,  and  ■• 
state  of  vassallage  and  slav<  i\. 

/.'  wived,  That  it  i»  < . 1 1 r  opinion,  these  la-.  ifquieUy  submitted 

\\ill  annihilate  tin  last  ir<  of  libertj  in  this  province,  and  then 

musi  be  justified  by  God  and  the  world,  in  never  submitting  t<>  them. 

/.'■  wived,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  tin-  body,  that  the  present  a<  I 
the  government  of  the  pi-minn*  »i  M.i~-jic-lui-<t  j.-.  Uay,  is  an  artful,  deep 
plan  of  oppression  and  despotism,  that  requires  great  skill  and  wisdom 
teract    This  wisdom  we  nave  endeavored  t    collect  from  the  tend- 

ments  of  the  county.     \ml  although  wi  eved  that  w<  •  !  t.« 

mention  any  thing  thai  may  be  attended  with  such  verj  imp* 
quences,  as  may  now  ensue,  yet  a  m  use  of  01  r  dut]  as  m<  i 
christian  freemen,  united  in  the  firnu  si  bonds,  ob  /. 

every  civil  officer  now  in  commission  iu  this  province,  and  acting  in  • 
fermity  t«i  the  late  act  of  tent,  is  1101  an  officer  agreeably  t<.  "ur  char- 

ter, therefore  unconstitutiouul,  and  ought  to  be  opposed,  in  the  manner 
hereafter  recommended. 

/,  .  liiat  we  will  ol »« -  \  all   those  civil  officers,  now  in  commist 

whose  commissions  were  issui  >l  before  the  first  day  i>t'  July,  177 1  and  sup- 
port them  in  the  execution  of  their  offices  according  t"  the  manm 
before  the  late  attempt  t<>  alter  the  constitution  of  tlii-  proi  incc  ;  i 
although  the  governor  should  attempt  to  revoke  their  comniia*  D   -. 

that,  if  any  of  said  officers  shall  acc<  pt  a  commission  under  the  |  plan 

of  arbitrary  government,  or  in  any  way  or  manner  whatevei 
ernor  "i  administration  in  the  assault  now  making  <>n  ">nr  i 
ties,  we  will  consider  them  as  having  forfeit!  il  their  commissions,  and  yield 
them  no  obedience. 

-'.'  wived,  That  whereas  the  Hon.  Samuel  Danforth  and  Joseph  I        I 
two  of  the  judges  of  the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas  fbi   the  county, 
have  accepted  commissions  und<  r  die  new  act,  by  being  sworn  memtx  i 
In-  1 1 j . 1 1 .  -i\'~  council,  appointed  by  said  act,  we  then  fore  look  upon  them  as 
utterly   incapable  of  holding  anj   office  whatever.     And  whereas,  venires 
mi  the  late  act  <>f  parliament,  have  issued  from  the  court  of  session 
by  the  clerk,  we  think  they  come  under  a  preceding  resolve,  of  actii 
conformity  to  the  new  act  of  parliament.     We  therefor   i:  tl        sun- 

mission  i"  courts  thus  acting,  and  under  these  disqualifications,  is  o  sul  i 
Mem  to  the  act  itself,  and  of  consequence,  as  we  are  n  solved  nevi  r  t"  sub- 
mit in  one  iota  to  the  act,  we  will  not  Bubmit  t"  courts  thus  constituted, 
ami  thus  acting  in  conformity  to  Bold  act 

//   .,'1.,/.  Thai  as,  in  consequence  of  the  former  resolve,  all  buainesi  at 
the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas  and  court  of  general  sessions  of  the 
peace,  aext  to  be  bolden  at  <  loncord,  must  cease  ;  to  pr<  eent  the  many  In- 
conveniences thai  ma)  arise  therefrom,  we  Resolve,  thai  all  actio* 
suits,  &  •-..  broughl  to  said  court,  i>m.'lii  i"  n  main  in  il"-  same  conditio 
at  present,  unless  settled  bj  consenl  of  partu  -.  till  we  know  the  result 


614  MIDDLESEX  CONVENTION. 

provincial  and  continental  congress.  And  we  Resolve,  that  no  plaintiff,  in 
any  cause,  action,  or  writ,  aforesaid,  ought  to  enter  said  action  in  said  court, 
thus  declared  to  be  unconstitutional.  And  we  Resolve,  if  the  court  shall  sit, 
in  defiance  to  the  voice  of  the  county,  and  default  actions  and  issue  execu- 
tions accordingly,  no  officer  ought  to  serve  such  process.  And  we  are  also 
determined  to  support  all  constables,  jurors,  and  other  officers,  who,  from 
these  constitutional  principles,  shall  refuse  obedience  to  courts  which  we 
have  resolved  arc  founded  on  the  destruction  of  our  charter. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  body  of  delegates,  that  a  Provincial 
Congress  is  absolutely  necessary  in  our  present  unhappy  situation. 

These  are  sentiments  which  we  are  obliged  to  express,  as  these  acts  are 
intended  immediately  to  take  place.  We  must,  now,  either  oppose  them, 
or  tamely  give  up  all  we  have  been  struggling  for.  It  is  this  that  has  forced 
us  so  soon  on  these  very  important  resolves.  However,  we  do  it  with  hum- 
ble deference  to  the  provincial  and  continental  congress,  by  whose  resolu- 
tions we  are  determined  to  abide ;  to  whom  and  the  world  we  cheerfully 
appeal  for  the  uprightness  of  our  conduct. 

On  the  whole,  these  are  "great  and  profound  questions."  We  are  grieved 
to  find  ourselves  reduced  to  the  necessity  of  entering  into  the  discussion  of 
them.  But  we  deprecate  a  state  of  slavery.  Our  fathers  left  a  fair  inheri- 
tance to  us,  purchased  by  a  waste  of  blood  and  treasure.  This  we  are  re- 
solved to  transmit  equally  fair  to  our  children  after  us.  No  danger  shall  af- 
fright, no  difficulties  intimidate  us  ;  and  if,  in  support  of  our  rights,  we  are 
called  to  encounter  even  death,  we  are  yet  undaunted,  sensible  that  he  can 
never  die  too  soon,  who  lays  down  his  life  in  support  of  the  laws  and  liber- 
ties of  his  country. 

Which  report  being  maturely  deliberated, 

Voted,  That  the  sense  of  the  whole  body,  respecting  the  same,  be  collect- 
ed by  yeas  and  nays ;  which  being  done,  there  were  one  hundred  and  forty- 
six  yeas,  and  four  nays. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in  this 
county,  that  eacli  appoint  one  or  more  delegates  to  attend  a  provincial  meet- 
ing, to  be  holden  at  Concord,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October  next. 

Voted,  That  a  fair  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  this  meeting,  be  made  out, 
and  tin  warded  to  the  grand  Continental  Congress,  and  also  to  the  town 
clerk  of  each  town  in  this  county. 

Voted,  That  tin;  thanks  of  this  meeting  he  given  to  the  Hon.  James  Pres- 
cott,  Esq,  for  his  faithful  services  as  chairman. 

Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  dissolved,  and  it  was  accordingly  dissolved. 

I:I51:m:/EK  BRIDGE,  Clerk. 


ESSEX   CON\  ENTK  »\  (II 


<  "\\  i.\  nONOl    ESSEX  COUNTY. 

At  a  meeting  of  delegates  from  everj  t.>\\n  in  the  count)  of  I  --•  \,  ii 
province  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  held  at  Ipswich,  in  the  said  county,  on 
tiili  and  7ih  days  ofSeptemh  r,  17  7  I,  viz.:  Ibr 

H  m.  Richard  Derby,  J un    I       .  Mr.  John  Pickering,  Jun^  Capt 
Jonathan  Gardner,  Jnu.,  •  'apt  Richard  Manning,  Capt  Tim<  thj  Picki 

Jllll. 

Danvera     Doct  Samuel  Holti  d,  Capt  William  Shillab 

/  Capt  Michael  Farley,  Mr.  John  Patch,  3d    M  .  D     •     n 

Mr.  Jonathan  Cogswell,  Jun.,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Fai  ley. 

.\'« wbwry—  II.. ii.  Joseph  Gerrish,   I  I      I  Jose]      Hale,  i      l  M 

Little,  Samuel  <  Jerrish,  I  isq. 

Netcbwyport    Capt  Jonathan  Oreenli        I     itam  Dalton,  Esq.,  M 
ph.  n  (  i  — .  Mi .  John  Bromfield. 

MarbUhead    Jeremiah   Lee,  Esq.,    izoi   Orne,  Esq.,  Mr.  Elbridgi  Gerry, 
Mr.  Joshua  <  >rne,  Mr,  N\  illiana  DolUber. 

Lynn     Capl  John  Mansfield,  Mr.  Daniel  Mansfield. 

.  bidover — .la mo  Frye,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joshua  Holt,  Mr.  Samuel  Osg I. 

Beverly — Capt   Benjamin    Lovet   Mr.   Samuel   <• Lridge,    Mr.   Joseph 

W I. 

Rowley-  Mr.  Nathaniel  Mighill,  Daniel  Spafibrd,  Esq. 

Salisbury — Nathaniel  Currier,  Esq.,  Mr.  Samui  I  Sn  it]  .  Mr.  II-     j    I   iton, 

Haverhill — Samuel   White,  Esq.,  Mr.  Jonathan   \\  Mr.  I  H 

dington,  Mr.  Jo»  ph  Haj 

(.         ,',r — Daniel  Witham,  Esq.,  Capt.  Peter  (         ,  Mr.  E  Wl 

more,  .!•  >l ■  1 1  Low,  Esq  ,  Mr.  Solomon  Parsons, 

Tops  'eld    '  'apt  Samuel  Smith,  Mr.  John  Gould,  Mr.  I  In-  ■-  Ki 

JUmsbury — Mr.  Winthrop  Merrill,  Mr.  Caleb  Pilsbury. 

/;  adford — Capt  Daniel  Thurston,  Mr.  P<        R     sell. 

Wenham — Mr.  Benjamin  Fairfield,  C  p    -1  cob  Dodge,  Doct  Tylei  P 

Manclu  John   Lee,]  sq,  Capt.  Andrew    M  Mr.  kndrew   W I 

bury. 

Milium — Mr.  John  Bodwell,  Mr.  John  -      i  int 

I:      trd—i  !apt  Asa  Perley,  Mr.  Thomas  Perley,  Mr  Joseph  Hovey. 

Middlelon — Capt     \r.li.-laiis    Fuller,    Mr.    Ephraim   Fuller,    D 
Meriam. 

/  "/"/.  That  Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  I><-  chairman. 

Several  papers  relative  to  the  situation  of  our  public  affairs,  and  the  alter 

ation  of •  constitution  and  laws,  intended  b)   the  late  acl  of  Parliament 

Ibr  regulating  tlie  government  of  this  province,     a  '1  act,  b< 

read;  after  consultation  and  debate  had  thereon,  a  committee  of  nine  ]>•  r 
sons  were  appointed  to  consider  and  report  on  the  Baine     The  committee 
reported  a  number  of  resolves,  which  they  thought  necessar)  to  b 


616  ESSEX  CONVENTION. 

into  by  the  county  at  this  time ;  which  resolves,  after  being  read  several 
times,  debated  on,  and  amended,  were  unanimously  accepted,  the  delegates 
one  by  one,  declaring  their  assent. 
The  report  is  as  follows  : 

The  delegates  appointed  by  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  to  meet  to- 
gether at  this  alarming  crisis,  to  consider  and  determine  on  such  measures 
as  shall  appear  to  be  expedient  for  the  county  to  adopt ;  deeply  impressed 
with  a  sense  of  the  importance  of  this  delegation,  of  the  abilities  and  quali- 
fications necessary  for  conducting  our  public  afi'airs  with  wisdom  and  pru- 
dence, but  with  the  firmness  and  resolution  becoming  freemen,  with  the  re- 
spect and  deference  due  to  the  sentiments  of  our  brethren  in  the  other  coun- 
ties of  the  province,  with  submission  to  the  future  determinations  of  a  pro- 
vincial assembly,  and  the  decisions  of  the  grand  American  Congress,  do,  in 
the  name  of  the  county,  make  the  following  resolves,  viz. : 

1.  That  the  several  acts  of  parliament  which  infringe  the  just  rights  of  the 
colonies,  and  of  this  province  in  particular,  being  subjects  of  deliberation  be- 
fore the  Continental  Congress,  renders  it  expedient  for  this  county  to  suspend 
their  determinations  respecting  them  ;  except  so  far  as  their  immediate  ope- 
ration requires  immediate  opposition.  That  the  act  of  parliament,  entitled 
an  act  for  the  better  regulating  the  government  of  the  province  of  the 
Massachusetts  13ay,  in  New  England,  being  a  most  dangerous  infraction  of 
our  constitutional  and  charter  rights,  and  tending  to  a  total  subversion  of  the 
government  of  the  province,  and  destruction  of  our  liberties ;  and  having 
been,  with  uncommon  zeal,  with  arbitrary  exertions,  and  military  violence, 
attempted  to  be  carried  into  execution  ;  and  this  zeal,  these  exertions,  and 
this  violence  still  continuing :  from  the  sacred  regard,  and  the  inviolable 
attachment  we  owe  to  those  rights  which  are  essential  to  and  distinguish  us 
as  Englishmen  and  freemen ;  and  from  a  tender  concern  for  the  peace  of 
this  county,  we  are  bound  to  pursue  all  reasonable  measures,  by  which  any 
attempts  to  enforce  immediate  obedience  to  that  act  may  be  defeated. 

2.  That  the  judges,  justices,  and  other  civil  officers  in  this  county,  appoint- 
ed agreeably  to  the  charter  and  tlie  laws  of  the  province,  are  the  only  civil 
officers  in  the  county  whom  we  may  lawfully  obey  ;  that  no  authority  what- 
ever, can  remove  these  officers,  except  that  which  is  constituted  pursuant  to 
the  charter  ami  those  laws  ;  that  it  is  the  duty  of  these  officers  to  contin- 
ue in  the  execution  of  their  respective  trusts,  as  if  the  aforementioned  act  of 
parliament  had  never  been  made;  and,  that  while  they  thus  continue,  un- 
tainted by  any  official  conduct  in  conformity  to  that  act,  we  will  vigorously 
support  them  therein,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  indemnify  them  in  their 
persons  and  property,  and  to  their  lawful  doings  yield  a  ready  obedience. 

'.).  That  all  civil  officers  in  the  province,  as  well  as  private  persons,  who 
shall  dare  to  conduct  in  conformity  to  the  aforementioned  act,  for  violating 
the  charter  and  constitution  of  the  province,  are,  and  will  be  considered  by 
this  county,  as  its  unnatural  and  malignant  enemies;  and  in  the  opinion  of  this 
body,  Buch  men,  while  the)  persist  in  biich  conduct,  and  so  contribute  to  in- 


SEX  CONVENTION  ,.\; 

volve  tli>-  colonies  in  all  the  hoi 

th.-ir  lands  ought  1 1« > f   to  l»-  tilled  In  il  \ 

families  supplied  \\itli  clothi  i  d. 

I.    I  be  fourth  resolve,  w  bicli  n  IP         I  I  |  i.\ 

tin-  direction  of  the  delegates  "i  Sal<  tn,  Morblebi  a. I.  am    1 1 
posing  In-  liank  and  ted  in  tl 

lull  satisfaction  to  tin-  county, and  n  ud<  i  a  publicati 

fluous  ami  improper. 

•  niunilt.  e  \-    r   i-i  .1  I.,  nail  .mi  the  I  w  H 

I --' i ,  of  Salem,  and  acquaint  him,  tliat  with  grief  ti 
exertions  foi  carrying  into  -  \.  ci  tion  ■< 
slave  and  ruin  hi  land  ;   that  wl 

ct  for  several  years  paid  him,  it  linnlv 
future  c<  i  n<  ction  \\  nil  all  Buch  as  -hall  pi  i 

tenancing  the  late  arbitrary  edicts  of  parliament ;  thai  the  d«  • 
name  of  the  county,  request  him  t"  •  them  from  the  painful  i 

of  considering  and  treating  him  as  an  eneroj  to  In-  country,  and  tl 
that  In-  would  n  Bign  his  office  a-  councillor  mi  the  Ian-  establishn 
decline  a-  a  judge,  and  in  ever)   other  capacity,  to  execute  thi 
parliament,  and  all  others  deemed  b)  the  province  uncoustitutii  I  .>|>- 

pressive. 

6.  That  in  iln-  opinion  of  this  body,  all  town  n  inty, 
ought  to  be  called  agreeably  i"  tin-  law-  of  the  province  ami  .nut 
usage  of  the  count) . 

7.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  tin-  bod)  of  d<  provincial  ■  ■ 
gress  is  absolute!)  nee — u\  in  our  present  unhapp)  situation;  and,  thai 
w  rit-  an-  now  issued  for  the  eli 

sembl] .  '  t  Sail  m,  on  tl,.-  fifth  da)  of  O 

I  will  properl)   form  Buch  provinci  \ml  it  i> 

further  our  opinion,  that  these  representative  -  Bhould  b 

ral  towns,  to  resolve  themselves  into  a  pro*  incial  congn  ordingl)  ; 

if  when  assembled,  the)  -hall  deem  it  necessary  or  expedient  j  in  order  to 
consult  and  determine  on  such  inoasun  -  a.-  the)  judge  will  tend  i"  promote 
the  true  interest  ofhia  majesty,  and  the  peace,  welfare,  an. I  it)  of  the 

pun  ince. 

-.   Deeply  aftected  with  a  sense  of  the  miseries  and  calamities   now    im 
pending  over  tin-  colonies, and  this  province  in  particular,  v  ompelled 

to  form  these  resolutions ;  which,  as  we  apprehend,  b   ng   founded 
tici   and  necessity,  on  tin   priuciples  of  oui  natural,!  I,  and   unal 

i       rights,  we  are  determined  to  ubide  by.     At  the  same  lime,  we  frankly, 
ami  w  n  i:  Mil.,  i  n\  declare,  thai  we  -nil  hold  oursclvi  -  subji  i  i-  ofhia  n 
t)  king  G  the  third;  as   such,  will  bear  him  true  all- 

read)  with  our  lives  ami  fortunes,  to  Buppi  rl  ami  .1.  tend  In-  p  own, 

an. I  dignity,  ami  In-  constitutional  autborit)  over  us.     But,  b)  the  In 
Blavery,  b)  the  dignit)   ami   happiness  attending  virtui 

.-.in -i i am.  .1  i"  declare, that  we  bold  our  liberties  i I.  .n  la  i»    ported  with, 

78 


618  HAMPSHIRE  CONVENTION. 

and  are  therefore,  most  seriously  determined  to  defend  them.  This,  in  the 
present  dispute,  we  conceive  may  be  effected  by  peaceable  measures.  But, 
though  above  all  things,  slavery  excej.ted,  we  deprecate  the  evils  of  a  civil 
war  ;  though  we  are  deeply  anxious  to  restore  and  preserve  harmony  with 
our  brethren  in  Great  Britain  ;  yet,  if  the  despotism  and  violence  of  our  ene- 
mies should  finally  reduce  us  to  the  sad  necessity,  we,  undaunted,  are  ready 
to  appeal  to  the  last  resort  of  states;  and  will,  in  support  of  our  rights,  en- 
counter even  death,  "  sensible  that  he  can  never  die  too  soon,  who  lays 
down  his  life  in  support  of  the  laws  and  liberties  of  his  country." 

Voted,  That  Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  Doct.  Samuel  Molten,  and  Mr.  Elbridge 
Gerry,  be  a  committee  to  wait  on  the  Hon.  William  Browne,  Esq.,  agreeably 
to  the  fifth  resolve. 

Voted,  That  a  committee  be  chosen  to  notify  the  members  of  this  body  to 
assemble  again  when  they  shall  think  it  necessary ;  and  that  the  members 
from  Salem  and  Marblehead,  be  this  committee ;  and  that  they,  or  the  major 
part  of  them,  be  and  they  are  hereby  empowered  to  issue  notifications  ac- 
cordinsrlv. 

JOHN  PICKERING,  Jun.,  Clerk. 

Salem,  Friday,  September  9,  1774. 

Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  Doct.  Samuel  Holten,and  Mr.  Elbridge  Gerry,  waited 
on  the  honorable  William  Browne,  Esq.,  at  Boston,  with  the  filth  resolve  of 
the  delegates  of  this  county,  and  received  the  following  answer,  viz. : 

Gentlemen  : — I  cannot  consent  to  defeat  his  majesty's  intentions,  and  dis- 
appoint his  expectations,  by  abandoning  a  post  to  which  he  has  been  gra- 
ciously pleased  to  appoint  me ;  an  appointment  made  without  my  solicita- 
tion or  privity,  and  accepted  by  me  from  a  sense  of  duty  to  the  king,  and  the 
hopes  of  serving  my  country.  I  wish  therefore,  to  give  him  no  cause  to  sus- 
pect my  fidelity,  and  I  assure  you,  I  will  do  nothing  without  a  true  regard 
to  its  interest.  "As  a  judge,  and  in  every  other  capacity,"  I  intend  to  act 
with  honor  and  integrity,  and  to  exert  my  best  abilities  ;  and  be  assured,  that 
neither  persuasions  can  allure  me,  nor  shall  menaces  compel  me  to  do  any 
thing  derogatory  to  the  character  of  a  councillor  of  his  majesty's  province  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bav. 

WILLIAM  BROWNE. 
Boston,  September  9th,  1774. 

To  Jeremiah  Lee,  Esq.,  Doct.  Samud  Holten,  and  Mr.  Elbridge  Gerry. 


CONVENTION  OF  HAMPSHIRE  COUNTY. 

At  a  Congress  of  committees  from  every  town  and  district  within   the 
county  of  Hampshire,  and  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  excepting 


II  IMPSHIRE  «  i  »\\  ENTION  ,.!■. 

«  harlemont  and  Bouthwick,  h.  Id  ai  the  court  bouse,  in  Northampton,  irkh. 
in  the  said  couuty,  on  the  22d  and  SSd  days  of  &  ptetnber,  \Ti  I 
"I  on  measures  proper  to  i  ■  at  this  time  ol  ■,  ti„. 

province,  occasioned  fe)  tlr»-  Int.-  attacks  of  the   British  parliament  on  the 
constitution  >>t'  the  said  province,  wbereb)  i!.<-_\  have  endeavored  t.»  - 
destroj  its  most  fundami  ntnl  rights,  and  reduce  the  inhabitants  thereof'  to  a 
state  ofvassallage  and  -\-.i\>  rj  : 

Mr.  Bbenezer  Hunt.  Jim.,  of  Northampton,  « 
-.  and  Mr.  Timothj  Danielson,  ■■(  llr unfi.M.  chaim 

Alter  divers  observations  msde  upon  the  late  acts  "ft!,.-  British  parlia- 
ment, for  taxing  the  American  colonies,  and  for  subverting  l  titution 
of  this  province,  a  committee  of  nine  pi  rsons,  members  ofth< 
ivere  appointed  to  considei  and  report  thereon;  which  committer 

The  committees  appointed  b)  the  several  towns  in  tl  ty,  to  n 

together  at  this  alarming  crisis,  to  consider  and  determine  on  measu*  - 
pedient  for  the  count]  to  adopt,  with  the  respect  and  deference  du<    to  the 
future  determinations  of  a  provincial  congress,  and  the  decisions  of  tl.- 
American  Congress,  as  the)  are  not  : 1. 1  >  1  < -  to  make  an)   resolvt  - 
the  rights  and  liberties   of  the   people  of  tin-  province,  moi  ible  u> 

their  own  sentiments  than  such  as  have  been  made  b)  their  brethren  in  the 
other  counties,  il".  ou  mature  delitx  ration,  make  the  following,  for  the  in<>-t 
part  similar  to  theirs,  \  a. : 

I.  Thai  ;i<  true  and  loyal  subjects  ol  G        e  the  third,  kii._     I   G 
Britain,  Stc,  we  bj  no  means  intend  to  withdraw  "iir  nlli  from  him, 

~u  long  as  he  N\ill  defend  ami  protect  n>  in  the  free  and  full  •  ■  ind  i  n 

|ci\  men!  of  our  charter  rights  and  liberti*  - 

■'.  That  the  charter  of  this  province  is  a  most  solemn  stipulation  and  com 
pad  between  the  king  and  the  inhabitants  thereof;  and  thai  it  ought  to  be 
kept  sacred  and  inviolate  l>y  each  party,  and  thai  it  cannot,  in  anj  n  spect,  be 
varied  or  altered  b)  one  part)  only,  \%  i 1 1 1 . . 1 1 1  a  most  criminal  breach  of  faith, 
ami  that  they  know  of  no  instance,  wherein  the  inhabitants  <>t"  this  provin 
•  mi  their  part  have  violated  the  said  compact 

.".  That  the  si  vera!  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  which  infringe  the  jn-t 
rights  of  the  colonies,  and  of  this  province  in  particular,  being  subjects  "t" 
deliberation  before  the  Continental  Congress  now    Bitting,  renders  it  exp 
di  -Tit  for  this  count)  to  suspend  their  determination  resp  I  lem,  ei 

so  far  as  their  immediate  operation   requires  our   iinmedi  utions 

thereon. 

!.  That  whereas,  hi-  excellency  Thomas  <i  ige,  Esq       •■  I)  appoint  d  bj 

his  majesty,  governor  of  this  province,  did,  at  the!  fthi 

.  end  court,  wholl)  decline  and  refuse  to  accept  the  -rant  for  bit  !'. 

,,  made  him  b)  !»>th  bouses  ofassembl)  :  and  ha    since, bj 
tion,  bearing  date  83d  of  Augusl  last,snd  others  and  d< 

cil  his  tiill  resolution  ami  determination  I  t  of  the  Bi 


(>20  HAMPSHIRE  CONVENTION. 

parliament,  entitled  an  act  for  the  better  regulating  the  government  of  the 
province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  whereby  they  have  at- 
tempted to  sap  the  foundation  of  the  constitution  of  this  province,  and  anni- 
hilate the  most  important  rights  of  the  inhabitants  thereof;  and  has  also,  ac- 
tually, at  Salem,  by  an  armed  force,  endeavored  to  execute  the  said  acts ; 
we  are  obliged  therefore,  to  declare,  that  our  minds  are  so  deeply  impress- 
ed with  the  abovesaid  conduct  of  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  as  to 
excite  in  us  very  great  doubts  whether  he  can  any  longer  be  considered  as 
the  constitutional  governor  of  this  province;  and  consequently,  whether  any 
writs  issued  by  him  for  convening  a  general  assembly,  or  any  other  acts 
whereby  he  shall  attempt  to  exercise  the  office  of  a  governor  of  this  prov- 
ince, have  any  force  or  validity,  and  whether  any  obedience  or  respect  there- 
to can  be  paid,  without  a  degree  of  submission  to  and  acknowledgment  of 
the  force  and  validity  of  said  acts;  but  in  case  any  towns  within  the  prov- 
ince should  judge  it  safe  and  expedient  so  far  to  regard  the  writs  lately  is- 
sued by  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  for  the  convening  a  general 
court  or  assembly  of  this  province,  to  be  held  at  Salem,  ozi  the  5th  day  of 
October  next,  as  to  elect  and  depute  any  persons  as  their  representatives  to 
repair  to  Salem,  at  the  time  aforesaid,  we  cannot  but  declare  it  as  our  clear 
opinion,  that  they  ought,  and  our  full  expectation  is  that  they  will,  most  ma- 
turely and  deliberately  consider,  whether  any  such  representatives  can  do 
any  one  act  in  concert  with  his  excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  and  his 
mandamus  council,  without  an  implied  acknowledgment  of  the  authority 
and  force  of  the  abovesaid  acts  of  parliament. 

5.  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  congress,  that  a  provincial  congress  is  ab- 
solutely necessary  in  our  present  unhappy  situation,  and  that  we  approve  of 
the  proposal  made  by  a  late  Middlesex  congress,  that  the  said  provincial 
congress  should  be  holden  at  Concord,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  October 
next,  and  we  accordingly  recommend  to  the  several  towns  and  districts 
within  this  county,  that  each  appoint  one  or  more  delegates  to  attend  the 
same. 

6.  That  the  collectors,  constables,  and  all  other  officers,  who  have  or  shall 
have  by  them  moneys  collected  upon  the  province  assessments,  delay  mak- 
ing payment  of  the  same  to  the  honorable  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  until  the  civil 
government  of  this  province  is  placed  upon  a  constitutional  foundation,  but 
that  they  deposit  the  same  in  the  treasuries  of  their  respective  towns  and 
ilistricts. 

7.  Whereas,  the  universal  uneasiness  which  prevails  among  all  orders  of 
men  in  this  county,  arising  from  the  unjust  and  oppressive  measures  of  the 
pres  nt  administration,  may  influence  some  persons  inconsiderately  to  com- 
mit outrages  upon  particular  persons  or  their  property,  we  would  heartily 
recommend  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  this  county,  not  to  engage  in  any  routs, 
riots,  or  licentious  attacks  upon  the  person  or  property  of  any  one,  as  being 
subversive  of  all  order  and  government ;  but,  by  a  steady,  manly,  uniform, 
and  persevering  opposition  to  the  said  measures,  to  convince  our  enemies, 


I'l.N  MOl   I'll  <  <  »W  BNTION 

thai  in  a  contort  bo  importanl  and  solemn,  our  oonduci  ah  Jl  b* 
meril  1 1  j  *  -  approbation  of  all  sober  and  nriae  men. 

-    Thai  in  the  opinion  <>f  this  I  ,11  towi 

railed  agreeabl)  to  tbo  laws  and  ancient  of  the  pi 

9.  'I  li.it  the  inbabitants  of  the  several  tow  ds  and  d  itbin  ii« 

ty,  be  advised,  for  their  own  1 r,  and  for  the  d< 

thai  thej  use  the  utmost  diligence,  forthwith,  to  acquaini  thei  with  the 

military  art,  under  the  command  and  direction  ofsucb  ; 
choose,  and  thai  thej  furnish  themselves  with  the  full  lawful  quantity 
munition,  and  good  effective  arm-,  as  bom  d  a-  maj  be,  for  that  p 

\  EBENI  /l  i;  Hi  ST,  Jen     I 


cn\\  ENTION  OF  rn  Mm   ill  COl  ST\  , 

\  c  a  meeting  <>t"  the  d<  l<  gat<  -  of  every  town  in  die  count}  "('  Plymouth, 
in  the  province  of  Massachusetts  Ray,  held  al  Plimpton,  in  said  countj 
Monday,  the  26th  da)  of  September,  177  I.  and  then  bj  adjournment,  al  tl>»- 
county  coun  house  in  Plymouth,  on  Tuesday,  the  27th  da}  ol  E 
J77  I,  presenl : 

Plymouth  —  Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq.,  Mr.  Jol       I  I 

Cotton,  William  Watson,  I'. -■;..  Mr.  Thomas  Lothrt 

Siihuili — Nathan  Cushing,  Esq.,  John  Cushing,  Jun.,  Esq.,  <  I 

Vinal,  Jun.,  Mr   Barnebas  Little,  Mr.  Williai      I  CaptJ 

Wareham  —  Mr.  Ebenezer  Briggs,  Mr.  Barnubas  B 

Marahfi        I  '     liony  Thomas,  Capt  William  Thon 

Mnngton—DotL  David   Jo     -.  I    pt.  W Ibi  dg     Brown,   Mr.  William 

Ri  i  d,  Jun. 

Bridgewaler — Capt  Edward  Mitchell,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Reynold  .  Mi   N   than 
Mitchi  II,  Mr.  Thomas  Hooper. 

Kingston — John  Thomas,  Esq.,  Capt.  John  Gray,  Mr.  William  D 

Hanover — Capt.  Joseph  Cushing,  Mr.  Joseph  Ramsdell,  M  .  J< 
mons,  Capt  Robert  Eells,  Doct  Lemu<  I  <  lushing. 

Pembroke — Capt  John  Turner,   Doct.  Jeremiah   Hall.   II       -         II 
I  !apt.  Edward  Tin  mi;;-..  ( !apt  Elijah  Cusbii 

It  h— 1  'apt.  Wade  Wadsvvorth,  Mr.  G  P  1 

Wadswortb. 

Halifax— Mr.  Barnabas  Thompson,  Mom-  [ngl  i,  Mr.  El  I 

MiddleborougJ*— Capt  Ebenezer  Sprout,  Mr.  John   Miller,  Mr.  I 
Wood,  Mi.  Benjamin  Tucker,  Mr.  Nathanii  I  Foster. 

Rochester— Capt  Ebenezer  White,  Mr,  N  tbaniel  Hammoi      M     N 
Nye. 


622  PLYMOUTH  CONVENTION. 

Plimpton — Mr.  William  Ripley,  Mr  Samuel  Lucas,  Mr.  Setli  dishing. 

Voted,  That  the  Hon.  James  Warren,  Esq.,  be  chairman. 

A  committee  of  nine,  viz. :  James  Warren,  Esq.,  William  Gushing,  Esq, 
Capt.  Joseph  dishing,  John  Thomas,  Esq.,  Doct.  Jones,  Mr.  John  Torrey, 
Mr.  Thomas  Lothrop,  Mr.  George  Partridge,  and  Doct.  Jeremiah  Hall  were 
chosen  to  bring  in,  at  the  adjournment,  a  report  to  this  body,  and  the  follow- 
ing being  several  times  read,  and  put  paragraph  by  paragraph,  was  unani- 
mously voted,  viz. : 

Whereas,  the  British  administration,  instead  of  cultivating  that  harmony 
and  affection,  which  have  so  long  subsisted,  to  the  great  and  mutual  advan- 
tage of  both  Britain  and  the  colonies,  have,  for  a  series  of  years,  without 
provocation,  without  justice,  or  good  policy,  in  breach  of  faith,  the  laws  of 
gratitude,  the  natural  connections  and  commercial  interests  of  both  coun- 
tries, been  attacking  with  persevering  and  unrelenting  injustice,  the  rights  of 
the  colonists;  and  have  added,  from  one  time  to  another,  insults  to  oppres- 
sions, till  both  have  become,  more  especially  in  this  colony,  intolerable,  and 
every  person  who  has  the  feelings  of  a  man,  and  any  sense  of  the  rights  of 
mankind,  and  the  value  of  our  happy  constitution,  finds  it  now  necessary,  to 
exert  himself  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  to  preserve  them :  we,  who  are 
returned  from  the  several  towns  in  the  county  of  Plymouth,  and  now  met 
on  the  ground  first  trod  by  our  venerable  ancestors,  and  at  the  place  Provi- 
dence directed  them  to,  as  an  asylum  from  the  persecuting  rage  and  oppres- 
sion of  their  cotemporaries  in  Britain  ;  feeling  the  same  spirit,  and  actuated 
in  defence  of  our  rights,  by  the  same  principles  which  animated  them  in  ac- 
quiring and  transmitting  them  to  us  and  succeeding  posterity,  in  a  manner 
which  will  ever  distinguish  the  heroism  and  virtue  of  their  characters,  do 
resolve : 

1.  That  the  inhabitants  of  the  American  colonies  are  entitled  to  all  the 
natural  rights  of  mankind,  and  are,  by  right,  subject  to  the  control  of  no 
power  on  earth,  but  by  their  own  consent. 

2  That  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  have  no  other  political  con- 
nection with,  or  dependence  on  Britain,  than  what  was,  originally,  by  our 
ancestors,  for  themselves  and  posterity,  stipulated  with  the  king,  and  in  the 
form  of  a  grant  from  him  expressed  in  the  charter. 

3.  That  the  interposition  of  any  other  power  on  earth  in  our  affairs,  and 
more  especially,  in  attempts  to  tax  or  even  legislate  for  us,  and  that  of  the 
king  himself,  in  other  manner  than  is  expressed  and  provided  for  in  the 
original  compact,  is  an  infraction  of  our  natural  and  constitutional  rights. 

4.  That  the  people  of  this  province  have,  at  all  times,  been  loyal  and  duti- 
ful subjects  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain,  have  observed  all  the  conditions  of 
their  original  compact,  borne  great  affection  to  his  other  subjects  in  all  parts 
of  his  dominions,  and  are  read),  at  all  times,  to  render  him  that  allegiance 
whirh  his  protection  of  our  rights  entitles  him  to,  and  to  sacrifice  our  lives 
and  fortune.-  in  deli  nee  o|  hi-  person  and  constitutional  government. 

5.  That  the  parliament  of  Great  Britain  has  not  onlj  assumed,  but  exr-r- 


PLYMOl   I'll  <<>\\  ENTION 

cised  with  unexampled  severity,  a  power  over 

and  tax  them  without  their  <'\\m  consent,  and  bj  *ev< 

late  session  of  parliament,  fbi  blocking  up  th<  port  of  Boston,  the  hetu 

ulating  the  government  ofthe  province  ofthe  Massachi 

the  moat  flagitious  violators  ol  the  laws  of  the  province  from  a  legal  trial, 

and  the  establishing  the  roman  catholic  religion  in  thai  extensive  country, 

called  Canada,  has  shewn  tin  ir  il>  termination  t<>  deprive  us  of  both  our  civil 

and  religious  rights. 

t>.  Thai  it  is  a  duty  everj  manandbod)  of  men  owes  to  p<         I  .veil 

as  i"  God  and  our  country,  to  op|  ose  with  all  thi  ir  power,  the  execution  of 
Baid  acts,  and  that  w  e  Btronglj  re<  ommend  it  t"  the  inhabitants  of  the  pn 
ince,  never  to  Bubmit  t"  them  in  an)  instance  whatever. 

7.  Thai  the  provision  made  in  one  of  said  art-  u<i  the  appointinenl  i  I 
council  .•Hid  ui'  civil  officers  in  this  province  and  the  tenure  of  il  i  ral 
offices,  together  with  the  manner  of  returning  jurors,  at  once  destroys  ever] 
idea  offree  legislation,  and  an  impartial  administration  of  justice,  and  breaks 
down  thai  inestimable  barrier  of  liberty,  and  security  of  life  and  propi  rty,  i 
trial  by  our  peers,  bj  rendering  the  whole  <>i"  them  s  sel  of  ministerial  i""N 
mid  hireling  -. 

8.  That  those  persons  who  bave  accepted  seats  ;it  the  council  hoard,  bj 
mandamus  from  the  king,  in  conformity  t<>  a  lat<  act  of  the  British  parli 
ment,  have  violated  the  fundamental  rights  of  the  Bociety  thej  belonged  t" : 
bave  traitorously  attempted  to  destroy  the  constitution  of  their  country, 
which  they  were  bound  bj  the  laws  of  < - • »» 1  and  man  to  defend;  and  bave, 
lis  their  persevering  obstinacy,  against  the  entreaties  of  their  fellow  coun* 
trymen,  exposed  themselves  i"  their  just  resentment  and  indignation. 

It.  That  the  judges,  justices,  sheriffs,  and  othei  civil  officers  in  the  pi 
ince,  who  are  appointed  t"  their  several  offices  agre< : 1 1 » 1  \  t<>  the  charter  and 
law.-  of  the  same,  and  n  fuse  to  act  in  conformity  to  the  acts  of  parliament, 
or  to  assisl  the  administration  in  the  execution  of  them,  are  the  onlj  pro] 
persons  who  are  entitled  to  thr  nil.  (In  nee  of  the  people;  and  that  we  will 
aid  and  support  them  in  the  execution  of  their  offices,  in  the  manner  usual 
before  the  attempt  to  alter  the  constitution  of  the  province;  and  will  in- 
demnify their  persons  and  prop<  rty  ;  and  thai  no  legal  authority  can  remove 
them  from  their  respective  offices,  except  thai  which  is  constituted  pursuant 
t<>  the  charter,  and  the  laws  of  this  province. 

10.  That  all  officers  and  private  persons,  w  bo  shall  presume  to  conform  to 
or  bj  an\  means  aid  and  assisl  the  execution  of  the  late  acts  of  parliament, 
do,  bj  Bucb  conduct,  forfeil  thai  prot<  ction  and  friendship  good  men  it 
ty  an  entitled  to,  and  are  and  oughl  to  be  considt  n  d  and  treated  as  our  in- 
veterate  enemies,  as  men  lost  to  ever]  sense  of  virtue,  and  the  obi 
dm-  to  '  lod  and  man. 

I  I.  Thai  everj  people  bave  s  righl  i<>  meet  togt  tber  when  thej   pit  ase,  to 
consult  upon  their  grievances,  and  the  proper  methods  to  I .  ; 
removal ;  and  that  anj  act  which  prohibits  such  meetings,  strikes  at  tin 
dation  of  freedom,  and  will  reduce  to    laverj  and  ubmitto 


624  PLYMOUTH  CONVENTION. 

12.  That  the  present  exigencies  of  our  public  affairs,  render  it  absolutely 
necessary  that  there  be  a  provincial  congress  ;  and  we  dp  recommend  it  to 
the  several  towns  in  this  county,  to  instruct  their  representatives  to  form 
themselves  into  such  a  congress,  agreeably  to  the  seventh  resolve  of  the 
delegates  for  the  county  of  Essex,  for  the  purposes  there  mentioned. 

13.  That  our  enemies  may  be  disappointed,  and  we  be  the  better  enabled 
to  make  that  last  appeal,  which  the  law  of  God  and  nature  will  justify,  we 
recommend  it  to  the  people  of  this  county,  to  apply  themselves  with  all  dil- 
igence, and  in  the  most  effectual  manner,  to  learn  military  discipline,  and 
to  equip  themselves  immediately  with  arms  and  ammunition  according  to 
law. 

14.  That  whereas,  the  present  circumstances  of  the  province  are  such, 
that  if  the  public  moneys  now  raised  should  be  paid  into  the  public  treasu- 
ries, they  may  be  misapplied,  perhaps  to  purposes  detrimental  to  the  inter- 
est of  the  people :  we  therefore  recommend  to  the  collectors  of  taxes,  sher- 
iffs, and  other  officers  in  this  county,  to  retain  the  same  in  their  hands,  and 
not  to  make  any  payment  thereof  to  the  province  treasurer,  until  the  civil 
government  of  the  province  is  placed  upon  a  constitutional  foundation,  or 
until  it  shall  otherwise  be  ordered  by  the  proposed  provincial  congress  ; 
and  that  they  be  indemnified  in  their  persons  and  property  for  so  doing. 

15.  That  the  fortification  erected  on  Boston  neck,  the  seizing  the  powder 
in  the  magazine  at  Charlestown,  the  prohibiting  the  keeper  of  the  magazine 
at  Boston  to  deliver  the  powder,  which  is  private  property,  and  many  other 
instances  of  the  conduct  of  the  army  and  commander  in  chief,  are  justly 
alarming,  and  give  us  the  strongest  reasons  to  apprehend  hostile  inten- 
tions against  the  town  of  Boston  in  particular,  and  the  province  in  gen- 
eral. 

16.  That  if  any  persons  who  have  distinguished  themselves  by  virtuously 
contending  for  the  violated  rights  and  liberties  of  this  country,  should  be 
seized,  in  order  to  be  transported  to  England,  or  in  any  way  subjected  to 
the  tyrannical  power  of  administration  now  prevailing,  we  do  recommend, 
that  the  good  people  of  this  county  immediately  make  reprisals,  by  seiz- 
ing and  keeping  in  safe  custody,  every  servant  of  the  present  tyrannical 
government,  and  all  BUCll  as  are  known  to  have  favored  and  abetted  their 
measures,  and  detain  them  till  our  friends  are  restored  safe  and  uninjured 
to  their  respective  families. 

17.  Thai  it  is  highly  proper  and  necessary  for  the  towns  to  continue  to 
meet  and  transact  their  affairs  as  usual,  and  we  recommend  to  the  select- 
men of  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  to  issue  their  warrants  for  calling 
town  meetings,  agreeably  to  the  laws  of  the  province  and  former  usages, 
and  to  the  constables  to  warn  the  same,  whenever  their  circumstances  re- 
quire  it,  and  to  the  people  in  the  c itj  to  support  each  other  in  the  exer- 
cise of  a  privilege  and  a  right,  by  long  experience  found  so  beneficial  to 
their  interest  and  happiness. 

18.  That  it  is  justifiable  and  proper  for  the  people,  at  such  a  time  as  is 
this,  to  prevent  any  courts  sitting  and  proceeding  to  business,  or  any  officers 


PL1  M01   I'll  CON\  l.\  I  ION. 

i.r  an]  court  executing  their  office,  w  li"  Bhall  refuse,  \\  h<  a  n  qui  -  nake 

and  sign  a  lull  and  ample  declaration,  i  sp  ttieir  ab  the 

late  innovations  attempted  in  our  constitution,  and  thai  tin  \  do  not  i 
nor  will  at  anj   time  hereafter,  bold  their  commissione  mi  an)  otliei  wa) 
than  wliat  ie  prescribed  bj  the  charter  ami  well  known  constitution  of  this 
province,  and  thai  tins  will  not,  in  an)  way,  countenance,  aid,  or  support 
the  execution  of  the  late  art-  of  parliament. 

19.  That  tin-  circumstances  of  the  country  require,  and  make  it  i 
ry,  that  we  should,  until  our  rights  are  full)  i  d,  witlihold  all  conn 
cial  intercourse  with  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  refrain  from  the  i 
Bumption  of  British  manufactures  and  merchandize,  especial!)  I     it   India 

-  and  other  goods,  subject  to  such  additions,  alteratii  d  exceptions 

only,  as  the  grand  Cong         of  the  <•"!"  i". 

20.  We  recommend  to  the  several  t"\'.n~  in  this  county,  to  make  provis- 
ion for,  and  in  order  tli>'  payment  of  their  i  representatives  out  of 
their  town  treasuries,  in  order  to  do  justice  to  them,  aud  at  tin  Bame  time 
defeat  one  "i  the  machinations  of  our  enemies. 

21.  That  those  justices  of  the  courts  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace  and 
common  pleas  for  this  county,  who,  at  tl"-  last  term,  in  the  name  of  the 
whole,  addressed  ln~  excellency  governor  <•  sje,  have,  therein,  wantonly, 
without  reason,  and  without  provocation, aspersed  the  clergy, the  commit- 
tees of  correspondence,  and  other  good  pi  ople  <>i  t i i i -  county,  and  thereb) 
shown  that  the)  have  n<>  tender  feelings  for  the  distri  sses  of  their  country, 
and  can  rejoice  at  their  calami) 

22.  That  this  count)  Bbould  entertain  a  high  se  rratitude  for  the 
benevolent  alacrit)  and  read              own  h)  our  brethren  in  th<-  otlicr  colo- 

,  to  aid  and  support  this  province  under  our  present   distresses,  and  to 
.•Din''  i"  our  relit  f,  wheni  \>  r  the  blood-thirst)  malice  of  our  i  u<  a 
make  it  necessarj . 

II  i.i  i  Edward  Winslow,  Jr.  one  of  the  two  clerks  of  the  court  of  general 
ins  of  the  peace  and  court  of  common  pleas  for  this  county,  has,  b) 
refusing  this  bod)  a  cop)  of  an  address  made  ;it  the  last  term  in  this  coun- 
t)  to  Thomas  Hutchinson,  Esq.,  betrayed  the  trust  reposed  in  him,  and  b) 
refusing  his  attendance  when  requested,  treated  the  bod)  of  this  count) 
with  insult  and  contempt,  and  b)  that  means  n  ud<  red  himself  unworth)  t<> 
bi  ur  the  count)  in  said  office. 

24.  That  it  be  earnest!)  recommended  to  the  inhabitants!  county, 

that  the)   careful!)   avoid  all  riots,  routs,  tumults,  and  disturb 
our  present  distress)  d  circumstanci  -.  and  dial  the)  maintain  all  that  i 
and  good  order  that  the  nam  it  of  our  present  situation  «  ill  admit. 

Ill«  >M  IS  LO'J  11R(  »r  ' 


626  BRISTOL  CONVENTION. 


CONVENTION  OF  BRISTOL  COUNTY. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  gentlemen,  delegates  from  the  following  towns  in 
the  county  of  Bristol,  viz,:  Taunton,  Dartmouth,  Rehoboth,  Freetown, 
Dighton,  Swausey,  Norton,  Mansfield,  Raynham,  Berkeley  and  Easton,  held 
at  the  court  house,  in  Taunton,  on  the  28th  and  29th  days  of  September, 
1774,  to  consult  upon  proper  measures  to  be  taken  at  the  present  alarming 
crisis  of  our  public  affairs : 

Zephaniah  Leonard,  Esq.,  was  chosen  chairman. 

After  having  read  the  act  of  parliament  for  regulating  the  government  of 
this  province,  and  the  resolves  of  the  counties  of  Suffolk,  Middlesex,  &c, 
the  following  resolutions  were  unanimously  adopted : 

Whereas,  our  ancestors,  of  blessed  memory,  from  a  prudent  care  for 
themselves,  and  a  tender  concern  for  their  descendants,  did,  through  a  series 
of  unparalleled  dangers  and  distresses,  purchase  a  valuable  inheritance  in 
this  western  world,  and  carefully  transmitted  the  same  to  us,  their  poster- 
ity ;  and  whereas,  for  many  years  past,  we  have  quietly  enjoyed  certain 
rights  and  privileges,  stipulated  by  charter,  and  repeatedly  confirmed  by 
royal  engagements,  which  rights  and  privileges  are  now  unjustly  invaded 
bvT  the  pretended  authority  of  a  British  parliament,  under  pretext  that  it  is 
inexpedient  for  us  any  longer  to  enjoy  them ;  and  as  the  same  persons  who 
found  out  this  inexpediency,  will,  no  doubt,  in  time,  discover  that  it  is  inexpe- 
dient for  us  to  enjoy  any  rights,  and  even  any  property  at  all ;  we  cannot,  in 
justice  to  ourselves  and  posterity,  and  in  gratitude  to  our  revered  ancestors, 
tamely  stand  by,  and  suffer  every  thing  that  is  valuable  and  dear-  to  be  wrest- 
ed from  us  ;  but  are  resolutely  determined,  at  the  risk  of  our  fortunes  and 
lives,  to  defend  our  natural  and  compacted  rights,  and  to  oppose,  to  our  ut- 
most, all  illegal  and  unconstitutional  measures,  which  have  been,  or  may  be 
hereafter,  adopted  by  a  British  parliament  or  a  British  ministry.  And  though 
we  deprecate  the  evils  which  are  naturally  consequent  upon  a  breach  of  that 
mutual  affection  and  confidence  which  has  subsisted  betwixt  Great  Britain 
and  her  colonies,  yet  we  think  it  better  to  suffer  those  evils,  than  voluntari- 
ly suhmit  to  perpetual  slavery.  We  are  sensible  that  the  important  crisis 
before  us  demands  the  exercise  of  much  wisdom,  prudence,  and  fortitude, 
and  we  sincerely  hope,  that  all  our  deliberations  and  actions  will  be  guided 
by  the  principles  of  sound  reason,  and  a  hearty  desire  to  promote  the  true 
interest  of  the  British  empire.  Accordingly,  we  resolve  in  the  following 
manner,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  we  freely  recognize  George  the  third,  king  of  Great  Bri- 
tain, &c,  as  our  rightful  sovereign,  and  as  allegiance  and  protection  are  re- 
ciprocal, we  are  determined  faithfully  to  yield  the  former  as  long  as  we  are 
allowed  the  enjoyment  of  the  latter. 

Resolved,  That  the  late  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  relating  to  the  con- 
tinent in  general,  and  this  province  in  particular,  are  contrary  to  reason  and 


WORCES  rER  CON\  EN  riON. 

the  spirit  of  the  English  constitution,  and,  if  complied  with,  will  i 
to  the  mosl  abject  state  of  servitude* 

/.'■  .',.//.  Thai  all  <-imI  officers  in  ilii<  province,  considered  as  holding 
their  respective  offices  bj  the  tenure  specified  in  a  late  act  of  the  British 
parliament,  deserve  neither  obedience  nor  respect;  but  we  will  support  all 
civil  authority  thai  i  tble  t<>  the  charter  of  the  province  granted  i>> 

king  William  ami  queen  Mary. 

/.'  /,  That    il    is   our   opinion,  that    the    wvrral    towns  of  this    COUnty 

Bhould  regulate  themselves  in  all  their  public  proceed  i  eably  to  the 

law  -  of  tlllS  |'in\  in.-.'. 

Resolved,  Thai  we  w  ill  use  our  utmost  endeavors  t<>  discountenance 
suppress  all  mobs,  ri<>t-,  and  breaches  of  1 1 1 « -  peace,  and  will  afford  all  the 
protection  in  our  power  to  the  persons  and  properties  "f  our  loyal  fellow 
subjects. 

Resolved,  That,  in  all  things,  we  will  regulate  ourselves  bj  the  opinion 
and  advii-c  <>f  tin*  Continental  Congress,  now  sitting  at  Philadelphia;  and 
as  we  place  great  confidence  in  the  abilities  of  the  gentlemen,  membi 
thai  congress,  we  will  cheerfully  subscribe  to  their  determinations. 

Resolved,  That  our  brethren  of  the  town  of  Boston,  who  are  now  Buffer- 
ing under  the  cruel  hand  of  power  in  the  common  cause  of  America,  are 
justly  entitled  to  nil  that  support  and  relief  which  we  can  give,  and  are 
now  read]  to  afford  them. 

Rejoived!,  That  whereas,  our  brethren  of  the  count]  of  Suffolk  have,  •>> 
their  spirited  and  noble  resolutions,  full]  made  known  our  sentiments,  we 
therefore  think  it  unneceesarj  for  us  to  !><■  more  particular,  a>  we  most 
cheerfull]  adopl  1 1 1 < ■  i r  measures  and  resolutioi 

Voted,  'I  hat  the  above  proceedings  !»•  inserted  in  the  public  papers. 

/  iled,  Thai  the  committee  for  the  town  of  Taunton,  be  empowered  to 
call  a  meeting  of  this  body,  whenever  the]  think  it  necessary. 

fulfil.  That  the  thanks  of  this  bod]  I"-  given  to  the  chairman,  for  hi* 
faithful  Ben  ices. 

Poled,  That  thi-s  assembl]  be  adjourned,  and  it  was  accordingl]  ad- 
journed. 

D\\  ID  COBJB  ' 


com  i:\  I  |m\  of  WORCESTER  COI  \  i  \. 

Joi  knm.  ut'  a  convention  of  the  committees  of  correspondence  and  del 
egates,  of  the  several  towns  in  the  county  of  Worcester. 

Tuesday,  At  ...i  si  ".  1 7 7 1. 

\t  a   nni  ting  of  tin mmittees  of  correspondence  for  the  count}  of 

Worcesti  r,  in  county  I  ongn  b    asa  mbled,  on  the  9th  dsj  of  August,  \   l». 
I?;  I,  at  the  bouse  of  Mrs.  afar]  Sternes,  in  Worcester,  there  were  pn  tent 


6-28  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Worcester — William  Young,  Esq.,  Mr.  Joshua  Bigelow,  Capt.  Timothy 
Bigelow,  Lieut.  John  Smith. 

Lancaster — Doct.  William  Dimsmore,  Deacon  David  Wilder,  Mr.  Aaron 
Sawyer,  Capt.  Samuel  Ward,  Capt.  Asa  Whitcomh,  Capt.  Hezekiah  Gates, 
Mr.  John  Prescott,  Mr.  Ephraim  Sawyer. 

Mendon — Capt.  Nathan  Tyler,  Deacon  Edward  Rawson,  Mr.  James  Sum- 
ner, Elder  Nathaniel  Nelson,  Mr.  Benoni  Benson. 

Rutland  District — Mr.  Asa  Hapgood,  Lieut.  Nathan  Sparhawk,  Deacon 
John  Mason,  Lieut.  Andrew  Parker. 

Brookfield — Jedediah  Foster,  Esq.,  Capt.  Jeduthan  Baldwin,  Capt.  Phine- 
has  Upham. 

Oxford — Capt.  Ehenezer  Learned,  Doct.  Alexander  Campbell. 

Charlton — Mr.  Caleb  Curtis,  Capt.  Jonathan  Tucker. 

Sutton — Mr.  Amos  Singletary,  Capt.  Henry  King,  Rev.  Ehenezer  Chap- 
lin. 

Leicester,  Spencer  and  Paxton — Col.  Thomas  Denny,  Capt.  William  Hen- 
shaw,  Capt.  Joseph  Henshaw,  Rev.  Benjamin  Conklin. 

Jf'estborough — Capt.  Stephen  Maynard. 

Shrewsbury — Hon.  Artemas  Ward,  Mr.  Phinehas  Heywood. 

Lunenburg — Doct.  John  Taylor. 

Harvard — Rev.  Joseph  Wheeler. 

Bolton — Capt.  Samuel  Baker,  Mi*.  Jonathan  Holnian. 

Petersham — Capt  Ephraim  Doolittle,  Col.  Jonathan  Grout. 

Southborough — Capt.  Jonathan  Wood. 

Hardwick — Capt.  Paul  Mandell,  Mr.  Stephen  Rice,  Lieut.  Jonathan  War- 
ner, Deacon  John  Bradish. 

Holden—Mr.  John  Child. 

Douglas — Mr.  Samuel  Jennisou. 

Princeton — Mr.  Moses  Gill. 

A  committee  was  appointed  to  sort  and  count  the  votes  given  in,  for  a 
chairman  or  president,  and  clerk,  who  reported  that  William  Young,  Esq., 
of  Worcester,  was  elected  chairman,  and  William  Henshaw,  Esq.,  of  Lei- 
cester, clerk. 

The  Rev.  Benjamin  Conkliu,  being  invited,  opened  the  meeting  with  very 
earnest  and  solemn  prayer. 

Voted,  To  choose  a  committee  of  ten,  to  draw  up  some  proper  resolves  to 
lay  before  the  convention  for  their  consideration. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Timothj  Bigelow,  Capt  Josepb  Henshaw,  Capt  Ephraim 
Doolittle,  Capt.  Samuel  Ward,  Mr.  John  Smith,  Mr.  Luke  Drury,  Mr.  Joshua 
Bigelow,  Deacon  Edward  Rawson,  Capt.  Paul  Mandell,  Lieut.  Jonathan 
Holman,  be  tin  committee. 

The  committee  retired,  and  again  returned,  alter  some  time,  and  reported 
that  they  had  drafted  a  Dumber  of  resolves,  which  were  read. 

After  debate  thereon,  it  was  voted  to  lay  the  resolves  upon  the  table  for 
further  consideration. 


WORCESTER  I  ONVENTIOM 

I    '   I  To  adjourn  to  to-morrow  morning,  i  I  7  at  the 

same  pi 

Wednesday,    \  10,   177  1. 

according  to  adjournment     In  the    b  of  the  president,  Deacon 

Bal  «en  chairman  pro  /- 

'  Thai  the  committee  chosen  yesterday,  be  a  committee  to  write  a 

■  to  the  gendemeu  chosen  by  tin-  province  i"  attend  the  Continental 
Congress,  to  inform  them  of  th<  count]  resp  cting  our  public 
affairs. 

A  letter  being  reported,  was  considered  and  accept*  iL 

I  That  the  committee  chosen  yesterday,  \«-  a  committee  i"  a  nd  a 

letter  t<>  all  of  die  towns  and  districts  in  this  county,  who  have   nol  cl 

committ<  Bpondence,  desiring  them  i"  «-l Be  such  commit! 

nd  delej  nt  them  at  the  adjournment  of  Uiis  convention. 

The  committee  chosen  i"  write  to  the  several  towns,  alter  some  time, 

■  I,  that  die)  \\ i  'I  a  letter;  which  was  done,  and  the 

■  cepted,  and  is  as  follows  : 

WORCES  i  il,     \i  i.i  -  r   9,    177  !. 

Friends  imi  Brethren : — The  committees  of  correspondence  from  a 
majority  of  towns  in  this  county,  have  now  convened  at  Worcester,  in  order 
in  consult  ami  determine  upon  the  most  regular  steps  t<>  be  taken  and  re- 
commended to  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  at  this  truly  critical  and 
alarming  crisis,  when  it  oo  longer  remains  a  doubt,  that  the  acts,  annihila- 
dng  our  once  free  constitution,  are  actually  come  authenticated,  attended 
with  three  more  transports  and  a  ship  of  war,  and  the  council,  appointed  In 

his  majesty,  are  about  taking  il adis  required  lor  that  office.     In  the  first 

place,  we  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  a  considerable  number  of 
towns  in  this  count)  have  not  yet  chosen  committei  by  dial  means, 

ma;,  uot  have  received  the  letters  notifying  iliis  convention;  i  ,  we 

earnestly  n  commend,  as  brethren  and  fellow  suffer*  re,  when  all  that  is  valu- 
able in  this  life  is  at  staki  you  choose  committees  of  correspond! 
or  Buch  othi  i  as  you  may  think  prop*  r,  to  I  this  convention  at 
i In  ir  adjournment,  v>  hen  the  united  wisdom  and  aid  of  the  whole  are  want- 
ing, to  oppose  the  torrent  of  tyranny  rushing  upon  us.  lu  ivoid 
a  second  disappointment,  by  having  our  letters  fall  into  unfriendly  hands, 
and  you  thereby  !"•  deprived  of  a  proper  notification,  wo  shall  be  careful  !■> 
have  them  transmitted  by  such  of  <<nr  members  as  live  nearest  those  towns 
w  bich  ha\ i-  imi  sent  their  committi 

The  convention  stands  adjourned  to  the  last  Tuesday  of  August  instant, 
at  the  bouse  of  Mrs.  Mary  Sternes,  innholder,  al  Worcester,  at  10  o'clock, 
before  noon. 

By  order  <>f  die  committees  of  i  orrespondence  in  convention, 

TlMOTin    B1GEL  >W. 

The  consideration  of  the  resolves  r»  day,  was  resumed:  thi 


630  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

same  were  severally  read,  considered,  debated,  and  each  accepted  without 
one  dissentient  vote :  and  it  was  Ordered,  that  the  same  be  signed  by  the 
chairman  and  clerk,  and  printed,  and  circulated  in  handbills.  They  are  as 
follow : 

1.  Resolved,  That  we  bear  all  true  allegiance  to  his  majesty  king  George 
the  third,  and  that  we  will,  to  the  utmost  of  our  power,  defend  his  person, 
crown,  and  dignity,  but  at  the  same  time,  we  disclaim  any  jurisdiction  in  the 
commons  of  Gr<  a   Britain  over  his  majesty's  subjects  in  America. 

2.  Resolved,  That  the  charter  of  this  province  is  the  basis  of  our  allegi- 
ance to  his  majesty,  wherein,  on  his  part,  the  royal  faith  is  plighted,  to  pro- 
tect and  defend  us,  his  American  subjects,  in  the  free  and  full  enjoyment  of 
each  and  every  right  and  liberty  enjoyed  by  his  subjects  in  Great  Britain  ; 
his  American  subjects  likewise  bear  him  true  allegiance. 

3.  Resolved,  That  we  have,  within  ourselves,  the  exclusive  right  of  origi- 
nating each  and  every  law  i-especting  ourselves,  and  ought  to  be  on  an 
equal  footing  with  his  majesty's  suhjects  in  Great  Britain. 

4.  Resolved,  That  an  attempt  to  vacate  said  charter,  by  either  party,  with- 
out the  consent  of  the  other,  has  a  tendency  to  dissolve  the  union  between 
Great  Britain  and  this  province,  to  destroy  the  allegiance  we  owe  to  the 
king,  and  to  set  aside  the  sacred  obligations  he  is  under  to  his  subjects  here. 

5.  Resolved,  That  the  right  lately  assumed,  by  the  parliament  of  Great 
Britain,  over  this  province,  wherein  they  claim  a  disposal  of  our  lives  and 
properties,  and  to  alter  and  disannul  our  charter  without  our  consent,  is  a 
great  and  high-handed  claim  of  arbitrary  power. 

6.  Resolved,  That  as  parliament  have  not  only  adopted  the  aforementioned 
principle,  but  have  actually  put  it  into  practice,  by  taxing  the  Americans, 
and  most  cruelly  blocking  up  the  harbor  of  Boston,  in  order  to  force  this 
province  to  submission  to  such  power,  and  have  farther  proceeded  to  pass 
several  acts  to  change  our  free  constitution  in  such  manner,  which,  if  effect- 
ed, will  render  our  lives  and  properties  wholly  insecure  :    Therefore, 

7.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  indisputable  duty  of  every  American,  and  more 
especially  in  this  province,  to  unite  in  every  virtuous  ojjposition  that  can  be 
devised,  in  order  to  save  ourselves  and  posterity  from  inevitable  ruin.  And, 
in  the  first  place,  we  greatly  approve  of  the  agreement  entered  and  entering 
into  through  this  and  the  neighboring  provinces,  for  the  non-consumption 
of  British  goods.  This,  we  apprehend,  will  have  a  tendency  to  convince 
our  brethren  in  Britain,  that  more  is  to  be  gained  in  the  way  of  justice, 
from  our  friendship  and  affection,  than  by  extortion  and  arbitrary  power. 
We  apprehend  that  the  balance  of  our  trade  with  Britain  has  been  greatly 
in  their  favor;  that  we  can  do  much  better  without  it  than  they  can  ;  and 
that  the  increase  of  such  trade  heretofore,  was  greatly  occasioned  by  the 
regard  and  affection  borne  by  the  Americans  to  their  brethren  in  Britain. 
Such  an  agreement,  if  strictly  adhered  to,  will  greatly  prevent  extravagance, 
save  our  money,  encourage  our  own  manufactures,  and  reform  our  manners. 

8.  Resolved,  That  those  justices  of  the  court  of  general  sessions,  and  com- 
mon pleas,  for  this  county,  who,  in  a  late  address  to  his  excellency  Gover- 


WORCESTER  C<  INVENTION  631 

nor  (.  ['ir.-i'il  the  good  people  of  this  county,  have  thereby  diseovi 

that  they  were  destitute  of  that  tender  regard  which   we  might  just! 
pect  in  our  presenl  distressed  situation. 

Voted,  Thai  we  most  earnest!)  recommend  it  to  th(  I  towne  in  thin 

county,  (and  if  it  should  not  be  thought  too  arrogant,   to  ■  verj  town  in  the 
province,  t"  meel  and  adopt  Bome  wise,  prudent,  and  spirit*  d  measun 
order  to  prevent  the  execution  of  those  most  alarming  acts  of  parliament, 
respecting  out  constitution. 

Voted,  That  the  meeting  l»-  adjourned  to  the  last  Tuesday  of  August  in- 
stant, to  meet  at  the  house  of  Mrs,  Mar]  Sternes,  innholder,  in  Worcester, 
at  Id  o'clock  "i"  the  forenoon,  and  it  was  adjourned. 

Tub  -  i  •  \  •. .    \  i  •  .  17  7  1. 

\i  a  mi  eting  of  the  committees  of  correspondence  from  each  and  everj 
town  and  district  within  the  count)  of  Worcester,  convened  in  Congrt  - 
Worcester,  on  Tuesday,  the  30th  da]  of  August,  A.  I».   1774,  there  were 
I'll-. ni  one  hundred  and  thirt)  members,  together  with  a  number  of  dele- 
gates and  gentlemen  from  Beveral  towns. 

William  Yoimi.',  []>i\.  was  president. 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplain  be  desired  to  attend  this  meeting,  and 
to  praj  :  who  came  in,  and  the  me<  ting  was  opened  with  prayi  re. 

Void/,  By  reason  of  the  Btraitness  of  the  place,  and  the  man]  attending, 
tn  adjourn  to  the  count)  court  house. 

The  Congress  nut  in  the  county  court  house,  according  t"  adjournment ; 
debated  on  man]  things,  and  adjourned  to  3  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment,  at  the  court  house. 

Vutnl,  Tn  i-Iihiim  a  committee  of  nine  persons,  to  take  into  consideration 
the  state  of  public  affairs,  and  prepare  resolvt  b  to  la)  before  the  convention. 

Voted,  That  CapL  Joseph  Henshaw,  Mr.  Phinehas  Heywood,  Capt  Eph- 
rai tn  Doolittle,  Capt  llenr)   King,  Mr.  Timoth)  Bige low,  Mr.  Samuel  Jen 
nison,  Capt  Samuel  Ward,  Mr.  Luke  Drury,  and  Capt  Joseph  Gilbert,  tx  a 
committee  for  the  purpose  aforesaid. 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplain  be  desired  to  attend  the  Congress  to- 
moi  row . 

VotedjThaX  this  meeting  be  adjourned  till  to-morrow, at  7  o'clock,  \-  M.  to 
this  place. 

The  meeting  was  closed  with  prayer. 

Wednesday,  Aogusi  31,  177  1. 

The  Congress  mel  according  to  adjournment 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplain  open  the  meeting  w  ith  prayer  ;  «  hich 
was  done. 

Voted,  That  everj  person  who  speaks  in  this  meeting   ahall  rise  up,  and, 
alter  lie  is  done  Bpeakiug,  ahall  sit  down,  and  not  speak  more  than  twi< 
the  same  subject   witliout  obtaining  leave,  and  shall  not  speak  irrelevantly. 


G32  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

The  committee  appointed  yesterday,  returned,  and  informed  that  they 
were  ready  to  report  resolutions. 

The  resolves  prepared  by  the  committee  were  read. 

Voted,  To  adjourn  to  2  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Afternoon. 
Met  according  to  adjournment. 

Voted,  To  accept  of  the  introduction  of  the  resolves  brought  in  by  the 
committee,  and  the  same  were  amended. 
Voted,  The  first  resolve  in  the  affirmative  : 
Voted,  The  second  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  The  third  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  The  fourth  resolve  in  the  affirmative: 
Voted,  The  fifth  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  The  sixth  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  The  seventh  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  The  eighth  resolve  in  the  affirmative : 
Voted,  That  the  whole  of  the  resolves  be  accepted,  which  are  as  follow  : 

Whereas,  the  charter  of  this  province,  as  well  as  laws  enacted  by  virtue 
of  the  same  and  confirmed  by  royal  assent,  have  been,  by  the  parliament  of 
Great  Britain,  without  the  least  color  of  right  or  justice,  declared  in  part 
null  and  void  ;  and  in  conformity  to  an  act  of  said  parliament,  persons  arc 
appointed  to  fill  certain  offices  of  government,  in  ways  and  under  influen- 
ces, wholly  unknown  before  in  this  province,  incompatible  with  its  charter, 
and  forming  a  complete  system  of  tyranny :  and  whereas,  no  power  on 
earth  hath  a  right,  without  the  consent  of  this  province,  to  alter  the  minu- 
test title  of  its  charter,  or  abrogate  any  act  whatsoever,  made  in  pursuance 
of  it,  and  confirmed  by  royal  assent,  or  to  constitute  officers  of  government 
in  ways  not  directed  by  charter,  and  as  we  are  assured  that  some  officers  of 
the  executive  courts  in  this  county,  have  officially  conducted  in  compliance 
with  and  in  conformity  to  the  late  acts  of  parliament  altering  our  free  con- 
stitution ;  and  as  the  sittings  of  such  courts  may  have  a  tendency  to  affect 
the  good  people  of  this  county,  in  such  manner  as  may  insensibly  lead  them 
to  submit  to  the  chains  of  slavery  forged  by  our  enemies;  therefore, 

1.  Resolved,  That  it  is  the  indispensable  duty  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
county,  by  the  besl  ways  and  means,  to  prevent  the  sitting  of  the  respective 
courts  under  such  regulations  as  are  set  forth  in  a  late  act  of  parliament,  en- 
titled, an  act  for  regulating  the  civil  government  of  the  Massachusetts 
Baj . 

2.  Resolved,  That  in  order  to  prevent  the  execution  of  the  late  act  of  par- 
liament, respecting  the  courts,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of 
this  county,  to  attend,  in  person,  the  next  interior  court  of  common  pleas 
and  general  ses>i<>ns,  to  be  holden  at  Worcester,  in  and  for  said  county,  on 
the  sixth  day  of  September  next 

'■'>.  Ilisolved,  That  it  he  recommended  to  the  several  towns,  that  they 
choose  proper  and  suilahle  officers,  and  a  sufficient  number,  to  regulate  the 


WORCESTER   I  "\\  i.\  i  [<  >N 

movements  of  each  town,  and  prevent  an)  i  wliicli 

happen  :  and  that  it  be  i  on  1 1 1 •  -  inhnbitai 

thai  the]  ad  ictlj  to  the  orders  nnd  din  • 

■I.  And  whereas,  tli<  courts  of  justice  will  necessarily  l»- 
opposition  to  the  -;.iil  acts  ■  •!   parliament,  thi  I  ',  dial 

commend)  >\  t"  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  in  gi  ni  ral,  and  i"  il" 
tlii-  count)  in  particular,  that  t ln>  depute  tit  persona  to  n  pn  m  nl  U  i  m  in 
one  general  provincial  convention,  t"  I"  convent  d  at  i 
mill  Tuesdaj  of  Octoh  r  at  nt,  to  devise  proper  ways  and  mcai  -  t"  resume 
our  original  mode  of  government,  whereb]  I  lifted  s< 

as  the]  evei  ought  to  be,  dependant  on   1 1 1 •  -   people   for  ii 
such;  or  sorai  otlier  which  ma)  appear  t ■  ■  them   !•  ilatcd  to 

and  secure  our  violated  rights.    The  jue 
of  n  dn  ss,  wi   submit  to  tin-  determination  of  our 
<>iir  opinion,  die  onl)  just  tribunal  •  ,,|  t,.  on  earth. 

.">.   /.  I   iat  ii  be  recommended,  thai  Buch  innholders  and  n 

who  Bhall  be  approbati  <l  b)  the  selectmen  in  their  respective  towns,  contin- 
ue and  exercise  their  respective  functions ;  provided,  the)  Btrictl)  adhere  t'> 
the  law  of  this  province  n  specting  innholdi  rs  and  retail 

6.  Resolved,  Thai  ii  be  recommended  t<>  the  several  towns,  that  diey  in- 
demnif)  their  constables  for  neglecting  i"  return  lists  ofp<  rsona  qualifii 

-•  rve  as  jurors. 

7.  /.'  .  That  as  the  ordinar)  course  of  justice  musl  be  stayed,  in  con- 
sequence of  the  late  arbitral*)  and  oppn  B 

we  would  earnestl)  recommend  to  ever)    inhabitant  of  this  count; 
his  just  debts  as  soon  as  may  \»-  possible,  without  an)   disputes  or  I 
tion. 

3.   /.'  '.  Thai  a-  the  dark  and  gloom)  ir  public 

thrown  this  province  into  great  convulsions,  and  the  minds  of  the  people 

b rend)  agitated  with  the  near  view  •  >'"  impending  ruin;  we  earnesl 
commend  to  ever)  one,  aud  we  <  ourselves,  t"  use  the  utmost  influ- 

ent e  in  suppressing  all  riotous  and  disorderl)  proceedings  in  our  respective 

IOV"j  ii.-. 

It  was  Moved,  That  whereas,  il  is  generally  expected,  thai  the  governor 
will  Bend  one  <>r  more  regiments  t>>  enforce  die  execution  of  the  acts  ofpai 
liament,  on  1 1  •  *  -  6tb  of  September,  that  n  l»-  recommended  to  t  i » « -  inhabi 
tants  of  this  county,  if  Uiere  i-  intelligence,  thai  troops  are  on  theii  march  t<> 
\\     cester,  i"  attend,  properl)   armed,  in  order  t"  repel   an)    1 1« »— 1 1 J •  -  I 
which  ma)  be  employed  for  thai  purpose.1 

The  motion,  after  some  debate  being  withdrawn; 

..i   tbe  ^  i-ii  mi  I  hi 
I 

-.1 


C34  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Voted,  That  if  there  is  an  invasion,  or  danger  of  an  invasion,  in  any  town 
in  this  county,  then  such  town  as  is  invaded,  or  being  in  danger  thereof, 
shall,  by  their  committees  of  correspondence,  or  some  other  proper  persons, 
send  letters,  by  express  posts,  immediately,  to  the  committees  of  the  adjoin- 
ing towns,  who  shall  send  to  other  committees  in  the  towns  adjoining  them, 
that  they  all  come  properly  armed  and  accoutred  to  protect  and  defend  the 
place  invaded. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  towns  in  this  county,  to  pay  no  re- 
gard to  the  late  act  of  parliament,  respecting  the  calling  town  meetings,  but, 
to  proceed  in  their  usual  manner ;  and  also,  that  they  pay  no  submission  to 
any  acts  altering  our  free  constitution. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  each  town  of  the  county,  to  retain  in 
their  own  hands,  what  moneys  may  be  due  from  them  severally  to  the  prov- 
ince treasury,  till  public  tranquillity  be  restored,  and  more  confidence  can 
be  reposed  in  the  first  magistrate  and  his  council. 

Voted,  To  postpone  the  consideration  of  the  petition  of  Doct.  William 
Paine,  respecting  the  establishment  of  a  hospital  for  the  small  pox,  to  the 
adjournment  of  this  meeting. 

Voted,  That  each  member  will  purchase  at  least  two  pounds  of  powder  in 
addition  to  any  he  may  have  on  hand,  and  will  use  all  his  exertions  to  sup- 
ply his  neighbors  fully. 

Voted,  That  the  members  and  delegates  endeavor  to  ascertain  what  num- 
ber of  guns  are  deficient  to  arm  the  people  in  case  of  invasion. 

taken  his  seat  upon  the  bench,  but  he  has  promised  me  to  attend  the  superior  court  at  Boston,  to- 
wards the  end  of  the  month,  and  I  hope  also,  he  will  preside  in  said  court  to  be  held  at  Worcester, 
in  September,  notwithstanding  the  threats  thrown  out  against  him.  I  have  engaged  to  meet  him  at 
Boston,  to  prevent  violence,  which,  from  the  present  system,  I  dont  expect  to  meet  with  there  ;  I 
believe,  that  I  must  attend  him  also  at  Worcester,  where  I  am  to  expect  it." 

"  By  the  plan  lately  adopted,  forcible  opposition  and  violence  is  to  be  transferred  from  the  town 
of  Boston  to  the  country." 

"  In  Worcester,  they  keep  no  terms  ;  openly  threatening  resistance  by  arms;  have  been  pur- 
chasing arms  ;  preparing  them  ;  casting  balls  ;  and  providing  powder  ;  and  threaten  to  attack  any 
troops  who  dare  to  oppose  them.  Mr.  Ruggles,  of  the  new  council,  is  afraid  to  take  his  seat  as 
judge  of  the  inferior  court,  which  sits  at  Worcester,  on  the  6th  of  next  month  ;  and,  I  apprehend, 
that  I  shall  soon  be  obliged  to  march  a  body  of  troops  into  that  township,  and  perhaps  into  others, 
as  occasions  happen,  to  preserve  the  peace." 

In  reference  to  the  mandamus  councillors,  General  Gngc  writes,"  your  lordship  judged  right,  that 
art  would  be  practised  on  this  occasion,  to  intimidate  and  prejudice  ;  even  force  was  attempted  on 
Mr.  Ruggles,  by  a  number  of  people  collected  on  the  road,  near  Worcester,  with  intent  to  stop  him, 
but  he  made  his  way  through  them." 

On  the  second  of  September  following,  Gov.  Gage  writes  to  the  Earl  of  Dartmouth,  as  follows  : 

"  I  came  here  to  attend  the  superior  court,  and  with  the  intention  to  send  a  body  of  troops  to  Wor- 
cester, to  protect  the  court  there  ;  and  if  wanted,  to  send  parties  to  the  houses  of  the  councillors  who 
dwell  in  that  county;  but  finding,  from  undoubted  authority,  thai  the  Barnes  of  sedition  had  spread 
universally  throughout  the  country,  beyond  conception  ;  the  councillors  already  driven  away  ;  and 
that  no  court  would  proceed  on  Im- mess  ;  I  waited  the  evenl  of  the  sitting  of  the  superior  court  here, 
on  the  30th  ultimo  ;  the  judges  met,  but  could  get  neither  grand  nor  petit  jury." 


\vou<t.sti:i:  (  o\\  ENTION 

Fated,  Thai  the  resolves  accepted  in  this  convention,  and  iIm- 
town  meetings,  be  signed  bj  the  chairman  and  clerk,  and  printed. 

/  oted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  I  'haplain  be  requested  i"  close  tl  irith 

prayer. 

Voted,  To  adjourn  this  meeting  to  the  first  Tuesdaj  of  September  m 
then  to  meet  si  the  house  of  Mr.  TimoUrj  B      low,  in  Woi  t  1 

o'clock,  A.  M. 

Tl  BSD  ii.  Si  it.  6,    177  I. 

The  committees  of  correspondence  and  delegates  of  the  several  towns, 
up  i  in  convention,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Tim      ■•    Bigelow,  according  t"  ad 
journment 

The  J{'\    Mr.  Chaplain  opened  the  meeting  with  pray<  r. 

/  oted,  \-  the  '>|>inii)ii  ui'  this  convention,  that  the  court  >li"u!<l  not  -it  on 
any  terms. 

l  oted,  That  the  several  committees  inform  the  people  of  their  respective 
towns,  of  this  vote  of  the  convention,  and,  thai  thej  choose  one  man  from 
each  company,  as  a  committee  to  wait  <>n  the  judges  to  inform  them  of  the 
m  solution  tn  atop  the  courts  sitting,  if  the  people  concur  therein. 

/  nhil.  Thai  the  bodj  of  the  people  in  this  county  now  in  town,  assemble 
on  the  common.1 

Voted,  To  i-hoose  a  committee  of  three  persons  to  inquire  <>f  the  commit- 
tees of  the  towns,  how  long  it  will  be  before  the)  make  the  determination  of 
the  body  of  the  p<  < »j >!•  ■  respecting  the  courts,  known  to  the  judges,  and  to 
inform  the  convention  thereof 

Voted,  To  adjourn  to  the  green  beyond  Mr.  Salisbury's,  where  the  conven- 
tion proceeded. 

Voted,  Thai  ;i  committee  of  three,  \i/.:  Capt  Mandell,  Deacon  Rawaon, 
and  Mr.  Samuel  Jennison,  be  a  committee  to  inform  the  grand  jurors  of  the 
determination  of  the  county  as  to  tli<-  courts  being  held. 

/    ted,  i"  adjourn  to  the  court  house  al  two  o'clock,  P.  M. 

Mel  according  to  adjournment,  and  again  adjourned  t<»  the  green,  t>>  attend 
tin-  bod}  of  the  people. 

I'otnl,  To  clioosc  :i  i-oinmittee  of  tint  r  pi-r-oiis  to  |notvi(l  to  wait  on   the 
committi  es  of  the  town--,  to  inquire  the  occasion  of  the  delay  of  the  jui 
in  making  their  appearance  before  the  bodj  of  the  people. 

/  oted,  Thai  three  persons  be  chosen  s  committee,  to  acquaint  John  '  Chand- 
ler, Esq.,  and  the  other  protesters,  thai  the)  must  follow  after  the  ju 

I)  On  I  in  of  ill ivenUon,  ilio  peopl 

u  in. I.    Tl ompaniei  of  the  n  vol  il  towna  * 

.i  in  ntilitarj  ..r.i.-r.     II  i\  in.-  been  formed   in  two  liw 

■  I  their  di  public  »  ill.     \ 

iii.it  n  i  their  a    •  i  the  judicial  tribunal*,  « 

r  i  >  |  >t  •  - .  i  bj  iIm  aei  of  parliament,  tl 


636  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

through  the  ranges  of  the  body  of  the  people ;  that  they  go  immediately 
after  the  judges,  and  read  their  recantations.  1 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  convention  be  given  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chap- 
lam,  for  his  attendance  with  them. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  military  officers  in  this  county,  that 
they  resign  their  commissions  to  the  colonels  of  the  respective  regiments. 

Voted,  That  the  field  officers  resign  their  offices,  and  publish  their  resig- 
nations in  all  the  Boston  newspapers. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  towns  of  the  county,  to 
choose  proper  officers  for  the  military  of  the  town,  and  a  sufficient  number. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  of  this 
county,  that  they  provide  themselves,  immediately,  with  one  or  more  field 
pieces,  mounted  and  fitted  for  use  ;  and  also  a  sufficient  quantity  of  ammu- 
nition for  the  same  ;  and  that  the  officers  appoint  a  suitable  number  of  men, 
out  of  their  respective  companies,  to  manage  said  field  pieces. 

Voted,  To  take  notice  of  those  justices  of  the  inferior  court  of  common 
pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace  of  this  county,  who  aspersed  the 
people  in  a  late  address  to  Gov.  Gage.'2 

(1)  Forty-three  of  the  royalist  inhabitants  of  Worcester,  had  made  their  protest  against  the  pa- 
triotic resolutions  of  that  town.  This  protest  having  been  entered  on  the  municipal  records,  by  the 
clerk,  without  authority,  he  was  subsequently  compelled,  in  open  meeting,  to  obliterate  the  docu- 
ment ;  the  work  of  the  pen  not  being  effectual  in  destroying  its  former  traces,  his  fingers  were  dip- 
ped in  ink,  and  drawn  over  the  page,  which  still  remains  in  the  town  book,  entirely  illegible.  Most 
of  the  subsciibers  of  the  loyal  paper  were  forced  to  sign  recantations  of  their  expressed  opinion.  To 
these  persons  the  vote  in  the  text  refers. 

(2)  The  address  of  the  justices  of  the  county  of  Worcester,  was  presented  June  21,  1774,  and 
with  the  answer  of  Governor  Gage,  follows: 

To  his  Excellency  Thomas  Gape,  Esq.,  Captain  General  and  Governor  in  Chief  in  and  over  theprov- 
nf  Massachusetts  Buy,  in  New  England. 

May  it  pleasi  your  I.  ■  Uency: — The  justices  of  the  court  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  and 
justices  of  the  inferior  court  of  common  pleas,  held  at  Worcester,  on  the  second  Tuesday  of  June, 
1774,  beg  leave,  at  our  first  session,  after  your  safe  arrival,  to  congratulate  your  excellency  thereon, 
and  also,  on  your  appointment  to  the  most  important  office  of  first  magistrate  in  this  province;  in 
full  confidence,  from  the  an  iable  character  your  excellency  has  obtained  in  your  other  impor- 
tant departments  in  America,  you  will  ever  delight  in  promoting  the  good  of  this  government. 
We  find  a  peculiar  difficulty  in  expressing  the  distress  of  our  minds  relating  to  the  unhappy 
circumstances  of  this  province  at  this  time  ;  and  can,  with  sincerity,  say,  that  we  have  no  donbt, 
from  your  well  known  i  you  will  do  all  that  is  in  your  power,  to  i  xtricate  us  out  of  our 

distresses,  in  every  waj  consistent  with  the  true  interest  of  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies,  which 
we  hold  inseparable.  And  we  do  bear  our  testimony  against  all  riots,  routs,  combinations,  and  un- 
warrantable "  solves,  which,  we  apprehend,  have  been  the  unhappj  occasion  of  many  of  our  trou- 
1,1.  s.  And  as  there  are  now  circulating  through  this  province,  certain  inflammatory  pieces,  signed 
by  order  of  the  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Boston  ;  ami  in  this  county,  by  order  of 
certain  persons,  calling  themsel « es  a  committee  of  correspondence  of  the  town  of  Worcester,  di- 
rected to  the  several  towns  in  the  county,  stimulating  the  people  to  break  off  all  connexion  with 
i .  eat  Britain,  which  bave  still  a  tendencj  to  alienate  the  affections  of  the  people  of  this  province 
and  county  from  thi  id  create  discord  and  confusion,  we  do  assure  your  excel 

lency,  thai  we  will  do  every  thing  in  our  power.  I  tenance  such  proceedings,  and  support 

the  e\er  ution  of  the  laws,  at,  I  r,  nder  your  excellency's  administration  successful  and  prosperous. 

To  which  his  Excellency  was  pleased  to  return  the  following  answer: 


WORCESTER   <  <»\\  EN  HON 

/  -//-/,  That  three  pi  \  sons  be  a  committee  n>  require  tin-  comn 
day.  in  make  report  to  the  convention,  of  their  proa 

I  I'li.it  the  principals  in  the  protesl  reading  their  recantation,  shall 

l>.  acc<  pted  for  all  those  who  signed  the  recantation. 

I  iiinl.  That  four  nun  be  desired  to  attend,  in  addition  t"  those  who 
to  walk  \\  nli  <  '"l.  ( Sardner  <  lhandler,  aheriffof  the  county,  through  the  i 
is  of  the  people. 

I  hat  u  I"'  recommended  to  the  officers  of  each  company  of  the 
people  assembli  d,  t"  keep  good  order :  <  njoin  it  on  their  men  not  to  do  the 
lessl  damage  to  anj  person's  property:  but  to  march  quietlj  borne:  and 
thai  the  convention  have  nothing  further  to  lay  b<  lore  tbi  m. 

'  ■'       !i       Deacon  Rawson,  Mr.  Asa  Wbitcomb,  and  D        I 
committee  to  wsit  on  a  number  of  justice  ive  them  en  opportunit)  to 

aign  the  declaration,  which  has  I  oed  bj  the  justices  and  i 

the  inferior  court,  and  is  as  follows: 

\\  ..i..  i  - 1 1  k.  E  177  I- 

Worcester,  88.  The  justices  of  the  inferior  court,  and  justices  of  tin- 
rourt  of  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  for  the  count]  of  Worc«  ster,  to  the 
people  of  the  county,  now  assembled  at  Worcester: 

<  m  \  i  i.i  mi  n  :—  ^  i'ii  ha\  ing  desired,  and  evi  n  insisted  upon  it,  that  all  ju- 
dicial  proceedings  be  stayed  bj  the  justices  of  the  court  appointed  tin-  day, 
b]  law.  tn  be  held  al  Worcester,  within  and  for  the  count]  of  w  r,on 

accouui  of  the  unconstitutional  act  of  the  British  parliament,  respecting  the 
administration  of  justice  in  tlii-   province,  which,  if  <  ,  will  reduce 

the  inhabitants  thereof  to  nine  arbitrarj  power;  we  do  you,  thai  we 

w ill  stay  all  Buch  judicial  proceedings  of  -aid  court-,  and  w  ill  not  i  ndi 
to  put  Baid  act  into  execution. 

Thou  is  Steel,  Ezra  Tati  or, 

i  cm  Wilder,        .Loin  Caldwell, 

\i.  i  i  m  \  -    W  led,  I  '.i  in.  mi    W  ii  -os. 

Timo  i  m    Pairs,         9  Wilder, 

John   CUAWDL1  .lo-ui    v    I   I'll  \M, 

Dahiel  Hemshaw,     Johr  Chandler,  Jk. 

A  i:i  i     WlLLARD,  Himii     OlIV] 

Charles  Brigb  vm.    Josi  ph  Dorr, 

R.OR]  a  i     <  rODD  Men.       1  IzBA    Hoi  QH  rOW, 
FraRCIS     Win  in. i  .      ,\  \  i  ii  \  n     I  lit  i.. 
.lo-m    v    WlLLARD, 

I 
trot] 

n  i  of  the  ' 

and  i 

iheirbrel 
I  ■  r.  ■•  •  i 

• 
I 

unio:i    M 
in. 


G38  WORCESTER  CONVENTION 

We,  the  officers  of  the  court,  do,  for  ourselves,  give  the  people  the  same 
assurances  above. 

Gardner  Chandler,  Sheriff. 

Rufus  Chandler, 

John  Sprague, 

Nathaniel  Chandler,  Attorneys. 

Voted,  To  choose  a  committee  of  nine  persons,  to  draw  up  a  form  of  a 
vote  for  administering  justice,  and  to  protect  the  justices  in  the  execution  of 
their  offices. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Ward,  Capt.  Henshaw,  Deacon  Rawson,  Joseph  Whee- 
ler, Samuel  Jennison,  Lieut.  Joseph  Baker,  Capt.  Mandell,  Timothy  Bige- 
low,  and  Lieut.  Jonathan  Holman,  be  the  committee  for  that  purpose. 

Voted,  That  the  above  committee  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the  justices 
of  the  county,  to-morrow  morning. 

Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  the  justices'  address  to  Governor  Gage, 
be  committed  to  the  same  committee. 

Voted,  To  adjourn  till  to-morrow,  at  8  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Wednesday,  Septemeer  7,  1774. 

The  convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Voted,  To  accept  of  the  acknowledgment  made  by  Thomas  Steel,  Joseph 
Wilder,  Timothy  Paine,  John  Chandler,  Abel  Willard,  and  Joshua  Upham, 
Esquires,  for  aspersing  the  people  of  this  county  in  a  late  address  to  Gov- 
ernor Gage. 

Voted,  That  the  justices  who  addressed  Governor  Gage  at  the  last  session 
of  the  court,  be  brought  before  the  convention,  and  make  and  sign  a  decla- 
ration, in  writing,  of  the  inadvertence  of  their  proceedings :  which  is  done, 
and  the  declaration  is  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  the  committees  in  convention  have  expressed  their  uneasiness 
to  a  number  of  the  justices  of  the  common  pleas  and  general  sessions,  now 
present  in  the  convention,  who,  in  an  address  to  Governor  Gage,  at  their 
session  in  June  last,  aspersed  the  people  of  this  county  ;  those  justices,  in 
the  presence  of  the  convention,  frankly  declare  that  they  precipitately  enter- 
ed into  the  measure  ;  they  are  sorry  for  it ;  and  they  disclaim  an  intention 
to  injure  the  character  of  any;  and  were  the  same  measure  again  proposed, 

they  should  reject  it. 

Thomas  Steel,  Duncan  Campbell, 

Joseph  Wilder,  Jedediah  Marct, 

Timothy  Paine,  Francis  Whipple, 

John  Chandler,  Ezra  Houghton, 

Abel  Wii.j.ard,  Isaac  Barnard, 

Joshua  Upham, 

The  committee  on  the  administration  of  justice,  and  respecting  the  offices 


WORCESTER  <  ONVEN  PION 

of  probate  and  sheriff  made  a  report,  which  was  accepted,  and  ii  IB  fol- 
low -  : 

Whereas,  the  late  act  of  parliament  respecting  the  |  •  r- *  *  v :  ridently 

designed  to  prevent  an]  civil  officers  holding  tlnir  places  bj  virtue  of  the 
charter  "i  tin-  province,  then  l>\  interrupting  the  course  of  justice,  and  ft  is 
necessarj  i"  bav<    civil  officers  till  further  provision  can  be  made:  tbx 
fore, 

/.'  wived,  That  the  justices  of  the  pi  ace  for  this  county,  who  were  in 
office  on  the  lasl  da]  of  June  past,  except  Timothy  R  ,  J<  ;      M   my, 

and  Janus  Putnam,  Enquires,  be  berebj  »t  Bired  to  set  in  said  i 
single  justices,  except  in  judicial  proceedings  mere)]  civil:  also,  thai  tin: 
judge  of  probate,  sheriffs,  and  coroners,  who  were  in  office  on  tin 
of  June  past,  exercise  their  respective  offices  till  the  rising  of  the  Provii 
Congress,  propose  d  to  nil  al  Concord,  on  the  second  1  .  of  October 

next,  notwithstanding  anj  proposed  supersedeas  that  ma]  be  sent  to  them, 
or  an]  of  them,  or  any  proclamation  designed  to  prevent  them  from  ln>l<l- 
ing  and  exercising  their  Baid  offices.  And  we,  hereby,  also  recommend,  to 
the  people  of  this  county,  that  the]  consider  and  treat  them  ss  being  in 
their  said  offices,  and  support  and  defend  them  in  the  execution  thereof  ac- 
cording to  the  laws  of  this  proi  ino  , 

J'oted,  To  put  the  laws  in  ex<  cution  respecting  pedlars  and  chapmen. 

Voted,  That  the  Norfolk  exercise  be  adopted. 

J'odL  To  take  notice  of  Mr.  Samuel  Paine,  assistant  clerk,  for  sending 
out  venires. 

I  oted.  Thai  Mr.  Samuel  Jennison  go  to  Mr.  Samuel  Paine  forthwith,  and 
<li  sire  J i *  —  immediate  attendance  before  this  body,  to  answer  for  lii-  sending 
venires  to  the  constables,  commanding  their  compliance  with  the  hue  act  of 
parliament. 

Mr.  Paine  sppean  d,  and  stated  that  he  foil  hound  by  the  dut]  of  his  office 
to  comply  w ith  the  act 

/  oted,  Thai  Mr.  Tame  has  oot  given  satisfaction,  and  that  he  be  allowed 
in  consider  till  thi  adjournment  of  this  meeting. 

/  oted,  To  adjourn  till  the  20th  of  September  instant,  ti>  meet  at  the  court 
house,  in  Worcester,  at  Id  o'clock,  A.  M.1 

(1)  On  tlio  day  following  itirnment  of  the  county  convention,  n  n 

imitbi  of  the  eonntj  of  Won  esti  r  w  11  bi  Id.    Thoii  rotolulioai,  which 
bill,  ind  n  >  fort]  tbr<  o  porsoni,  foil 

Win  in iaa,  lit  r\  mooting  of  tbi       '      I   i  from  thi 

«iili  il ommittoe  of  correspondence  of  the  town 

bold)  i  the  98th  daj  of  An 

I  proof  of  their  enmity  to  i!"'  peopli 
try ,  ahoold  bo  held  in  oontempt,  and  that  thoia  who  an  d  with  thi 

from  tl  ion  their  rii  ,  buibandraon,  and  othert,  to  withbol 

mini  lOppllet  : 

i  itinii  of  »ii  reip<  l:1  "* 

ata,  and  ic  .  .it  tins  distri  Ming  day  of  trial,  wo,  the  mb»«ib«r». 


640  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

September  20,  1774. 

The  convention  met,  according  to  adjournment,  and  was  opened  with 
prayers. 

Voted,  To  defer  the  consideration  of  the  expediency  of  adjourning  to  the 
superior  court,  for  the  present. 

Voted,  That  the  sheriff  send  out  precepts  to  the  towns  for  the  choice  of 
representatives. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Joseph  Henshaw,  Capt.  Thomas  Denny,  Capt.  Whit- 
comb,  Mr.  Timothy  liigelow,  and  Capt.  Tyler,  be  a  committee,  to  report  in 
relation  to  giving  instructions  to  the  representatives. 

Toted,  That  the  same  committee  take  into  consideration  the  choice  of 
field  officers. 

Voted,  As  the  opinion  of  this  convention,  that  the  sheriff  adjourn  the  su- 
perior court  appointed  by  law  to  be  held  this  day,  and  that  he  retain  such 
as  are,  or  may  be  committed  as  criminals,  in  his  custody,  until  they  have  a 
trial. 

Voted,  That  the  plan  for  military  organization  be  recommitted  to  the 
same  committee  who  have  reported,  to  make  further  additions  and  amend- 
ments. 

Adjourned  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  8  o'clock,  A.  M. 

cd  with  a  sense  of  our  duty  to  our  country,  paternal  affection  for  our  children  and  unborn  millions,  as 
also  for  our  personal  rights  and  liberties,  solemnly  covenant,  agree  and  engage  to  and  with  each  other, 
that  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  December,  1774,  we  will  not,  according  to  the  best  of  our  knowl- 
edge, any  or  either  of  us,  nor  any  person  by  our  directions,  order  or  approbation,  for  or  under  any  or 
either  of  us,  do  or  perform,  any  blacksmith's  work,  or  business  of  any  kind  whatever,  for  any  per- 
son or  persons  whom  we  esteem  enemies  to  this  country,  commonly  known  by  the  name  of  tories, 
viz.  :  all  councillors  in  this  province  appointed  by  mandamus,  who  have  not  publicly  resigned  said 
office,  also  every  person  who  addressed  Governor  Hutchinson  on  his  departure  from  this  province, 
who  has  not  publicly  recanted  :  also  every  officer  exercising  authority  by  virtue  of  any  commission 
tending  to  carry  any  of  the  late  oppressive  acts  of  parliament  into  execution  in  America  :  and, 
in  particular,  we  will  not  do  any  work  for  Timothy  Ruggles  of  Hardwick,  John  Murray  of  Rutland, 
and  James  Putnam  of  Worcester,  Esquires:  nor  for  any  person  or  persons  cultivating,  tilling,  im- 
proving, dressing,  hiring,  or  occupying  any  of  their  lands  or  tenements.  Also,  we  agree  to  refuse 
our  work  of  every  kind,  as  aforesaid,  to  all  and  every  person  or  persons  who  shall  not  have  signed 
the  non-consumption  ngreeement,  or  have  entered  into  a  similar  contract  or  engagement,  or  that 
shall  not  strictly  conform  to  the  association  or  covenant  agreed  upon  and  signed  by  the  Continental 
I  -.  Iii'l)  convened  at  Philadelphia. 

We  further  agree,  that  we  will  not  do  any  work  for  any  mechanic,  tradesman,  laborer,  or  others, 
that  shall  work  for,  or  in  any  ways,  or  by  any  means  whatever,  aid,  assist,  or  promote  the  business, 
or  pecuniary  advantage,  pleasures  or  profits  of  any  the  said  ■  ,,,  s  in  this  country. 

Rrsolrctl,  That  all  lawful  ways  and  means  oui;ht  to  lie  adopted  by  the  whole  body  of  the  people 
of  this  province,  to  discountenance  all  our  inveterate  political  enemies  in  manner  as  aforesaid. 
Therefore,  we  earnestly  recommend  it  to  all  denominations  of  artificers,  that  they  call  meetings  of 
their  respective  craftsmen  in  tbeii  several  counties,  as  soon  as  maj  be,  and  enter  into  associations 
and  agreemi  ntt  tor  said  purposes  :  and  thai  all  husbandmen,  laborers,  &c.  do  the  like  :  and  that 
whoever  shall  be  guilty  of  any  breach  of  any  or  cither  of  the  articles  or  agreements,  be  held  by  us 
in  contempt,  as  enemies  to  our  common  rights. 

ROSS  YVYMAN,  Chairman. 
Timothy  Biollow,  Clerk. 


w  <  >RCESTEK  >  1 1\\  i.\  ri,  WJ 

17  7  1. 

The  convention  m<  Ijournm 

A  paper  was  sent  b)  Mr.  Samuel  Paino,  cli  t,  which 

is  a-  follow 

/'  ntienu  «  ■ 

Worcester, 

1  ■  — 1   '  ghl   I  ii iv 

issuing  the  warrants,  at  your  I  --  *  ~  t   n  w  1  ■  i  •  - 1 1  could  n 

pected  :  still,  you  have  d  I  of  mo  \    1 

that  matter,  as  actii 
of  the  propriety   oi    irnpropi 
tin-  wai rants  ga\ e  tie   people,  w 

determine  lor  theraselvos  whether  t i i > •  _\   Bhould  be  complied  with  "i 
upon  this  representation,  I  hope  I  sb  II  -;  ind  Pair  in  the  eye  "i  nr.  country- 
men.   Should  1 1 < •  t  this  !»•  a  sufficient  excuse  for  n  must  ki 
tlemen,  that  I  was  regularlj  appointed  clerk  of  the  ;  tunty,  bj 
the  justices,  in  September  last,  and,  as  the  said  justices  "I"  i 
eral  sessions  of  the  peace,  as  well   as  the  inferior  court  of  comm 
for  this  county,  whose  servani  I  am,  on  the  3ixth  da         -  current, 
did  give  assurance  to  the  bodj  of  the  people  "i'  this  county,  tin  ibled 
at  Worcester,  that  they  would  nol  >  ndeavor  to  put  said  act  in  • 
gentlemen,  I  give  you  the  same  assurance. 

\  mt, 

SAMUEJ    PAJN1 

.'  That  tin-   paper  sent  l>\  Mr.  Paine  is  nol  satisfi  th< 

Bame  I"-  committed  t"  Mr.  Joseph  ll>  oshaw,  Mr.  Bigelovt  and  Mr.  Doolittle, 
who  reported,  after  some  time,  as  follows  i 

The  committee  to  whom  the  convention  referred  th<    consideration  of  a 
letter  addressed  to  them,  signed  Samuel  Paine,  have  bad  tie    sami 
them,  and  beg  leave  i"  i eporl : 

The  letter  appears  to  have   been  written  by  a  young  man,  who,  bj  his 
connections,  has  lati  <  <l  into  the  offic<    of  clerk  of  the 

inferior  court,  through  the  indul  »f  the  bench  of  justices.     1 

is  aftrontive  to  the  convention,  and  in  do  respect  answers  their  reasonable 
requisitions.     Considering  the   person  who  wrote  it,  the  committi 
opinion,  it   i>  of  t<">  small   importance  to  be  notici  >l  anj   further  by  the 
convention,  and  therefore  recommend,  that  said  letter  \<>-  dismissed,  ..ml  the 
pei  son  treated  with  all  oegli  ct 

Bj  order  of  tl mil 

JOS1  I'll  HENSH  \w    ' 


043  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Voted,  To  take  notice  of  Mr.  Sheriff  Chandler,  for  carrying  an  address  to 
Governor  Cage,  and  that  a  committee  wait  on  him,  and  request  his  attend- 
ance before  this  body,  forthwith. 

J'oted,  That  Doct.  Dimsmore,  Mr.  Drury,  and  Mr.  Clapp,  be  a  committee 
to  inform  the  sheriff  of  this  vote  of  the  convention  respecting  his  conduct. 

Mr.  Sheriff  came  in,  and  presented  the  following  declaration,  which  was 
accepted : 

Whereas,  the  convention  of  committees  have  expressed  their  uneasiness 
to  the  sheriff  of  this  county,  now  present  before  the  convention,  for  pre- 
senting, with  others,  an  address  to  Governor  Gage,  he  frankly  declares  it 
was  precipitately  done  by  him :  that  he  is  sorry  for  it :  and  disclaims  an  in- 
tention to  do  any  thing  against  the  minds  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  : 
and,  had  he  known  it  would  have  given  offence,  he  would  not  have  present- 
ed said  address. 

GARDINER  CHANDLER. 

Resolved,  That  as  the  ordinary  courts  of  justice  will  be  stayed,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  late  arbitrary  and  oppressive  acts  of  the  British  parliament, 
we  would  earnestly  recommend  to  every  inhabitant  of  this  county,  to  pay 
his  just  debts,  as  soon  as  possible,  without  any  dispute  or  litigation,  "  and  if 
any  disputes  concerning  debts  or  trespasses  should  arise,  which  cannot  be 
settled  by  the  parties,  we  recommend  it  to  them  to  submit  ail  such  causes 
to  arbitration  ;  and  if  the  parties,  or  either  of  them,  shall  refuse  to  do  so, 
they  ought  to  be  considered  as  co-operating  with  the  enemies  of  the  coun- 
try. 

The  committee  on  instructions  submitted  their  report,  which  was  accept- 
ed, and  is  as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts,  that 
they  instruct  their  representatives,  who  may  be  chosen  to  meet  at  Salem,  in 
October  next,  absolutely  to  refuse  to  be  sworn  by  any  officer  or  officers,  but 
such  as  are  or  may  be  appointed  according  to  the  constitution,  or  to  act  as 
one  branch  of  the  legislature  in  concert  with  any  others,  except  such  as  are, 
or  may  be  appointed,  according  to  the  charter  of  this  province  :  and  that 
they  refuse  to  give  their  attendance  at  Roston,  while  the  town  is  invested 
with  troops  and  ships  of  war :  and  should  there  be  any  thing  to  prevent 
their  acting  with  such  a  governor  and  council  as  is  expressly  set  forth  in 
the  charter,  that  they  immediately  repair  to  the  town  of  Concord,  and  there 
join  in  a  provincial  congress,  with  such  other  members  as  are  or  maybe 
chosen  for  thai  purpose,  to  act  and  determine  on  such  measures  as  they 
shall  judge  to  be  proper  to  extricate  this  colony  out  of  the  present  unhap- 
py circumstances. 

Voted,  That  it  be  again  recommended  to  the  several  towns  and  districts  in 
this  county,  thai  they  provide  themselves  immediately  with  one  or  more 
field  pieces,  mounted  and  fitted  for  use,  and  also,  a  sufficient  quantity  of 


\\<  MCESTER  i  I  »\\  EN  I  i<  »\ 

ammunition  for  the  same,  and  thai  tl 

men,  out  of  ive  companies,  to  m 

W  hercas,  the  pi  ople  <>r  this  count)  are  under 
purchase  an)  goods  imported  fro   i  < .'      I   H  il 

gust,  1774,  which  the)   determi  .  .Il_\   !••  adl  l  our  n 

grievances  \«-  redressed,  thi  f,  thai  it   l»-  rec 

we  do  earnest!)  recommend  it  to  mmittei 

lectmt  11.  in  ■  on  tow ns  in  this  p 

'"  be  appointed,  commiti  the  imports  that  ho 

be  made,  since  the  last  dn)  o     \  ch  in  iho 

] S. ^ ~ t . . i !  newspapers,  with  the  names  of  the  im| 
fully  .-iMiid  all  such  -  in  our  dealings  for  the  futu 

/  oU  K  To  ch ••  d  standing  tittee  for  the  c it'..  >nd  with 

the  committees  of  correspondence  for  the  several  coui 
;t>  they  Bhall  think  proper;  also,  t->  prep  ter  t"  la)  before  this  1»>.1\  at 

their  several  meetings ;  to  give  th<  earliest  iutell  ral  <-i>ni- 

mittees  of  an)  nev»  attack  upon  th<  liberties  of  the  people,  and  call  ;i  count) 
congressional  convention  at  an)  time,  as  occasion  ma)  require. 

/  ott  I.  Thai  the  committees  of  correspondence  for  the  towns  of  \\ 
ter  and  Leicesti  r,  be  a  committee  for  the  above  purpose,  and  thai    M 
Thomas  Denny,  Joseph  Henshaw,  and  Joshua  Bigelow,  I"    added  to  the 
committee. 

\    ■      sei  iments  in  this  county  ore  large  and  inconvenient,  b)  the 

increase  of  its  inhabitants  since  the  first  settlement  of  said  n 

VoU  I,  that  the  county  be  divided  into  seven  distinct  regiments,  in  1 1 »« - 
follow  ing  manner,  to  \\  it : 

I — Wore  I         ster,  Holden,  Spencer,  Paxton. 

m,  <  >  cford,  Sturbridge,  <  Jharlton,  Dudley. 

Th         Lai      rter,  Bolton,  Harvard,  Lunenburg,  Leominster,  Fitchh 
Asbburnham,  W<  rtminster. 

/ 'ourlh  — Itrooktit'lil.  Western,  Braintree,  Hard  wick,  Oakham. 

/  ■//<— Rut  lam  I,  Hutchinson,  Petersham,  Athol,  Templeton,  Wiuchendon, 
I;     alston,  I [ubardston,  Princeton. 

Sixth — Southborough,  Westborougb,  Northborough,  Shrewsbury,  Grafton. 
nth — Mendon,  Uxbridge,  Northbridge,  I  pton,  Dou 

Vol  ly  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  several   towns  in  this  county,  to 
choose  proper  militar)  officers,  and  ;i  sufficient  number  for  each  town,  and 
thai  the  captains,  lieutenants,  and  ensigns,  who  are  chosen  b)  the  p 
each  regiment,  do  convene,  on  or  before  the  tenth  da)  of  Octobei 

e ■  convenient  place  in  each  regiment,  and  choose  th<  ir  fit  Id 

n  in  I  the  militia  until  the)  !"•   constitutional!)  appointed,  and  thai  it  b 
recommended  t"  the  officers  in  each  ti>\\n  of  the  county,  t"  enlisl  one  third 
of  the  men  of  their  respective  tow  us,  betw<  en  sixteen  and  Bixt) 
to  l»'  read)  t"  acl  ai  a  minute's  warning;  and  thai  ii  I"'  recommended  to  • 
town  in  the  county,  to  choose  :i  sufficient  number  of  nun  ae  o  co  nmitl 
Buppl)  :in<l  suppoti  tln>>r  troops  tli:it  .-kill  move  on  an)  emergency. 


044  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  company  officers  of  the  minute 
men,  to  meet  at  Worcester,  on  the  17th  of  October  next,  at  ten  o'clock  of 
the  forenoon,  to  proportion  their  own  regiments,  and  choose  as  many  field 
officers  as  they  shall  think  necessary. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  justices  of  the  county,  that  they 
liberate  any  persons  confined  in  jail  for  debt,  who  are  entitled  to  such  liber- 
ation by  the  laws  of  the  province. 

Voted,  That  Capt.  Joseph  Henshaw,  Colonel  Thomas  Denny,  and  Capt. 
Willard  Moore,  be  a  committee  to  present  the  following  remonstrance,  in 
behalf  of  this  convention,  to  his  Excellency  General  Gage. 

To  his  Excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  fyc.  fyc. 

The  people  of  the  county  of  Worcester,  being  earnestly  solicitous  for  the 
peace  and  welfare  of  the  province  in  general,  cannot  view  the  measures  now 
pursuing  by  your  excellency,  but  with  increasing  jealousy,  as  they  appre- 
hend there  has  not  existed,  and  docs  not  at  present  exist,  any  just  occasion 
for  the  formidable  hostile  preparations  making  on  the  neck  leading  to  our 
distressed  capital. 

It  is  a  matter  of  such  notoriety,  that  your  excellency  must  be  sensible, 
there  was  not  the  least  opposition  made  to  obstruct  the  introduction  of  the 
king's  troops  at  their  first  landing,  nor  have  the  people,  since  that  time,  dis- 
covered any  intention  to  disturb  them,  till  your  excellency  was  pleased  to 
order  the  seizure  of  the  powder  in  the  arsenal  at  Charlestown,  in  a  private 
manner,  which  occasioned  the  report  that  a  skirmish  had  happened  between 
a  party  of  the  king's  troops  and  the  people  at  Cambridge,  in  which  several 
of  the  latter  fell.  This  caused  the  people  to  form  and  march  from  divers 
parts  of  the  country  ;  but  no  sooner  had  the  report  proved  false,  than  they 
returned  peaceably  to  then  homes. 

The  inhabitants  of  the  province  in  general,  and  of  the  town  of  Boston,  have 
never  given  cause  for  those  cruel  and  arbitrary  acts,  for  blockading  their  har- 
bor and  subverting  the  charter  by  altering  the  civil  government  of  the  prov- 
ince, which,  however,  this  people  are  determined,  by  the  divine  favor,  never 
to  submit  to,  but  with  their  lives,  notwithstanding  they  are  aggrieved  at  the 
king's  displeasure  against  them,  through  the  instigation  of  traitorous  and  de- 
signing men. 

This  county  finds  it  difficult  to  comprehend  the  motives  for  the  present 
hostile  parade,  unless  it  be  in  consequence  of  some  preconcerted  plan  to 
subject  the  already  distressed  town  of  Boston  to  mean  compliances  or  mili- 
tary contributions.  They  are  equally  at  a  loss  to  account  for  your  excellen- 
cy's conduct  towards  the  county  of  Suffolk,  a>  in  your  answer  to  their  ad- 
dress, remonstrating  against  fortifying  the  only  avenue  to  the  town,  which, 
by  that  means,  may,  in  some  future  time,  ]»•  improved  to  cut  off  the  commu- 
nication between  town  and  country,  and  thereby  reduce  the  miserable  in- 
habitants to  the  greatesl  straits;  your  excellency  is  pleased  in  answer  to  ob- 
serve, that  you  had  not  made  it  easier  to  effect  this,  than   what  nature  has 


WORCESTER   <  I  >\\  l.\  I  i<  »\ 

made  it ;  ii"  bo,  the  count)  cannot  conceive,  wh)  tin-  exp<  i 
of  the  town  to  no  purpose ;  your  excellency  islikev 
tice  of  tip-  general  ;  »r  ofth<  t  at  the 

over  that  part  complaining  ->i"  •  n  of  private  pn 

ceed  to  answei  b)  wa)  ofi  which  you   would  reply. 

This  count}  are  i  rve,  the)  apprehend  the  people  jut 

1>!<-  in  providing  for  their  own  d<  while  the)  understood  then 

1  •  -  t'"-  neck   without  examination,  ti,  m  at  the  nortl 

Bpiked  up,  and  man)    pi  irched,  v  mmunilion  were 

Buspected  to  be,  and  if  found,  seized  ;  y<  peopli  d  of- 

fensively, nor  discovi  red  •"■  I  the 

county  apprehends  tin 

It  i>  n  itli  g 
er  in  the  oflici  ra  of  the  customs 

Bpectiug  tin  of  fuel,  destined  for  the  use  of  the  in  ha  I  B  Moo, 

who  are  obliged  to  have  it  with  the  additional  c  .1   relad- 

ing  at  Salem,  lx  ed;  when  your  excellency  must  be  sensible, 

the  a>-t.  which  Ls  the  professed  rule  of  i  onduct,  expressl)   exc<  pts  fuel        I 

victuals,  which  may  be  brought  1  n  by  taking  on  board   ■  or  more 

officers,  without  the  aforesaid  charge,  while  that  destined  forthi  -  pro- 

ceeds direct,  free  from  th  I  are  many  other  things  whicb 

tremel)  bard  on  the  inhabitants,  while  they  are   prohibited  from  transport- 
ing the  smallest  articles  from  one  part  of  the  town  t<«  another,  water-b 
without  danger   of  a  seizure,  or  to   l<-\   hay,  cattle,  roni  an)   of  the 

islands,  notwithstanding  then  f  transportation. 

i  leucj .  v  hend,  must  ha\  1  of 

the  character  of  i  eitiier  I 

mission  I  .   \n  itli  the   l 

boit)  to  find  the  execution  of  tli  than 

was  intended,  unless  the  thought  too  leni< 

itO  tin-  !■  Dnou  li'       I  -W  illi.iin  ;  - 

for  a  further  reinforci  ment  of  ti  sli  other  concui 

Btrongl)  indi(  ome  dan  Jtl)  excited  in  the  n 

of  the   people,  apprehensions  of  the  most  alarming  nature,  and  the  authors 
must  be  held  accountable   i<>r  all   the  l»l* ■« >*l  and  ram.  le   in   co 

quence   thereof     Therefore,  this  county,    in    <  1 1 1 1 \    to  God,  their   country, 
themselves,  and  posterity,  do  re n  !   earnestl)    desire  your  ex- 

cellency, as  you  regard  I  fthe  king,  and  tin-  p 

the  province,  to  desist  from  an)  further  hostile  pn  the 

;  b)  levelling   the  entrenchnu  dismantling 

the  fortifications,  which  will  have  a  tendenc)  t>>  Batisf)  di<  h  I  re- 

store that  confident  i  nti  J  to  their  quiet,  and  his  m 

B)  ord(  r  of  the  convention  of  committees  for  ih>'  count)  ol  w 

JOSEPH  HENSH  Ul\    ' 
Attest,     Wn.i. i  \m  Ili.-.-p  i    .  ( 


646  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Voted,  That  this  meeting  be  adjourned  to  the  first  Tuesday  of  December 
next,  at  10  o'clock,  of*  the  forenoon,  to  meet  at  the  court  house  in  Worcester. 

December  G,  1774. 

The  convention  of  committees  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  after 
prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Maccarty,  proceeded  to  business. 

The  committee  appointed  to  present  the  remonstrance  to  General  Cage, 
reported,  that  they  offered  the  same  to  Mr.  Secretary  Thicker,  who  kept  the 
address  some  days,  and  returned  it  to  them,  with  the  following  answer: 

.Boston,  Oct.  6,  1774. 

Gentlemen  : — His  excellency  the  governor  is  ever  ready  to  receive  any 
address  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  properly  laid  before  him;  but  that  from 
the  county  of  Worcester,  which  you  were  appointed  to  present,  not  being 
directed  to  him  as  governor  of  the  province,  and  there  being  an  article  in  it 
injurious  to  his  majesty,  the  governor  declines  receiving  it  at  present,  as  he 
wishes  to  have  an  alteration  in  those  two  points  before  it  is  presented. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  your  humble  servant, 

THOMAS  FLUCKER. 

To  Messrs.  Thomas  Denny,  Joseph  Herniate,  Willard  Moore. 

The  committee  being  afterwards  informed,  that  if  the  address  were  direct- 
ed to  General  Gage,  with  his  official  titles,  it  would  be  received,  they  waited 
on  the  governor,  on  Friday,  October  14th,  and  presented  the  address,  en- 
titled as  follows : 

"  To  his  Excellency  Thomas  Gage,  Esq.,  Governor  of  his  Majesty's  Province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  Commander  in  Chief  of  the  King's  forces  in  North 
America" 

The  governor  returned  the  following  answer  to  the  same  : 

Gentlemen  : — 1  have  repeatedly  given  the  strongest  assurances,  that  I 
intended  nothing  hostile  against  the  town  or  country,  and  therefore,  desire 
you  to  ease  the  minds  of  the  people  against  any  reports  that  may  have  been 
industriously  spread  amongst  them  to  the  contrary;  my  wish  is  to  preserve 
peace  and  tranquillity. 

With  respect  to  the  execution  of  the  port-bill,  it  is  a  matter  belonging  to 
other  departments;  and  if  any  thing  is  done  not  warranted  by  said  act,  the 
law  is  open  for  redress. 

THOMAS  GAGE. 

Voted,  To  request  the  Provincial  Congress  to  establish  the  Norfolk  exer- 
cise, with  such  alterations  as  they  shall  think  proper,  instead  of  the  exercise 
of  1764. 


\\<>K<  ESTEB  i  i  >NVENTH  .\  i  i: 

f'ottil.  To  recommend  the  i  an  artillery  companj   in  this  eouni 

exercise  and  manag(   tin-  fit  Id  \  d  thai  ll  thnt 

purpose  in  eacb  town,  meel  on  the  l<tii  of  Jan 

eleven  o'clock,  A.  .M . ,  i  •  ■  form  then  company,  and  to 

Ollil  I 

I  That  Timol  ow,  Mr,  B  ft,  William  Hei  M 

md  Mr.  Jonatlian  Stone,  I  -■  a  committee  i"  draft*  a  petition 
Btrance  to  the  Provincial  I  the  Bixty-fb 

the  votes  of  this  couvi  ntiou  in  order. 

'  ited,  Tbat  William  Henshaw,  Capt  1  I         J    »ph 

Henshaw,  be  a  committee  to  present  die  petition  aj  i  the 

Proi  incial  <  • 

I    '•  '.  To  1 1  ••■■mine  nd  to  the  .-<  \ i  ral  tow  ds  in  1 
in  charge  to  their  constables  and  collecto  s,  on  their  p 
public  moneys  to  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  late  f  this   i  .and 

to  indemnify  thi  ru  for  paying  it  wh<  re  the  towns  .-hall  order  them  to  \ 

I    ■■■',  Thai  the  inhabitants  of  eacb  town  in  this  counl 
sors  not  to  return  anj  certificates  of  the  lists  of  assessments  made  by  them, 
to  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  late  treasurer  of  the  province,  and  that  the}   indem- 
nify them  tin  n  for. 

Whereas,  we  are  informed  there  is  a  covenant  circulating  through   this 

province,  wherein  the  signers  have  nbiued  against  the  lib  f  the 

people,  therefore,  Voted,  that   William   Henshaw,  Capt.  Timoth)    Bigelow, 

and  Col.  Joseph  tiensha  committee  humbly  t<>  request  tl 

the  Provincial  (  ougress,  what  measun  ..all  take  in  tbat  at- 

fair.i 

/  ,,!■      I  .  committi  e  <>r  nine  pei 

the  field  officers  of  the  count}  of  Worci  ster,  to  know  the  reason  whj  they 
have  not  resigned  their  commissions  i"   th<    governor,  and  published 
resignation  in  the  Boston  newspapi  i  ablj  t"  a  vote  of  this  conv<  ution 

at  a  former  meeting,  and  demand  a  categorical  answer,  whedier   thej   "ill 
compl)  or  not  with  said  requisition,  and  make  report  t'"  this  bodj   al  their 

lllWt    III.  .    Ill 

Capl   Gates,  Capt  Timothj  Bigelow,  Mr.  Joshua  Bigelow,  Major  Willard 

M e,  Col  Sawyer,  Mr.  Dodge,  Capt  Joseph  Gilbert,  and   Mr,   Hezekiah 

Ward,  were  chosen  a  committee  for  the  above  piu*pi 

/  ,,/   ',  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  each  town   in 
county,  to  i  mmittces  of  inspection  to  carry  into  ■ 

and  proceedings  of  the  <  lontinental  I 

II, ,t  we  will  .  ncourage  a  |  rinti  to  be  set  up  in  this  coun- 

imend  t<>  ever)  town  herein,  to  give  all  pr< 
to  such  undertaking. 

I  Timothj   Bigelow,  Mr.  Jo  hua   Bigelow,  and  Will 

■ 


648  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

Henshaw,  be  a  committee  to  consult  with  Mr.  Isaiah  Thomas,  and  endeavor 
to  procure  a  printing  office  to  be  set  up. 

Voted,  That  the  convention  be  adjourned,  to  meet  on  the  2Gth  of  January 
next,  at  ten  o'clock,  A.  M.,  at  Worcester,  at  the  court  house. 

January  26,  1774. 

The  convention  met  at  the  court  house  in  Worcester. 

In  the  absence  of  the  chairman,  Col.  Artemas  Ward  was  chosen  chairman 
pro  tempore. 

Voted,  That  Col.  William  Henshsw,  Col.  Ward,  Mr.  David  Bancroft,  Capt. 
Timothy  Bigelovv,  Doct.  Dunsmoie,  Mr.  Longley,  Capt.  Job  Gushing,  Capt. 
Page,  and  Col.  Sparhawk,  be  a  committee  to  take  into  consideration  a  plan 
for  this  county  to  adopt  respecting  the  non-consumption  covenants  of  the 
Continental  and  Provincial  Congress,  and  to  report  thereon. 

Voted,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  selectmen  in  each  town  and  dis- 
trict in  the  county,  to  insert  in  the  warrants  for  the  next  March  meetings,  an 
article  to  choose  a  county  treasurer  agreeably  to  law. 

Voted,  To  adjourn  till  to-morrow  morning,  at  nine  o'clock,  A.  M. 

Jammry  27,  1774. 

The  convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 
The  committee  chosen  yesterday,  being  ready  to  report, 
Voted,  That  the  convention  sit  with  closed  doors,  during  the  disputes  on 
the  covenants. 

The  committee  on  the  covenant  reported  as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  that 
have  not  signed  this  or  a  similar  covenant,  that  they  do  it  as  soon  as  may 
be  with  convenience.     The  covenant  is  as  follows  : 

We,  the  subscribers,  having  seen  the  association  and  covenant  drawn  up 
by  the  grand  Continental  Congress,  respecting  the  non-importation,  non- 
consumption,  and  non-exportation  of  goods,  signed  by  our  delegates,  and 
also  the  delegates  of  the  other  colonies  on  the  continent,  and  also  the  addi- 
tion thereto,  made  by  the  delegates  in  Provincial  Congress,  dated  Cambridge, 
December  5,  1774,  for  carrying  into  execution  the  said  association,  and  hav- 
ing attentively  considered,  di>  heartily  approve  of  said  association,  and  the 
addition,  and  of  every  part  thereof;  and  in  order  to  make  the  same  associa- 
tion our  own  personal  act,  we  do,  by  these  presents,  associate  under  the  sa- 
cred ties  of  virtue,  honor,  and  love  of  our  country,  strictly  to  observe  and 
keep  all  and  every  article  and  clause  in  said  association,  and  addition  con- 
tained with  reaped  to  the  importation,  exportation,  and  consumption,  ac- 
cording to  the  true  intent,  meaning,  and  letter  thereof,  and  will  duly  inform, 
and  give  notice  of  everj  evasion  or  contravention  of  said  agreement,  so  far 
as  we  are  able.     All  and  everj  of  which  clauses  aforesaid,  to  remain  firm 


WORCESTER  CON\  EN  l  U  I 

and  in  force  until  overruled  bj  b  continental  and  provincial  i 
-i  mbli  'l. 

The  above  was  accepted  bj  the  convention,  and  signed  b)  tl 
thereof 

/         That  Col.  Ward,  Capt.  Newhall,  and  Col.  H  i  commi 

to  wail  "ii  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pish,  and  d<  sire  him  to  preach  the 

convention,  at  die  nexi  me  e,  t'>  wait  upon  the 

Rev.  Mr  Paine,  for  thai  |" 

'  rhal  Mr.  <  'hail  man,  Mr.  J  nd   Mr.  I 

n>  wait  on  the  Rev.  Mr.  Mac 
make  pro\ ision  for  the  reveroi  aiL 

/  'oted,  Thai   < 'o\    \\  ard,  <  'apl    Bigeli        I  \\  :<       ■     I 

Capt  Newhall,  \«-  a  commitl  u  the  w 

innbolders,  retailers,  and  p<  |uors  without  a  licei 

/        ,  To  adjourn  t"  three  o'clock,  P.  M. 

The  convention  mel  according  to  adjournn 

ed,  Thai   Col.  Ward.    Doct   Dunsmore,  C  pt   Bigelow,  Wil  I 

Bhaw,  Capt.  Willard,  Capl   Fay,  and  Capl    Newhall   be  a  committee  to  take 
into  consideration,  the  conduct  of  certain  pi  nimical  to  their  country. 

Their  reporl  thereon  was  made,  accepted,  and  is  as  follows: 

\\  bereas,  the  convention  <>!'  committci  s  forthc  count]  of  \\  did, 

nn  the  31sl  of  August,  177  I.  n  solve;  thai  il  ..-Ii  inn- 

holders  and  retailers  in  said  county,  w I  e  approbated   by  tl 

men  in   their  respective  towns,  to  continue  and  i  dieir  n 

functions,  provided  the]  stricd]  adhere  t<>  the  laws  oftl 
ing  innbolders  and  retailers,  and  it  was  the  uvention,  dial  do 

pi  i  -.in  or  persons,  oughi  to  Bell  spirituous  liquors  in  said  county,  I"  I 
are,  or  shall  be  approbated  b]  the  selectmen  of  their  resj 
districts:  and  as  complaint   has  been  made  to  the  convention  now   sitting, 
thai  a  number  of  persons  in  this  count]  do  practise  the  .-■  Uing  strong  liquors 
without  the  approbation  as  aforesaid,  which  i-  nol  onl)  counteracting  a  re 
solve  of  said  convention,  !>ui  La  againsl  the  law  of  the  provini  fdan 

gerous  consequence,  and  hasatendenc]  to  corrupl  the  morals  of  the  peopli 
for  preventing  the  same,  and  promoting  peace  and  ■-<<'»{  ord<  r,  it  is  /.' 
"/,  that  ii  be  recommended  n>  the  committees  of  correspondence,  int 
and  selectmen  in  ever]  town  and  districi  in  this  county,  carefully  t<>  inquire 
into  Bucb  illegal  practices,  and  disorders,  and   ool  onlj   discountenance,  bui 

disc age  and  put  a  final  stop  n>  Bucb  breaches  ofg I  ord<  i  :  but,  provid 

nj  person  will  nol  be  reclaimed,  he  <>r  the]  < >uulit  to  be  beld  u|>  to  the 
public  view,  and  treated  nol  only  with  neglect,  bui  contempt,  as  enemi 
tin-  public  as  well  as  of  private  good,  until  the]  reform. 

\nd,  when       I      c  Jones  of  Weston,  in  the  count]  of  Middlesex,  inn 
holder  and  trader,  baa,  bj  his  conduct  of  late  •■     s,  in  various  ii 
82 


650  WORCESTER  CONVENTION. 

manifested  a  disposition  inimical  to  the  rights  and  privileges  of  his  country- 
men :  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  earnestly  recommended  to  all  the  inhabitants  of  this 
county,  not  to  have  any  commercial  connections  with  said  Isaac  Jones,  but 
to  shun  bis  house  and  person,  and  treat  him  with  that  contempt  he  deserves  : 
and  should  any  persons  in  this  county  be  so  lost  to  a  sense  of  their  duty, 
after  this  recommendation,  as  to  have  any  commercial  connections  or  deal- 
ings with  said  Jones,  we  do  advise  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  to  treat 
such  persons  with  the  utmost  neglect. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Willard  Moore,  Mr.  Nathaniel  Longley,  and  Capt.  Wil- 
liam Page,  be  a  committee  to  take  under  consideration  a  motion  made  re- 
specting Messrs.  Mills  and  Hicks,  and  Draper's  newspapers,  who  made  re- 
port, which  was  accepted,  as  follows  : 

Whereas,  the  enemies  of  these  united  colonies  are  indefatigable  in  their 
endeavors  to  create  divisions  among  the  inhabitants,  and  as  there  are  seve- 
ral printers  on  the  continent,  viz. :  Rivington  and  Gaines  of  New  York, 
Diaper,  Mills  and  Hicks  of  Boston,  that  incessantly  assist  them  in  their  en- 
deavors, by  publishing  their  scandalous  performances  in  their  several  news- 
papers :  therefore, 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  good  people  of  this  county,  not 
to  take  any  more  of  the  aforesaid  papers,  but  that  they  encourage  those 
printers  who  have  invariably  appeared  friendly  to  the  country. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Ward,  Capt.  Newhall,  Capt.  Page,  Capt.  Bigelow,  and 
Major  Moore,  be  a  committee  to  take  the  affairs  of  trade  into  consideration, 
and  to  remonstrate  against  riots  and  routs. 

The  report  of  this  committee  was  accepted,  and  is  as  follows : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  strongly  recommended  by  this  body  to  the  commit- 
tees of  inspection  in  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  that  they  be  very  as- 
siduous in  the  discharge  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them,  with  respect  to  trade; 
to  see  that  all  traders  keep  strictly  to  the  rules  laid  down  by  the  Continen- 
tal and  Provincial  Congress :  and  also,  that  they  make  strict  inquiry  of  eve- 
ry person  that  purchases  goods  abroad,  who  they  trade  with,  and  when  the 
goods  were  imported  ;  and  that  it  be  also  recommended  to  the  inhabitants 
oi  this  county,  w  henever  they  purchase  goods  as  abovesaid,  that  they  be 
very  careful  not  to  break  covenant:  and  that  they  take  bills  of  parcels  of 
everj  article,  and  lav  the  same  before  the  committee  for  their  inspection, 
thai  no  person  may  be  imposed  upon  by  those  villains  that  are  inimical  to 
the  cause  of  liberty. 

Whereas,  we  aie  fully  sensible  that  our  enemies  are  assiduously  endeav- 
oring to  provoke  US  to  acts  of  violence,  not  only  with  those  whom  we 
esteem  inimical  to  our  liberties,  who  are  natives  of  this  province,  but  also 
with  General  Gage,  and  the  king's  troops;  endeavoring  thereby,  as  we  ap- 
prehend, to  exci  ed  the  hounds  of  our  patience,  that  they  may  have  a  pre- 
tence  to  represent  us  as  the  aggressors:  therefore, 


WORCESTER   CON\  ENTION  U5I 

Resolved,  That  we  in    diposed  to  conduct  ourselves  in  a  friendl) 
towards  his  majesty's  troopi  ibly  i"  the  recommendation  of  the  • 

tinental  Congrt  B8,  bo  long  as  the)  behave  peaceabl)  towards 

Rejoiced, That  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  th  - 
very  careful  in  discountenancing  and  suppressing  .-ill  acts  of  violi 
cepi  bo  much  as  is  necessar)  tocarrj  the  resolves  of  the  Continental  and 
Provincial  Congress  into  execution;  and  being  full)  convinced  of  the  jus- 
dee  of  our  cause,  we  are  determined  firmlj  and  religious])  to  support  and 
maintain  our  rights,  even  to  tiu  \  tw  Inks  and fortunst,  before  we  «ill 

dastard!)  and  impiousl)  ^r  i  \  ■  •  up  and  lubmil  loan  arbitral")  power. 

Feted,  Thai  the  standing  committee  fit  and  prepare  the  vol 
Bolvee  of  the  convention  for  the  press,  and  get  such  a  number  of  hand- 
bills, containing  the  ^.nut •.  struck  off  as  the)  shall  think  proper,  for  circula- 
tion. 

/  "<■  ■'.  To  adjourn  i>>  the  twenty-eighth  da)  <>t"  March  next,  to  m* 
o'clock,  A.  ML  at  tin-  court  house  in  Wore*  ster. 

M  mi.  ii  28,  1775. 

The  convention  mel  according  to  adjournment 

I  •'../,  Thai  the  Rev.  .Mr.  Chaplain  be  requested  to  open  this  convention 

s\  ith  piB)  ii'. 

ed,  Thai  the  convention  do  now  proceed  to  the  meeting  house,  to 
tend  the  sermon  b)  the  Rev.  Blisha  Fish,  and  the  other  exen  is 

The  convention  being  again  mel  in  the  afternoon  : 

Voted,  Thai  the  thanks  of  the  convention  be  presented  t"  the  Rev.   U 
Pish,  for  the  discourse  preached  before  tbem,  and  thai  the  standing  commit- 
tee wail  upon  him  and  request  a  copy  thereof  for  the  pn 

I  Thai  the  standing  committee  print  as  man)  copies  of  Baid  die 

course  as  the)  judge  tit,  for  circulation. 

Mai  ::i.   Vt 

The  convention  mel  according   to  adjournment,  ai  the  couri   house,  in 
\\  oro  Bter. 

.Mr.  William  Young  was  elected  chairman  pro  tempore,  and  Jeduthan 
Baldvt  in  clerk  pro  tempore. 

Voted,  That  the  Rev.  Mr.  Chaplain  be  desired  to  open  this  convention 
with  prayer. 

/        .  Co  pae    over  counting  the  votes  for  county  treasurer. 

Voted,  That  Col.  Hezekiah  Ward,  Mr.  Padleford,  and  Mr.  Josli      B 
be  a  committee  to  draw  up  a  remonstrance  to  the  Provincial  Co 
do  man  be  allowed  to  bave  a  seal  therein  who  does  noi  vote  awa)   hia 

mone)  for  public  purposes,  in  < imon  with  the  other  members,  and  with 

his  i  onstituents. 

/,'  tolved,  Thai  a  committee  be  appointed,  to  take  into  coi  -  •' 
subject  of  allowing  those  who  are  inimical  to  the  country,  to  exci 
right  of  voting  in  tovi  n  meeting 

Resolved,  That  the  erecting  of  a  paper  mill  in  ibis  count)  would  '•• 
great  public  advantage;  and  if  an)  person  or  persons  will  undertake  the 


652  BERKSHIRE  CONVENTION. 

erecting  of  such  mill  and  the  manufacture  of  paper,  that  it  be  recommend- 
ed to  the  people  of  the  county  to  encourage  the  undertaking  by  generous 
contributions  and  subscriptions.! 


CONVENTION  OF  BERKSHIRE  COUNTY. 

At  a  meeting  of  sixty  gentlemen,  deputies  of  the  several  towns  in  the 
county  of  Berkshire,  appointed  to  consult  and  advise  what  was  necessary  and 
prudent  to  be  done  by  the  inhabitants  of  this  county,  in  the  present  alarm- 
ing situation  of  our  public  affairs,  met  at  Stockhridge,  July  6th,  1774 : 

John  Ashley,  Esq.  was  unanimously  chosen  chairman,  and  Mr.  Theodore 
Sedgwick,  clerk. 

Mr.  Williams,  Mr.  Sedgwick,  Mr.  Curtis,  Mr.  Brown,  and  Mr.  Hopkins, 
being  appointed,  reported  the  following  resolves,  viz. : 

Resolved,  That  king  George  the  third  is  our  rightful  king,  and  that  we  will 
bear  true  allegiance  to  him. 

Resolved,  That  the  inhabitants  of  his  majesty's  colonies  in  America,  are 
justly  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  liberties  that  the  inhabitants  of  Great 
Britain  are  entitled  to,  which  rights  and  liberties  have  been  particularly  con- 
firmed to  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  by  charter. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  one  of  the  grand  rights  and  liberties  of  said  inhabi- 
tants of  Great  Britain,  that  they  cannot,  constitutionally,  be  deprived  of  their 
property  but  by  their  own  consent. 

Resolved,  That  the  late  act  of  the  British  parliament,  for  giving  and  grant- 
ing to  his  majesty,  a  duty  upon  all  teas  imported  from  Great  Britain  into 
America,  Avhich  duty,  by  said  act,  is  made  payable  here,  for  the  purpose  of 
raising  a  revenue,  was  made  without  the  consent  of  the  inhabitants  of 
America,  whereby  their  property  is  taken  from  them  without  their  con- 
sent, and  therefore  ought  to  be  opposed  in  all  legal  and  prudent  ways. 

Resolved,  That  it  is  an  undoubted  right  of  the  inhabitants  of  said  colonies, 
in  all  actions,  to  be  tried  by  their  peers  of  the  vicinity;  and,  therefore,  that 
all  those  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  that  any  way  respect  the  collecting 
the  duties  aforesaid,  whereby  the  trial  by  jury  is  taken  away,  or  whereby 
the  ancient  trial  by  jury  is  in  any  way  altered,  are  unconstitutional  and  op- 
pressive. 

Resolved,  That  whenever  any  franchises  and  liberties  are  granted  to  a  cor- 
poration or  body  politic,  those  franchises  and  liberties  cannot  legally  be  ta- 
ken from  such  corporations  and  bodies  politic,  but  by  their  consent  or  by 
forfeiture  :  that  the  inhabitants  of  this  province  have  many  great  and  inval- 
uable franchises  and  liberties  granted  to  them  by  charier;  which  franchises 

(1)  Although  meetings  of  the  Worcester  County  Convention  were  held  at  a  Inter  date,  no  regular 
journal  of  tho  subsequent  proceedings  em  be  recovered. 


BERKSHIRE  <  <»w  ENTION 

ami  liberties  have  not  been  forfeited  or  resigned   bj  said  inhal  that 

l.\  the  late  acts  of  the   British  parliament,  some  of  tbe  most  val 
those  franchises  aud  liberties  of  the  said  inhabitai  taken  from  thein, 

withoul  even  the  form  of  a  trial :  tin n  fore, 

/.'  '.'That  it  i->  the  indispensable  duty  of  ever]  person,  who  w< 

preserve  to  bimself  and  posterirj  the  inestimable  I » i <  —  p  liberty,  bj  all 

constitutional  ways  and  means  in  bis  power,  to  endeavor  t"  avert  tbe  much 
dreaded  consequences  of  these  arbitrarj  and  oppressive  1  that,  for 

that  purpose,  it  is  prudent  for  the  inhabitants  <m'  the  said  colonies  t"  enti 
into  an  agreement  not  to  purchase  or  consume  tbe  manufactures  ol  G 

Britain,  under  such  limitations  and  exceptions  as  shall   l»    agreed  u| : 

and  thai  such  a  non-consumption  agreement  is  neither  unwarrantablt 

till-,  traitorous,  nor  contrarj  to  <>ur  allegiance  due  t"  tbe  lung  .  ads  t" 

promote  the  peace,  g 1  order,  and  safetj  of  the  community. 

Which  said  report  being  mature]]  considered,  it  «:>-  put  to 
graph  b)  paragraph,  and  each  and  every  paragraph  thereof  was  unanimoi 
ly  accepted 

\  committee  being  appointed  to  make  a  draught  of  a  form  of  a  solemn 
league  and  covenant,  to  be  recommended  t<>  I  d  bj  the  inhabitants  >>i 

this  county",  to  prevent  the  consumption  of  the  merchandize  ot'  Ureal  Brit- 
ain  ;  the  following  draught  was  reported,  viz  : 

Whereas,  tbe  parliament  of  Great   Britain  have,  of  late,  undertaken  t" 

give  and  grant  awaj  our  a ey,  without  our  knowledge  or  cons*  at ;  and  in 

order  to  i  ompel  us  to  a  senile  submission  t"  the  aboi  h  iv.  pi 

ceeded  to  block  n|>  the  harbor  >>t  Hi »-t«ni ;  al><>  have  vacated,  or  are  about 

to  vacate  the  charter,  and  repeal  certain  laws  of  this  p 

enacted  b)  the  general  court,  and  confirmed  b)  the  king  and 

sore:  therefore,  as  a  mean  t"  obtain  a  speed)  redress  of  the  a 

ances,  we  do  hereby,  BolemnI)  and  in  good  faith,  covenant  and  •  ngag<   with 

each  other : 

1.  That  we  will  not  import,  purchase,  or  consume,  or  suffer  anj  pei 
by,  for,  or  under  us,  to  import,  purchase,  or  consume,  in  an)  manner  what- 
ever, any  goods,  wares,  or  m<  rcbandize,  which  shall  arrive  in  \  ca  from 
Greal  Britain,  from  and  after  the  first  da)  of  October,  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-four,  or  such  other  time  as  shall  hereafter  be  agreed 
upon  by  the  American  Congress;  nor  an)   goods,  which  Bhall  be  ord< 

from  the i,  after  this  day,  until  our  charter  and  constitutional  right 

be  restored,  <>r  until  it  Bhall  be  determined,  b)  the  major  | 

r  d  in  this  and  the  neighl 

consumpl  at  will  i  o  a  tend* 

or  until  it  .shall  be  apparent  that  a  non-importation  < 

emeut  will  i  into  by  the  maj 

boring  colonies  \  such  article:  '  ■ 

America  shall  agree  to  import,  purchase,  and  consul 

•j.  We  do  further  covenant  and  agree,  that  we  will  observ<  rtrict 


654  BERKSHIRE  CONVENTION. 

obedience  to  all  constitutional  laws,  and  authority,  and  will,  at  all  times,  ex- 
ert ourselves  to  the  utmost,  for  the  discouragement  of  all  licentiousness,  and 
suppression  of  all  mobs  and  riots. 

3.  We  will  all  exert  ourselves,  as  far  as  in  us  lies,  in  promoting  love, 
peace,  and  unanimity  among  each  other ;  and  for  that  end  we  engage  to 
avoid  all  unnecessary  lawsuits  whatever. 

4.  As  a  strict  and  proper  adherence  to  this  present  agreement  will,  if  not 
seasonably  provided  against,  involve  us  in  many  difficulties  and  inconven- 
iences ;  we  do  promise  and  agree,  that  we  will  take  the  most  prudent  care 
for  the  raising  and  preserving  sheep,  for  the  manufacturing  all  such  cloths 
as  shall  be  most  useful  and  necessary ;  for  the  raising  of  flax  and  manufac- 
turing linens.  Further,  that  we  will,  by  every  prudent  method,  endeavor  to 
guard  against  all  those  inconveniences  which  may  otherwise  arise,  from  the 
foregoing  agreement. 

5.  That  if  any  person  shall  refuse  to  sign  this  or  a  similar  covenant,  or, 
after  having  signed  it,  shall  not  adhere  to  the  real  intent  and  meaning  there- 
of, he  or  they  shall  be  treated  by  us  with  all  that  neglect  justly  deserved. 

6.  That  if  this  or  a  similar  covenant  shall,  after  the  first  day  of  August 
next,  be  offered  to  any  trader  or  shop-keeper  in  this  county,  and  he  or  they 
shall  refuse  to  sign  the  same,  for  the  space  of  forty-eight  hours,  that  we  will 
not,  from  thenceforth,  purchase  any  articles  of  British  manufactures,  from 
him  or  them,  until  such  time  as  he  or  they  shall  sign  this  or  a  similar  cove- 
nant. 

Witness  our  hands,  this day  of  July,  Anno  Domini,  1774. 

Which  being  several  times  distinctly  read,  it  was  put  paragraph  by  para- 
graph, and  accepted. 

This  Congress,  in  deference  to  the  resolves  of  the  late  house  of  represen- 
tatives, in  imitation  of  the  pious  example  of  the  reverend  pastors  of  the  as- 
sociated churches  in  the  town  of  Boston,  and  from  a  sense  of  their  depend- 
ence on  God  for  every  mercy,  do  earnestly  recommend  to  all  denomina- 
tions of  christians  in  this  county,  to  set  apart  and  observe  Thursday,  the 
fourteen  day  of  July  current,  as  a  day  of  public  fasting  and  prayer,  to  im- 
plore the  divine  assistance,  that  he  would  in  mercy  interpose  and  avert  all 
those  evils  with  which  we  are  threatened. 

And  each  and  all  the  members  of  this  Congress  are  enjoined  to  inform 
the  several  ministers  of  the  several  religious  assemblies  to  which  they  be- 
long, hereof. 

Voted,  That  the  several  members  of  this  Congress,  do  recommend  to  the 
charity  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns  and  places  to  which  they  be- 
long, the  distressed  circumstances  of  the  poor  of  the  towns  of  Boston  and 
Charleston  n,  and  that  whatever  shall  he  rnlkricd  lor  them,  be  remitted  in 
fat  cattle  in  the  next  fall,  by  BUch  ways  and  means  as  shall  be  hereafter 
agreed  upon. 

Voted,  unanimously,  Thai  thanks  be  given  Col.  Ashley,  for  his  constant 
attendance,  uprightness,  and  impartiality,  as  chairman. 

Votfrf,  That  the  clerk  be  enjoined  to  make  a  fair  copy  of  the  proceedings 


CUMBERLAND  I  0N\  EN  I  [ON 

of  tliis  meeting,  and  transmit  1 1 < « -  same  t->  the  committee  of 
nt'  the  town  of  Boston. 

Voted,  To  dissolve  this  meeting;  ami  ii  wasdissoh  rdingly. 

i  ill  10DORE  h.Im.u  k  u   < 

N.  15. — The  proceedings  aforesaid  were  pn  ceded  bj  an  animati  d 
made  In  the  Rev.  Mr.  \\ 


m\\  ENTION  OF  CI  Mm  kiwi NTY. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  following  gentlemen,  chosen  bj  the  several  towns  in 
the  county  of  Cumberland,  held  at  Falmouth,  in  said  county,  on  the  91st 
day  of  September,  177 1,  at  the  bouse  of  Mrs,  Grw  le,  \  iz. : 

Falmouth — Son.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  Stephen  Longfellow,  Esq.,  Mr. 
Richard Codman, Capt  John  Waite,  Mr.  Enoch  11.-.  y,  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman. 

Scarborough — Capt  Timothj  McDaniel,  Capt  Reuben  Fogg,  Mr.  Joshua 
Fab]  an. 

.\''nth  Yarmouth — Mr.  Jolm  Lewis,  David  Mitel,.  I,  Esq.,  .Mr.  Jonathan 
Mitcbel,  Mr.  Jolm  Gray.  Mr.  William  Cutter. 

Gorham — Solomon  Lombard,  Esq.,  William  Gorhain,  I  I  pt  Edmund 
Phinney,  Capt  Briani  Morton,  Mr.  Joseph  l>a\i-. 

Cupi  Elizabeth — Doct  Clement  Jordan,  Mr.  Peter  W Ibury,  Mr.  Samuel 

Dunn,  Capt  Jeduthan  Dyer,  Doct  Nathaniel  Jones,  Mi    G»  Strout 

Brunswick — Mr.  Samuel  Thompson,  Mr.  Samuel  Stanwood,  Capt  Th< 
Moulton. 

HarpsiocU — Mr.  Joseph  E wing,  Capt  John  Stover,  Mr,  Andrew  Dunning. 

Windham — Mr.  Zerubabel  Honeywell,  Mr.  Thomas  Trott,  Mr.  David  Bar- 
ker. 

New  Gloucester — Mr.  William  Hani-,  Mr.  Isaac  Parsoi 

The  Hon.  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  was  chosen  chairman,  and  Mr.  B  nauel 
Freeman,  clerk. 

A  committee  from  the  bod]  of  the  people,  who  were  assembled  at  the 
entrance'   of  the  town,  waited  on  this  convention,  if  thej    would 

choose  a  committee  <>i"  one  member  out  of  each  town,  to  join  them,  to 
wait  upon  Mr.  Sheriff  Tyng,  to  see  whether  be  would  act  in  bis  office,  un- 
der  the  late  art  of  parliament  for  regulating  the  government  '  'n  a  m 
mad.-,  /  oh'/,  thai  a  messenger  be  sent  t.>  the  >anl  Sheriff  Tyng,  to  desire 
In-  attendance  al  this  convention.  A  messenger  then  waited  upon  Mr. 
Tyng,  with  the  following  billet,  viz.: 

Mr.  Sheriff  Tyng's  company  is  desired  at   the  convention  nt' the  county 

in .w  Bitting  at  Mrs.  <  freelt '-. 

S  \Mi  EL  FREEMAN    I 

Wednesday,  Sept.  214,  177 1.  1 1  o'clock,  A  .'/. 


65G  CUMBERLAND  CONVENTION. 

Mr.  Tyng  accordingly  attended,  and,  after  some  interrogations,  subscribed 
the  following  declaration,  viz. : 

County  of  Cumberland,  Falmouth,  Sept.  21,  1774. 

Whereas,  great  numbers  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  county  are  now  as- 
sembled near  my  house,  in  consequence  of  the  false  representations  of 
some  evil  minded  persons,  who  have  reported  that  I  have  endeavored,  all  in 
my  power,  to  enforce  the  late  acts  of  parliament,  relating  to  this  province : 
I  do  hereby  solemnly  declare,  that  I  have  not,  in  any  way  whatever,  acted 
or  endeavored  to  act,  in  conformity  to  said  acts  of  parliament ;  and,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  commands  of  the  inhabitants  so  assembled,  and  by  the  ad- 
vice of  a  committee  from  the  several  towns  in  this  county,  now  assembled 
in  Congress,  I  further  declare  I  will  not,  as  sheriff  of  said  county,  or  other- 
wise, act  in  conformity  to,  or  by  virtue  of,  said  acts,  unless  by  the  general 
consent  of  the  said  county.  I  further  declare,  1  have  not  received  any  com- 
mission inconsistent  with  the  charter  of  this  province,  nor  any  commission 

whatever,  since  the  first  day  of  July  last. 

WILLIAM  TYNG. 

County  of  Cumberland. — At  the  convention  of  committees  from  the 
several  towns  in  the  said  county,  held  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Greele,  in  Fal- 
mouth, in  said  county.  September  21st,  1774,  Voted,  that  the  foregoing,  by 
William  Tyng,  Esq.,  subscribed,  is  satisfactory  to  this  convention. 

Attest:         SAMUEL  FREEMAN,  Clerk. 

The  convention  then  formed  themselves  into  a  committee,  to  accompany 
Mr.  Tyng  to  the  body  of  the  people,  to  present  the  above  declaration,  and 
adjourned  to  the  old  town  house,  at  three  o'clock,  P.  31.,  the  deliberation  to 
be  in  public. 

The  committee  accordingly  went  with  Mr.  Tyng,  who  read  the  declara- 
tion to  the  people,  which  they  voted  to  be  satisfactory,  and  after  refreshing 
themselves,  returned  peaceably  to  their  several  homes. 

Afternoon. 
Met  according  to  adjournment. 

Voted,  That  Mr.  Samuel  Freeman,  Solomon  Lombard,  Esq.,  Stephen 
Longfellow,  Esq  ,  David  Mitcbel,  Esq.,  Mr.  John  Lewis,  Capt.  John  Waite, 
Mr.  Samuel  Thompson,  Capt.  Timothy  McDaniel,  DocL  Nathaniel  Jones, 
Mr.  Isuuc  Parsons,  Enoch  Freeman,  Esq.,  Mr.  David  Barker, and  Capt.  John 
Stover,  be  a  committee  to  draw  up  the  sentiments  of  this  convention,  and 
report  the  same  at  the  adjournmi  Qt 

Then  adjourned  to  Thursday  morning,  eiyht  o'clock,  September  22. 

Thdesday,  September  22,  1774. 

Met  according  t"  adjournment,  when  the  committee  presented  the  follow- 
ing report,  which,  after  being  nail  paragraph  by  paragraphias  unanimous- 
l\  acce]  t'ii,  viz. : 

The  great  concern  with  which  the  people  of  this  county  view  the  incrcas- 


Cl  MBERLAND  I  <»\\  EN  riON. 

Serences,  which  m>w  subsist  between  tin-  motbei  countrj  sod  ihi 
onies,  and  the  dark  prospect  which  some  lat<  the  Bruit 

have,  m  particular,  opened  i- •  them,  bavi    • 

herein  to  choose  committees  for  ibis  convention,  "to  r  what  i 

urea  it  would  be  thought  expedient  to  adopt  for  tl  il  intei 

inty,  in  the  preseut  alarming  situation  of  our  public  afl  \\ 

fore,  the  said  committees,  pursuant  to  the  req  tive  towt 

guided  b)  a  strong  attachment  t'>  tin-  interest  of  our  oppn I  count 

think  it  proper,  with  reaped  and  deference  i"  our  brethren  in  the  »tl 
counties,  to  make  known  our  minds  a-  t"ll" 

We  think  it  the  indispensable  dutj  ofeverj  Bubjeci  of  th<    I         sh  <-"n- 
Btitution,  for  his  own  -  well  as  thatoffutun   - 

utmosl  care,  and  endeavor,  according  to  ti  in,  i"  preserve  the 

-.inn;  inviolate  ami  unimpaired  ;  foi  wt  onlj  a-  the  foundation 

of  all  our  civil  rights  and  liberties,  but  i  amenttl  ^1- 

culated  to  promote  tbe  people's  peace  and  happiness  :  and  we  lament,  that  in 
tin-  presenl  administration,  there  an-  men  -■>  l"-t  t"  all  the  principles  of  honor, 
equity,  and  justice,  as  to  attempt  a  violation  of  the  rights  which  we  ha 
long  enjoyed,  ami  which,  while  we  profess  bui 
do,  faithful  subjects  to  G  tin-  third,  our  rightful 

righl  Still  i<>  enjoy  entire  ami  unmolested :  ami  it  i-  a  melancbolj 
tinii,  that  the  acknowledged  head  of  tin-  respi    t<  .1  si  t<   should  Ik-  induct  >l 
to  pass  In-  sanction  to  Mali  law-  a-  tend  t"  tin-  subversion  of  that  glorio 
freedom,  which  preserves  tin-  greatness  of  the   British  empire,  and  gives  it 
reputation  throughout  all  tin-  nations  of  the  civilized  world.     I' 
nut,  that  tin-  British  ministrj  have  long  been   batching  monstro  to 

break  our  constitution,  and  .-mm-  the)  have  at  length   brought  forth.     ^  • 
think  tin-  colonies  des<  rve  a   better  treatment  from   his  majest)  than   i 
which  be  assents  to      W<   are  bis  loyal  subjects,  and  merit   hi.-  regard,  and 
cannot  help  thinking  that  if*he  would  pursue  his  own  unbiass*  >l  jud 
ami  lay  aside  tin-   selfish  counsel  of  wicked  ami  designing  men,  In-  anil  his 
subjects  would  be  mutual!}  happy,  and   provocations  on   both   Bides 
Bui    since   the   ministrj  liave  borne  their  tyrannj  in  bucIi  a   length,  as  t" 

endeavor  t"  execute   their  wicked   designs,  bj   military   force,  i ir  n 

tropolia,    we   fear   ii    is   their  aim  to    introduce   despotic    monarchy,     lint 

though  their  tyrannj  and  fell  oppression  seem  now,  with  hast)   sti 

threaten  all  the  colonies  with  ruin  and   destruction,  we  hope  no  vi  i 

will  affright,  or  wiles  allure  us  n>  lim-  up  ourdi  ar  bought  lib*  1 1_\ ,  th..t  cho  - 

boon  of  Heaven,  which  our  fathers   came  into  i>  ind 

which  we  therefore  will  retain  while  liii-  i  nables  us  I  glc  for  it 

inj-.     We  believe  our  enemies  supposed  we  must  submit,  and  I 

up  all  our  rights.     It  is  true,  a  vigorous  opposition  will  subject  us  n>  m 

inconveniences,  bui  bow  much  greater  will  our  miser)  be,  il 

all  we  now   enjoy,  and  laj   our  future  earnings  at  the  mere)  ofd 

men;     W<    cat t  bear  the  thought.     Distant  posteritj  woidd  have 

I ret  our  folly,  and  tbe  rising  g<  ncration  would  justly  ■  ne< 


G58  CUMBERLAND  CONVENTION. 

ory.  We,  therefore,  recommend  a  manly  opposition  to  those  cruel  acts, 
and  every  measure  which  despotism  can  invent  to  ahridge  our  English  lib- 
erties, and  we  hope  that  patience  will  possess  our  souls  till  Providence 
shall  dissipate  the  gloomy  cloud,  and  restore  us  to  our  former  happy  state. 
The  late  act  for  regulating  the  government  of  this  province,  we  consider,  in 
particular,  as  big  with  mischief  and  destruction,  tending  to  the  subversion 
of  our  charter  and  our  province  laws,  and  in  its  dire  example,  alarming  to 
all  the  colonies.  This,  through  the  conduct  of  some  enemies  among  our- 
selves, will  soon  bring  us  into  difficulties,  which  will  require  some  able 
counsel  to  remove.  We  therefore  recommend  to  each  town  in  this  county, 
to  instruct  their  several  representatives  to  resolve  themselves,  with  the 
other  members  of  the  house,  at  their  approaching  session,  into  a  provincial 
congress,  for  this  purpose. 

To  this  congress  we  shall  submit  the  general  interest  of  the  province,  but 
for  the  particular  benefit  of  this  county,  we  do  advise  and  recommend : 

1.  That  the  justices  of  the  sessions,  and  court  of  common  pleas,  and 
every  other  civil  officer  in  this  county,  whom  no  authority  can  remove  but 
that  which  constituted  them,  agreeably  to  charter  and  our  own  provincial 
laws,  would  religiously  officiate  in  their  several  departments,  as  if  the  afore- 
said act  had  never  been  invented,  and  that  every  private  person  would  pay 
a  strict  obedience  to  such  officers,  be  always  ready  to  protect  and  to  sup- 
port them,  and  promote  a  due  observance  of  our  own  established  laws ; 
and  if  any  persons  whatsoever  should,  henceforth,  in  any  manner,  dare  to 
aid  the  operation  of  the  said  tyrannical  act,  they  should  be  considered  as  ma- 
lignant enemies  to  our  charter  rights,  unfit  for  civil  society,  and  undeserving 
of  the  least  regard  or  favor  from  their  fellow  countrymen. 

2.  That  every  one  should  do  his  utmost  to  discourage  lawsuits,  and  like- 
wise compromise  disputes  as  much  as  possible. 

3.  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  honorable  Jeremiah  Powell,  Esq.,  and 
Jedediah  Preble,  Esq.,  constitutional  councillors  of  this  province,  residing 
in  this  county,  that  they  should  take  their  places  at  the  board  the  ensuing 
session  as  usual. 

4.  We  cannot  but  approve  of  the  recommendation  given  by  the  convention 
of  Suffolk  county,  to  the  several  collectors  of  province  taxes,  not  to  pay  one 
farthing  more  into  the  province  treasury,  until  the  government  of  the  prov- 
ince is  placed  on  a  constitutional  foundation,  or  until  the  Provincial  Con- 
gress shall  order  otherwise,  and  we  recommend  the  same  to  the  several  col- 
lectors in  this  county ;  but  we  think  it  the  duty  of  the  several  collectors  of 
county,  town,  and  district  taxes,  to  perfect  their  collections,  and  pay  the 
same  into  then-  several  treasuries  as  soon  as  possible.  And  here  we 
think  it  proper  to  observe,  that  though  we  do  not  coincide  in  every  in- 
stance with  our  Suffolk  brethren,  which  may  be  owing  to  a  want  of  know- 
ing all  the  circumstances  of  affairs,  yet  we  highly  applaud  their  virtuous 
zeal  and  determined  resolution. 

5.  We  recommend  to  every  town  in  this  county,  charitably  to  contribute 
to  the  relief  of  our  suffering  brethren  in  our  distressed  metropolis. 


t  l  MBERLAND  CON\  ENTK  >N 

•  i.  Lest  oppression,  which  maketh  even  wise  men  i  ould  In 

Borne  people  into  tumults  and  disorders,  we  would  recommend,  ti. 
individual  in  the  count]  use  hia  best  eudeavore  to  anp  it  all  ti 

riots,  mobs,  and  (ill  licentiousness,  and  that  oar  fellow  subjects  would 
skier  themselves,  as  the]  always  are,  in  the  presence  of  thi  G       *fho 

loveth  order,  nol  confusion. 

7.  Thai  when  s  general  non-importation  agreement  takes  plea  ihall 
look  ii|hiii  u  to  l"-  the  duty  of  ever)  yonder  of  inerchandba             I  his 

u Is  at  ill'-  |'n -.hi   rates;  and  if  an]  person  shall  axhorbttantl)  enhance 

the  prices  of  bis  ir< »< »<  1  -,  we  shall  h">k  upon  him  a-  an  •  •  § »| •  •  i  Ins 

country.     And  in  order  n>  prevent  imposition  in  tliia  respect,  wi  recom- 
mend that  a  committee  l»-  chosen  in  each  town,  to 

against  an]  who  ma]  be  to  blame  herein :  and  if  he  shall  refusi  to  wait  on 
such  committee,  on  notice  given,  or  be  found  culpable  in  thia  t,  bia 

name  shall  be  published  in  the  several  towna  <>t"  the  county,  as  undesi  rving 
of  the  future  custom  of  bia  countrymen. 

8.  Thai  ever]  one  \\ln>  has  it  in  bia  power,  would  improve  our  breed  of 
sheep,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  increase  their  number;  and  also  encourage 
the  raising  of  flax,  and  promote  the  manufactures  of  the  country. 

9.  As  the  ver]  extraordinary  and  alarming  acl  for  establishing  the  tt 
man  catholic  religion,  and  French  laws,  in  Canada,  may  introduce  the 
French  or  Indians  into  our  frontier  towns,  we  recommend  thai  ever]  i"»n 
and  individual  in  this  county,  should  \x-  provided  with  a  proper  stock  of 
militar]  stores,  according  to  our  province  law,  and  thai  some  patriotic  mili- 
tary officers  be  chosen  in  each  town,  to  exercise  their  ■•<\>r:il  compa 

and  make  them  perfect  in  the  militar]  art 

10.  Our  general  grievances  being  the  Bubject  oi  deliberation  before  the 
Continental  Congress,  renders  il  inexpedient  to  consider  them  particular!]  : 
on  their  wisdom  we  have  a  greal  dependence,  and  we  think  it  will  1*   our 
dutj  to  la]  aside  ever)  measure  to  which  we  have  advised,  that  maj  h 
riant  from  theirs,  and  pa)  a  due  regard  t"  their  result. 

A  in  I  now  we  think  it  propi  r  to  declare,  thai  aa  we  have  been  n  counting 
tin-  hardships  we  endure  In  the  machinations  '>f  our  enemies  at  home,  we 
cannot  but  gratefully  acknowledge  our  obligation  t<>  th<>-.-  illustrious  wor- 
thies, our  friends  of  the  minority,  who  constant!)  opposed  those  wicked 
measures,  and  would  heartily  wish,  some  greal  and  good  turn  would  invent 
and  mark  out  Borne  plan  that  will  unite  the  parenl  Btate  to  thi  ae,  its  colo 
Dies,  and  thereb]  prevenl  the  effusion  of  christian  blood. 

Then,  Voted,  Thai  ever]  member  of  this  convention  be  several!)  inlet 
gated,  whether  he  novi  has,  or  will  hereafter,  take  an)  commission  under 
the  present  act  of  parliament,  for  regulating  Ibe  government  of  thia  prov- 

i  i  n"<  • . 

The  members  were  accordingly  interrogated,  and  each  and  ever)  one 
of  them  answered  in  the  negative. 

Voted,  That  tin-  several  committees  which  compose  this  convention 
the  major  pan  of  each,  be,  and  bereb]  are,  desired  t"  interrogate  the  civil 


(360  CUMBERLAND  CONVENTION. 

officers,  and  other  persons  whom  they  may  think  fit,  in  their  respective 
towns,  whether  they  now  have,  or  will  hereafter  take,  any  commission  un- 
der the  aforesaid  act. 

Voted,  That  the  whole  proceedings  of  this  convention  be,  by  the  clerk, 
transmitted  to  the  press,  and  also  to  the  town  clerks  of  the  respective 
towns  in  this  county,  as  soon  as  may  be. 

Voted,  That  this  convention  be  continued,  and  that  the  committee  of  Fal- 
mouth, or  the  major  part  of  them,  be,  and  hereby  are  empowered,  on  any 
occasion  that  in  their  opinion  requires  it,  to  notify  a  meeting  of  the  dele- 
gates thereof,  at  such  time  and  place  as  they  may  think  proper,  setting 
forth  the  occasion  thereof. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  this  convention  be  given  to  the  Hon.  Enoch 
Freeman,  Esq.,  for  his  faithful  services  as  chairman. 

SAMUEL  FREEMAN,  Clerk. 


\    \  R  R    \  'I'  I  \    ES 


E  X  CI    R.  S  ION    OF    THE    KIM.     S    TROOP 


\  l'  l;  I  i     i   i,    i 


In   Proi  in.  i  vi    I  \\  ..   M  » |   ■_•.'.   i; 

/.'•  liiat  the  following  narrative  of  the  excursion  and  fthe 

king's  troops,  under  the  command  of  General  Gage,  on  tin-  nineteenth  of 
April  last,  together  with  the  depositions  taken  bj  order  of  the  < 
support  the  truth  ofit,  In-  sent  t<»  the  press  for  publication. 

B  \MI  II.   1  K I  I.M  \Y    -  n/. 


A     NARRATIVE    OF    Till      EXCURSION     AND     RAVAI  hi      m 

I    N|.|   K       Mil       I   nMMANIi      01       GENERAL      (m.,1.     OB      TBQ        N  Mil      01 

\     in  i  ,    IT  '  ETHER    «  i  i  ii     i  ill     DEPOSITIONS      i  \M  n     i  \    ORDER  Ol 

CONQREG       ro  8UPPOR1     rHE   TRUTH   Ol     I  i  .      PUBLISHED   B1  lUTHORI 

(in  the  nineteenth  daj  of  Ipril,  one  thousand  seven  hundn  enty- 

five,  a  daj  to  be  remembered  bj  all  Americans  "t  the  present  generation, 
and  which  ought, and  doubtless  w  ill  be  handed  downtoagi  a  y<  i  unborn,  tin- 
troops  of  Britain,  unprovoked,  Bhed  the  blood  ofeundrj  <>i'  the  l"_\al  Am.  ri- 
can  subjects  of  the  British  king  in  the  field  of  Lexington.  Earl]  in  the 
morning  of  said  day,  a  detacbmenl  of  the  forces  under  the  command  of 
General  Gage,  stationed  B  ton,  attacked  a  -mall  part]  of  the  inhabitants 
of  Lexington  and  some  other  towns  adjacent,  the  detacbmenl  consistio 

about  nine  hundred  men,  co landed  b)  Lieutcnani  Colonel  Smith:      I 

inhabitants  of  Lexington  and  the  other  town  about  one  bundr 

with  and  some  without  fire-arms,  who  had  collected  upon  information  thai 

the  detachment  bad  Been  tl]  marched  from  Boston  the  pre©  dii 

landed  on  Phipps's  Farm  in<  !ambridge,and  wen  proceeding  on  tiicir  way  with 

a  brisk  pace  towards  Concord,  as  the  inhabitants  supposed,  to  take  or  di 

a  quantit)  of  stores  d<  posited  there  for  the  use  of  the  colon]  :  sundrj  |- 

(1)  Thii  MirmtiTi  - 

"     ■  ■ 

i  Thomas, 


662  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KINGS  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

able  inhabitants  having  the  same  night  been  taken,  held  by  force,  and  other- 
wise abused  on  the  road,  by  some  officers  of  General  Gage's  army,  which 
caused  a  just  alarm,  and  a  suspicion  that  some  fatal  design  was  immediate- 
ly to  be  put  in  execution  against  them.  This  small  party  of  the  inhabitants 
were  so  far  from  being  disposed  to  commit  hostilities  against  the  troops  of 
their  sovereign,  that  unless  attacked,  they  were  determined  to  be  peaceable 
spectators  of  this  extraordinary  movement ;  immediately  on  the  approach 
of  Colonel  Smith  with  the  detachment  under  his  command,  they  dispersed ; 
but  the  detachment,  seeming  to  thirst  for  blood,  wantonly  rushed  on,  and 
first  began  the  hostile  scene  by  firing  on  this  small  party,  by  which  they 
killed  eight  men  on  the  spot  and  wounded  several  others  before  any  guns 
were  fired  upon  the  troops  by  our  men.  Not  contented  with  this  effusion 
of  blood,  as  if  malice  had  occupied  their  whole  souls,  they  continued  the  fire, 
until  all  of  this  small  party  who  escaped  the  dismal  carnage  were  out  of  the 
reach  of  their  fire.  Colonel  Smith,  with  the  detachment,  then  proceeded  to 
Concord,  where  a  part  of  this  detachment  again  made  the  first  fire  upon 
some  of  the  inhabitants  of  Concord  and  the  adjacent  towns,  who  were  col- 
lected at  a  bridge  upon  this  just  alarm,  and  killed  two  of  them  and  wounded 
several  others,  before  any  of  the  provincials  there  had  done  one  hostile  act. 
Then  the  provincials,  roused  with  zeal  for  the  liberties  of  their  country,  find- 
ing life  and  every  thing  dear  and  valuable  at  stake,  assumed  their  native  val- 
or and  returned  the  fire,  and  the  engagement  on  both  sides  began.  Soon 
after,  the  British  troops  retreated  towards  Charlestown,  having  first  commit- 
ted violence  and  waste  on  public  and  private  property,  and  on  their  retreat 
were  joined  by  another  detachment  of  General  Gage's  troops,  consisting  of 
about  a  thousand  men,  under  the  command  of  Earl  Percy,  who  continued 
the  retreat ;  the  engagement  lasted  through  the  day  ;  and  many  were  killed 
and  wounded  on  each  side,  though  the  loss  on  the  part  of  the  British  troops 
far  exceeded  that  of  the  provincials.  The  devastation  committed  by  the 
British  troops  on  their  retreat,  the  whole  of  the  way  from  Concord  to 
Charlestown,  is  almost  beyond  description  ;  such  as  plundering  and  burning 
of  dwelling-houses  and  other  buildings,  driving  into  the  street  women  in 
child-bed,  killing  old  men  in  their  houses  unarmed.  Such  scenes  of  desolation 
would  be  a  reproach  to  the  perpetrators,  even  if  committed  by  the  most  bar- 
barous nations,  how  much  more  when  done  by  Britons  famed  for  humanity 
and  tenderness:  And  all  this  because  these  colonies  will  not  submit  to  the 
iron  yoke  of  arbitrary  power. 


The  follounng  drpositioyis  ivere  taken  and  authenticated  as  sooji  as  possible 
afler  the  action,  to  prove  and  elucidate  the  truth  of  facts  relative  thereto, 

We,  Solomon  Brown,  Jonathan  Loring,  and  Elijah  Sanderson,  all  of  lawful 
age,  and  of  Lexington,  in  the  count]  of  Middlesex  and  colony  of  the  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  in  N<\v  England,  do  testify  and  declare,  that  on  the  evenin»-  of 
the  eighteenth  of  April,  instant,  being  on  the  road  between  Lexington  and 
Concord,  and  all  of  us  mounted  on  horses,  we  were,  about  ten  of  the  clock, 


1775.]        r.v  i  i;>l<  >\  OF  THE   KING  -  TROOPS 

suddenl]  surprized  bj  tune  persona,  whom  we  t>>.>k  n>  be  reguhu 

who  rode  up  to  us,  mount)  >l  and  armed,  each  holding  ■  |>i*n>l  in  1 

and  after  putting  piatob  to  out  brents,  and  seizing  tin-  Inn  I 

the)  swore,  thai  it  we  Btirred  another  step  we  Bhould  In-  all  dead  men, 

which  we  *ui  endered  ourselves.     I    bj  detained  us  until  two  o'clock  the 

next  morning,  in  which  time  the]  Marched  and  greet!)  ai  wing 

first  inquired  aboui   the  magazine  at  Concord,  whether  an)   guard*  were 

posted  there,  and  whether  the  bridges  m  re  u|> ;  end  said  four  or  I 

ments  of  regulara  would  i»-  in  p..--. . — : •  ■  i *  of  tin.-  -(•  d;  thej  then 

hroughi  ui  back  t"  Lexington,  cut  the  la>i. -<■«,'  in  nil. ■>,  an.  turned  tin  oa 

loose,  and  then  l<  fl  us> 

Bsowk, 

J  llllO        I  ...|.|M., 

I    i         ,  J. 

Lexington,  ipril  25th,  I  '• ' 

VIlDDLESKX,    IS.     \  ri. ii.    25TH,    IT  \ 

Jonathan  Loring,  Solomon  Brown,  and  Bujah  Sanderson,  being  duly  cau- 
tioned to  testifj  the  whole  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above 
deposition  by  them  subscribed:  before  u~, 

Wll.l.lAM     KkU', 

JOSULH    JOHlfSOIf,  JuatiOU  <;/'  (flM    P 

\\  hi  i  vm   Stickkzt,  J 


I.  Elijah  Sanderson,  above  named,  do  further  testifj  and  declare,  th      I 
was  i>n  Lexington  common  the  morning  <>f  the  nineteenth  <>f  April,  al 
Baid,  having  been  dismissed  b)   the  officers  above  mentioned,  and  saw  n 
large  bod]  of  regular  troops  advancing  towards  Lexington  company,  man] 

of  whom  were  then  dispersing,  I  heard  • f  lh<  regulars,  wbom  1  took  to 

be  an  officer,  say,  M damn  them— we  will  have  them,"  and  immediate!)  tli« 
regulars  b1  touted  aloud,  run  and  fired  on  1 1  «•  ■  L  ungton  company,  which  <lnl 
noi  fire  a  gun  before  the  regulars  discharged  on  them;  eight  "i  the  Lexing- 
ton company  were  killed,  while  the]  were  dispersing,  and  ranle 
distance  from  each  other,  and  many  wounded,  and  although  a  spectator,] 
narrow  |\  escaped  with  mj  liii-. 

I'.i.i.i mi  Saudi  bsoi*. 

Li  ungton,  April  25th,  1775. 

.Mmni.i  ~l  \.    38.     \ri.n.    25l  B,    I77.">. 

Elijah  Sanderson,  above  named,  being  dulj  cautioned  t"  testifj  Um  ^ 
truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition  bj   him  sub- 
scribed :  before  us, 

\\  hi  i  am  Bj  in,         . 

Josi  mi  JoBifson,  JutOa  I  "/  Ik  P 

w  ii.i.iAM  Stickrxy,  I 


064  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

1,  Thomas  Rice  Willard,  of  lawful  age,  do  testify  and  declare,  that  being 
in  the  house  of  Daniel  Harrington,  of  Lexington,  on  the  nineteenth  instant, 
in  the  morning,  about  half  an  hour  before  sunrise,  I  looked  out  at  the  win- 
dow of  said  house  and  saw,  as  I  suppose,  about  four  hundred  regulars  in  one 
body,  coming  up  the  road  and  marching  toward  the  north  part  of  the  com- 
mon back  of  the  meeting-house  of  said  Lexington  :  and  as  soon  as  said  regu- 
lars were  against  the  east  end  of  the  meeting-house,  the  commanding  officer 
said  something,  what  I  know  not:  but  upon  that,  the  regulars  ran  till  they 
came  within  about  eight  or  nine  rods  of  about  an  hundred  of  the  militia  of 
Lexington,  who  were  collected  on  said  common,  at  which  time  the  militia 
of  Lexington  dispersed ;  then  the  officers  made  an  huzza,  and  the  private 
soldiers  succeeded  them ;  directly  after  this,  an  officer  rode  before  the  regu- 
lars, to  the  other  side  of  the  body,  and  hollowed  after  the  militia  of  said  Lex- 
ington, and  said  "  lay  down  your  arms — damn  you — why  don't  you  lay  down 
your  arms?"  and  that  there  was  not  a  gun  fired  till  the  militia  of  Lexington 
were  dispersed :  and  further  saith  not, 

Thomas  Rice  Willard. 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  23d,  1775. 

The  within  named  Thomas  Rice  Willard,  personally  appeared,  and  after 
due  caution  to  testify  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  sol- 
emn oath  to  the  truth  of  the  within  deposition,  by  him  subscribed  :  before  us, 

William  Read, 

Jonathan  Hastings,  I  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Duncan  Ingraham,     J 


Lexington,  25th  of  April,  1775. 

Simon  Winship,  of  Lexington,  in  the  county  of  Middlesex,  and  province 
of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England,  being  of  lawful  age,  testified)  and 
saith,  that  on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  instant,  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing, as  lie  was  passing  the  public  road  in  said  Lexington,  peaceably  and  un- 
armed, about  two  miles  and  a  half  distant  from  the  meeting-house  in  said 
Lexington,  he  was  met  by  a  body  of  the  king's  regular  troops,  and  being 
stopped  by  some  officers  of  said  troops,  was  commanded  to  dismount;  upon 
asking  why  he  must  dismount,  he  was  obliged  by  force  to  quit  his  horse, 
and  ordered  to  march  in  the  midst  of  the  body,  and  being  examined  whether 
he  had  been  warning  me  minute  men,  he  answered  no,  but  had  been  out 
and  was  then  returning  to  bis  father's.  Said  Winship  further  testifies,  that 
be  marched  with  said  troops  until  be  cam<  within  about  half  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  of  said  meeting-house,  where  an  officer  commanded  the  troops  to  halt, 
and  then  to  prime  and  load  ;  this  being  done,  the  said  troops  marched  on 
till  they  came  within  a  fevi  rods  of  Capt  Parker  and  company,  who  were 
partly  collected  on  the  place  of  parade,  when  said  Winship  observed  an  offi- 
cer at  the  head  of  said  troops,  flourishing  his  .-word,  and  with  a  loud  voice 


l"T-Vj         i:.\<  i  RSK  >\  I  >F  THE  KING  >    rROO 

giving  the  word  bieh  \\  trj  followed  bj 

rrom  Baid  regular  tn  iid  \\  inahip  i-  positive,  and  in  • 

emu  manner  declares,  thai  tin  re  was  do  dischai  rma  on  ■  it: 

till  the  word  fire  was  given  bj  said  officer  ai 

Hinnxj   i  \.  -  - .    \i  i. ii   25 in.  17 ; 

Simon  Winsbip,  above  named,  appeared,  and  alter  due  caution  t< 
the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  bul  the  truth, n  th  t"  the  truth  of 

the  above  deposition,  bj  bim  subscribed :  bel 

\\  n  n  \M    III  U'.     / 

ii  J  I' 

JO  i         >  N  -">.    S 


I  \  Mil  25th,  17  7 

I,  John  Parker,  of  lawful  age,  and  commander  of  the  militia  in  Lexington, 
do  i < •  - 1 1 1 \  and  declare,  that  on  the  nineteenth  instant,  in  the  morning,  about 
one  of  the  clock,  being  informed,  that  there  were  a  number  of  th< 
officers  riding  up  and  down  the  read,  stopping  and  inputting  people  a*  tiny 
passed  the  road,  and  also  informed  that  a  number  of  thi 
were  on  their  march  from  Boston,  in  order  t->  take  the  provii 
Concord,  I  ordei ed  our  militia  to  meet  on  tin-  common  iu  said  l.>  Kington, to 
consult  what  to  d<>,  and  concluded  not   to  l»-  discovered,  m>r  meddli 
make  with  said  regular  troops,  if  the)  should  approach,  unless  thej  abould 
in -i ilt  or  molest  us;  and  upon  their  sudden  approach,  I  imnx  diatelj  ordt 
our  militia  to  disperse  and  not  to  tin  .     Immediately,  said  troops  made  tln-ir 
appearance,  and  rushing  furiousl)  on,  fired  upon  and  killed  eight  of  our  party, 
without  receiving  any  provocation  therefor  from  n>. 

J'HIN      PARI 

.Miniu.i.-!  \,    is.    \  i  i. ii     25  i  ii.    17  75. 

The  above  uamed  John  Parker,  personal!]  appt  and,  arid  dohj 

cautioned  t"  declare  the  whole  truth,  made-  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the 
above  deposition,  bj  bim  subscribed:  before  us, 

\\   III  UM     Kl    Mi.  . 

Jo    in   v    JOHNSON,  ./  / 

\\  ii  1 1  \m  Stic  airs  r,  J 


l.i  sington,  Apnl  24th,  I ! 

I  John  Robbins,  being  of  lawful  age,  do  testify  and  say,  that  on  the  nine- 
teenth  instant,  the  compan)  under  the  commaud  of  Captain  John   Parker, 
_•  drawn  up  sometime  before  sunrise,  on  the  green  or  common,  and  I 
being  in  the  front  rank,  there  sudden!)  appeared  a  numb  r  of  the  i 

troops,  about  a  thousand  as  I  tl ght,  at  the  distance  of  ab sixt] 

-I 


666  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

enty  yards  from  us,  huzzaing,  and  on  a  quick  pace  towards  us,  with  three 
officers  in  their  front  on  horseback,  and  on  full  gallop  towards  us ;  the 
foremost  of  which  cried,  "  throw  down  your  arms ! — ye  villains ! — ye  rehels !" 
upon  which,  said  company  dispersing,  the  foremost  of  the  three  officers  or- 
dered their  men  saying,  "fire! — hy  God!— fire  .'"  at  which  moment  we  receiv- 
ed a  very  heavy  and  close  fire  from  them  ;  at  which  instant,  being  wounded,  I 
fell,  and  several  of  our  men  were  shot  dead  by  me.  Capt.  Parker's  men  I 
believe,  had  not  then  fired  a  gun  :  aud  further  the  deponent  saith  not, 

John  Robbies. 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  24th,  1775. 

John  Robbins,  within  named,  appeared,  and  being  duly  cautioned  to  testi- 
fy the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the 
within  deposition,  subscribed  by  his  special  order,  he  being  so  maimed  and 
wounded,  that  he  thought  he  could  neither  write  his  name,  nor  make  his 
mark :  before  us, 

William  Read,    i 

T  ,  >  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Josiah  Johnson,  $  J 


We,  Benjamin  Tidd,  of  Lexington,  and  Joseph  Abbot,  of  Lincoln,  in  the 
county  of  Middlesex,  and  colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Pay,  in  New  Eng- 
land, of  lawful  age,  do  testify  and  declare,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  nine- 
teenth of  April,  instant,  about  five  o'clock,  being  on  Lexington  common  and 
mounted  on  horses,  we  saw  a  body  of  regular  troops  marching  up  to  the 
Lexington  company,  which  was  then  dispersing ;  soon  after,  the  regulars 
fired,  first  a  few  guns,  which  we  took  to  be  pistols,  from  some  of  the  regu- 
lars who  were  mounted  on  horses ;  and  then  the  said  regulars  fired  a  volley 
or  two,  before  any  guns  were  fired  by  the  Lexington  company.  Our  horses 
immediately  started  and  we  rode  off:  and  further  say  not, 

Benjamin  Tidd, 
Joseph  Abbott. 
Lexington,  April  25th,  1775. 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  25th,  1775. 
Benjamin  Tidd,  and  Joseph  Abbott,  above  named,  being  duly  cautioned  to 
testify  the  whole  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposi- 
tion, by  them  subscribed  :  before  us, 

William  Read, 


\\  ILLIAM    HEAD, 

Josiah  Johnson,        \  Justices  of  the  Peace. 
William   Stickney,  ) 


We,  Nathaniel  Mulliken,  Phillip  Russell,  Moses  Harrington,  Jun., Thomas 
and  Daniel  Harrington,  William  Grimer,  William  Tidd,  Isaac  Hastings,  Jo- 
nas  Stone,  Jun.,  James    Wvman,  Thaddeus   Harrington,  John   Chandler, 


rr,3.]      i:.\t  I  R.SION  OF  THE  KING  -  1 i;< ><  >p 


Joshua  Reed,  J un.,  Joseph  Bimonds,  Phineas  Smith,  John  Chandler,  Jun., 
Reuben    Lock,  Joel    Viles,    N   than    Reed,  Samuel    Hdd,  B  1 

Thomas  Winahip,  Simeon  Sirow,  John  Smith,  Moses  Hai 

.  Ebeni        l  John  Harrington,  Enoch  \\  illington,  John  Hosmer, 

Isaac  Green,  Phineai  Steams,  Isaac  Durant,  and   1  nomas  II'    dley,  Jui 

of  lawful  age,  and  inhabitants  ol  I-       _■ in  the  count)  ofMiddh 

eolonj  ofthe  Mas         lettsR     .  in  New  England,  do 

on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  iustant,  about  one  <>■•  two  in  the  n 

I 'i  Hi-  informed,  that  several  <  of  the  rej         ,  had,  tin 

been  riding  up  and  down  the  road,  and  had  detained  and  insulted  tin-  in- 

babitants  passing  tl  i  !  also  ui  ding,  th 

were  marching  from  Boston,  towards  C :ord,  with  intent,  as  it  v 

d,  to  take  thu  Btorea  belonging  t"  the  colon)   in  thai   town,  we  were 
alarmed,  and  baviug  met  at  the  place  of  our  company'i 
missed  bj  our  captain,  John  Parker,  for  the  pr<  sent,  with  orth  rs  to  be  n 
t<>  attend  ;it  the  beat  <>t'  the  drum.     We  further  testifj  and  declare,  that 
about  five  o'clock  in  the  moruing,  hearing  "ur  drum  beat,  u>-  p  d  to- 

wards ili--  parade,  and  Boon  found,  that  a  large  bodj  "f  troops  \\>  re  march- 
ing towards  us ;  some  of  our  company  were  comiug  up  t<>  th<-  parade,  and 
others  had  reached  it  :  at  which  time,  the  company  began  to  <li-  i  hilst 

our  backs  were  turned  on  the  troops,  we  were  fired  <>n  b)  them, and  a  num- 
ber of  our  men  were  instantly  killed  and  wounded  Not  a  gun  was  tir<-'l  bj 
any  person  in  our  company  on  the  regulars,  to  our  knowledge,  before  tbey 
fired  "M  us,  and  the)  continued  firing  until  we  had  all  made  "ur  escape. 

N  \  1  I!  VMM.     Ml    III  JOEL     \ll' 

Phillip  Ri  bsell, 

M"-r    -       II   M.I.1M.  I  "V,     .ll     V, 

THOM  \.B    II  m.i. inc.  ; 

Daniel  Harrington, 
Wii.i.um   Grimer, 
Wii  LI  AM    TlDD. 

I  -  \  V  I      I  I  v  -  I  I  \  ■ 

JO       •  ~      "M   .    .ll    V, 

.1  vmi  -   Wtmah, 

Tfl  M'i'i  i  -    1 1  \  RRIHGTON, 

John  Ciiamm  i ir, 
Joshua   Reed,  J i  v.. 
Josi  i'ii  Simonds, 
Phineas  Smith, 
John  Cha  holer,  .it- v., 
Ri  i  i;i  %   Lo<  s. 

Lexington,  April  25tb,  IT ! 


\  v  I  ll  O     ReI  D, 
i  I  i.    TlDD, 
LMtH     I.",  k. 
Thom  IS    Win  imp, 
<i>n  ,in  Show, 
John   Smi  Ml, 
Moses  11  irrihs  i  on,  3d  , 
J      Ida  Reed, 
i       ifEZEB  Parker, 
.Inn  \   Harrington, 

I    ifOCH    WELLINGTON, 

.i.xin  Hosmi  a, 

[Si  G        EH, 

Phihi  is  Sti  irhs, 

I'Hi        l»l    I.  O  I. 

Thomas  Hi  ldi  n.  Jos. 


Middlesex,  ■i*-  Aran.  'JJrn,  177.".. 
Nathaniel   Miillik.'ii,   Phillip   Russell,  Moses   Harrington,  Jim..  Thomas 


66S  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Harrington,  Daniel  Harrington,  William  Grimer,  William  Tirld,  Isaac  Has- 
tings, Jonas  Stone,  Jun.,  James  Wyman,  Thaddeus  Harrington,  John  Chand- 
ler, Joshua  Reed,  Jun.,  Joseph  Simonds,  Phineas  Smith,  John  Chandler, 
Jun.,  Reuben  Lock,  Joel  Viles,  Nathan  Reed,  Samuel  Tidd,  Benjamin  Lock, 
Thomas  Winship,  Simeon  Snow,  John  Smith,  Moses  Harrington,  3d,  Joshua 
Reed,  Ehenezer  Parker,  John  Harrington,  Enoch  Wellington,  John  Hosmer, 
Isaac  Green,  Phineas  Stearns,  Isaac  Durant,  and  Thomas  Headley,  Jun., 
above  named,  being  duly  cautioned  to  testify  the  whole  truth,  made  solemn 
oath  to  the  above  deposition,  as  containing  nothing  but  the  truth,  as  sub- 
scribed by  them  :  before  us, 

William  Reed,  \ 

Josiah  Johnson,         >  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

William  Stickney,  J 


We,  Nathaniel  Parkhurst,  Jonas  Parker,  John  Munroe,  Jun.,  John  Win- 
ship,  Solomon  Peirce,  John  Muzzy,  Abner  31eads,  John  Bridge,  Jun.,  Ebe- 
nezer  Bowman,  William  Munroe,  3d,  Micah  Hagar,  Samuel  Sanderson, 
Samuel  Hastings,  and  James  Brown,  of  Lexington,  in  the  county  of  Middle- 
sex, and  colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  and  all  of  law- 
ful age,  do  testify  and  say,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth  of  April, 
instant,  about  one  or  two  o'clock,  being  informed,  that  a  number  of  regular 
officers  had  been  riding  up  and  down  the  road  the  evening  and  night  pre- 
ceding, and  that  some  of  the  inhabitants  as  they  were  passing,  had  been  in- 
sulted by  the  officers  and  stopped  by  them,  and  being  also  informed,  that  the 
regular  troops,  were  on  their  march  from  Boston,  in  order,  as  it  was  said, 
to  take  the  colony  stores  then  deposited  at  Concord,  we  met  on  the  parade 
of  our  company  in  this  town.  After  the  company  had  collected  we  were  or- 
dered by  Capt.  John  Parker,  who  commanded  us,  to  disperse  for  the  pre- 
sent, and  be  ready  to  attend  the  beat  of  the  drum,  and  accordingly  the  com- 
pany went  into  houses  near  the  place  of  parade.  We  further  testify  and 
say,  that  about  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we  attended  the  beat  of  our 
drum,  and  were  formed  on  the  parade.  We  were  faced  towards  the  regulars 
then  marching  up  to  us,  and  some  of  our  company  were  coming  to  the  pa- 
rade, with  their  barks  towards  the  troops,  and  others  on  the  parade  began  to 
disperse,  when  the  regulars  fired  on  the  company  before  a  gun  was  fired  by 
any  of  our  company  on  them  ;  they  killed  eight  of  our  company  and  wound- 
ed several,  and  continued  their  fire  until  we  had  all  made  our  escape. 
Natiivniei,  Paukiiurst,  John  Bridge,  Jin., 
Jonas  Parker,  Ebenezer  Bowman, 

John  Monroe,  Jon.,  William  Munroe,  3d., 

John  Winship,  Micah  Hagar, 

Solomon  Peirce,  Samuel  Sanderson, 

John   Mi/zy,  Samuel  Hastings, 

Abner  Meads,  James  Brown. 

Lexington, 25th  April,  1775. 


1775.]       l.\<  i  R.SION  OF  THE  KIN'.  -    l  i:<  K  >P8  •  ..;•• 

Mii'i-i  i  -i  \.   -  -      \i  mi    '.'.".I  ii.    177 

Nathaniel  Parkhurst,  J  Parker,  John   M  i  m,  Jul      \'.      i,i|>, 

Solomon  Peirce,John   Muzzy,  Abnei    M<    di  Johi    H      .   .Juu.l 
Bow  man,  \N  illiara  M  Micah  II  Samuel  G 

Hastings,  and  James  Brown,  above  named,  being  dul)  cautioned,  to  u 
th<'  whole  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  .!• 
them  Bubscribt  <\ :  before 

\\  n  ii  im    I C  i  LD, 

JOSIAH   Jfl  ./  /• 

William  Sticejtki    ' 


I,  Timothj  Smith,  of  Lexington,  in  the  count)  "t"  Midd 
Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  being  of  lawful  agi  I  de- 

clare,  that  on  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth  of  VpriL,  instant,  b  I 

ington  common,  as  a  spectator,  I  si«  a  large  bod)  of  regular  tn  irch- 

ing  up  towards  the  Lexington  company  then  dispersing,  and  likewise, 
the  regular  troops  fire  on  the  Lexington  compan)  before  the  latter  fin 
gunj  I  immediate!)  ran,  and  a  voile)  was  discb  I  me,  which  put  me 

in  imminenl  danger  of  I < > - i 1 1 ir  m)  lift  ;  I  Boon  returned  t<>  the  <-"iit! 
saw  eighl  of  the  Lexington  nun.  who  were  Kill'  <1  ami  la)  bleeding  at  a  i 
aiderable  distance  from  each  other,  ami  several  w«  sre  wounded,  ami  further 
Baith  ii"'. 

TlMO  niv    Smi  i  II. 

Lexington,  April  25th,  17  7".. 

Middlesex,  --.    \ri.i  i    25 1  a,   I77.">. 
Timoth)  Smith,  above  named,  being  duly  cautioned  i"  testif)  the  truth. 
made  ~< >lt - 1 1 , i ■  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  d<  position,  b)  him  i  'I  • 

before  us, 

\\  n. l.l  \M    Kt:  vn, 

Jo    IAH    JoU  n-iin.  ./  I  ' 

William   Stickni       I 


We,  Levi  Mead  and  Levi  1  larrington,  both  of  Lexington,  in  the  count)  of 
Middlesex,  and  colon)  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  England,  and  of 
lawful  age,  do  testif)  and  declare,  that  on  the  morning  of  th>'  nineteenth  <'t' 

April,  being  <m   Lexington  comi i,  as  spectators,  we  saw  a  largi   I"  ■ 

regular  troops  marching  up  towards  tin    Lexington  company,  and 

the  regulars  <>n  horses,  whom  we  took  to  be  officers,  fin  >l  a  pistol  or  tw 

the  Lexington  company,  which  was  then  dispersii 

guns  that  were  fired,  and  the)  were  iramediatel]  followed  i  ilvolleya 

from  the  regulars,  b)   which  eighl  men  belonging  t"  said  company 

killed,  and  Beveral  wounded. 

I.I    \  I      Ml    Mi. 

l.i  \  i  II  laaine 
Lexington,  ipril  25th,  1775. 


670  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  25th,  1775. 
Levi  Mead  and  Levi  Harrington,  above  named,  being  duly  cautioned  to 
testify  tbe  wbole  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposi- 
tion, by  them  subscribed  :  before  us, 

William  Read,  \ 

Josiah  Jonxsox,         K  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

William   Stickket,  J 


Lexington,  April  25th,  1775. 

1,  William  Draper,  of  lawful  age,  and  an  inhabitant  of  Colrain,  in  the 
county  of  Hampshire,  and  colony  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  in  New  Eng- 
land, do  testify  and  declare,  that  being  on  the  parade  at  said  Lexington, 
April  nineteenth,  instant,  about  half  an  hour  before  sunrise,  tbe  king's  regular 
troops  appeared  at  tbe  meeting-house  of  Lexington.  Captain  Parker's  com- 
pany, who  were  drawn  up  back  of  said  meeting-house  on  the  parade,  turned 
from  said  troops,  making  their  escape  by  dispersing.  In  the  mean  time,  the 
regular  troops  made  an  huzza,  and  ran  towards  Captain  Parker's  company 
who  were  dispersing,  and  immediately  after  the  huzza  was  made,  the  com- 
manding officer  of  said  troops,  as  I  took  him  to  be,  gave  the  command  to  the 
troops,  "fire  l^fire ! — damn  you,  fire .'"  and  immediately  they  fired,  before  any  of 
Captain  Parker's  company  fired,  I  then  being  within  three  or  four  rods  of 
said  regular  troops :  and  further  saith  not, 

William  Draper. 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  25th,  1775. 

William  Draper,  above  named,  being  duly  cautioned  to  testify  the  wbole 
truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition  by  him  sub- 
scribed :  before  us, 

William  Read,  \ 

Josiah  Johnson,        V  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

William  Stickxet,  j 


Lexington,  April  23d,  1775. 
1,  Thomas  Fessenden,  of  lawful  age,  testily  and  declare,  that  being  in  a 
pasture  near  the  meeting-house,  at  said  Lexington,  on  Wednesday  last,  at 
about  half  an  hour  before  sunrise,  I  saw  a  number  of  regular  troops  pass 
speedily  by  said  meeting-house,  on  their  way  towards  a  company  of  militia 
of  said  Lexington,  who  were  assembled  to  the  number  of  about  an  hundred 
in  a  company,  at  the  distance  of  eighteen  or  twenty  rods  from  said  meeting- 
house: and  alter  they  had  passed  by  said  house,  I  saw  three  officers  on 
horseback  advance  to  the  front  of  said  regulars,  when  one  of  them,  being 
within  six  rod  of  said  militia,  cried  out,  "disperse  you  rebels  immediately;" 
on  which  he  brandished  his  sword  over  his  head  three  times ;  mean  while, 
the  second  officer,  who  was  about  two  rods  behind  him,  fired  a  pistol  point- 


1775.]         EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS  871 

r<l  at  said  militia,  and  tin-  regulars  kept  huzzaing  nil  be  had  finished  hi 
Uhing  hie  sword ;  and  when  be  hml  thus  finished  hrandiabi 
pointed  it  down  towards  said  militia,  and  immediately  on  \\i 
regulars  fired  a  volli  .1  miliiia,and  then  I  ran  offi  I 

while  the)  continued  firiug  till  I  h.    J  fui 

that  as  soon  as  ever  t  ried  u  disperse  you  rebels,"  th<  said  coi 

nj  "t"  militia  dispersed  i  rerj  "  -  the]  could,  and  wbUe  tl 

disj  ■  tare  kept  firing  at  them  incessant!)  :  and  furtl 

not, 

THOU  v-    I  I  --(  mi 

Middli  \  .        : ; . 

The  within  named  Thomai  I         nden  appeared,  and  after  du<  d  to 

testif)  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  .->!•  mn  oath  i 
truth  of  the  within  deposition  b)  him  aubscribed:  before  i 

\\  1 1  i  i  \  •■•   Read,    / 

i  i  r  Justices  of  the  P 

.I..-I  \ll     Jul 


Lincoln,  April  2  Id,  171 

I.  John  Bateman,  belonging  to  the  fifty-second  regiment,  commanded  by 
Colonil  Jones,  on  Wednesday  morning,  on  the  nineteenth  da)  of  April  in- 
stant, was  in  the  part)   marching  i<>  Concord.     Being  al   Lexington,  in  the 
county  of  Middlesex,  I > <  i 1 1 ir  nigh  the  meeting-bouse  in  said  Lexington,! 
was  a  small  part)  of  men   gathered   together  in  tliat   place,  when  our        I 
troops  marched  In  ;  ami  I  testif)  and  declare,  that  1  heard  tin-  word 
maud  given  to  tlir  troops  t"  fire,  and  some  "t'  said  troops  did  fire,  and  1 
one  of  said  small  party  lie  dead  on  the  ground  nigh   -aid   meeting 
and  I  testify,  that  1  never  heard  an)  of  tin-  inhabitants  h  a-  fire  one 

gUO    l>||    -aid    Hum],-. 

Jons    I  ut. 

Middlesex,  ss.  Aran  23d,  177-".. 

The  above  named  John  Bateman  voluntarily,  being  previous!)  cautioned 

to  i'  late  nothing  but  tin-  truth,  made  Bolemn  oath  to  the  deposition  b)  him 

subscribed  :  before  us, 

John  Cdmminos,       /  ,    .  .-  ,,     /, 

i .  i  Justices  Oj   UU    I  I 

l»l     M     \N      Im,K  V  1 1  \ 


l  ,  April 

We,  John  Hoar,  John  Whitehead,  Abraham  Garfield,  Benjamin   Mm 
Isaac  Parks,  William  llosmer,  John  Adams,  and  Gregor)  Stoue,  all  of  I 
coin,  in  tli''  count)  of  Middlesex,  Massai  bus        I  ty,  all  of  lawful  age,  do 

testif)  and  say,  that  no  Wednesda)  last  we  w<  re  oss<  mbli  <l  oiC :ord,iu  the 

morning  of  said  day,  in  i sequence  "i  information  received,  that  a  brij 

of  regular  troops  were  on  their  march  to  the  said  town  ol  Coucord, 
bad  killed  six  men  at  the  town  of  Lexington.    About  an  hour  uiurwnrds. 


672  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

we  saw  them  approaching,  to  the  number,  as  we  apprehended,  of  about 
twelve  hundred;  on  which,  we  retreated  to  a  hill  about  eighty  rods  back, 
and  the  said  troops  then  took  possession  of  the  hill  where  we  were  first 
posted ;  presently  after  this,  we  saw  the  troops  moving  towards  the  north 
bridge, about  one  mile  from  the  said  Concord  meeting-house.  We  then  imme- 
diately went  before  them  and  passed  the  bridge,  just  before  a  party  of  them, 
to  the  number  of  about  two  hundred,  arrived.  They  there  left  about  one 
half  of  their  two  hundred  at  the  bridge,  and  proceeded  with  the  rest  towards 
Colonel  Barrett's,  about  two  miles  from  the  said  bridge.  We  then,  seeing 
several  fires  in  the  town,  thought  the  houses  in  Concord  were  in  danger,  and 
marched  towards  the  said  bridge,  and  the  troops  who  were  stationed  there,  ob- 
serving our  approach,  marched  back  over  the  bridge,  and  then  took  up  some 
of  the  planks.  We  then  hastened  our  march  towards  the  bridge,  and  when 
we  had  got  near  the  bridge  they  fired  on  our  men,  first  three  guns  one  after 
the  other,  and  then  a  considerable  number  more,  and  then,  and  not  before, 
having  orders  from  our  commanding  officers  not  to  fire  till  we  were  fired 
upon,  we  fired  upon  the  regulars,  and  they  retreated.  On  their  retreat 
through  this  town,  and  Lexington,  to  Charlestown,  they  ravaged  and  de- 
stroyed private  property,  and  burned  three  houses,  one  barn,  and  one  shop. 

John  Hoar,  Isaac  Parks, 

John  Whitehead,  William  Hosmer, 

Abraham  Garfield,  John  Adams, 

Benjamin  Mcnroe,  Gregory  Stone. 

Middlesex,  ss.  April  23d,  1775. 

The  within  named  John  Hoar,  John  Whitehead,  Abraham  Garfield,  Ben- 
jamin Munroe,  Isaac  Parks,  William  Hosmer,  John  Adams,  and  Gregory 
Stone,  appeared,  and  made  oath  solemnly  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposi- 
tion :  before  us, 

William  Read, 

John  Cummings,  t    ..        r.,     D 

'Justices  of  the  Peace. 

Jonathan  Hastings, 
Duncan  Ingraham,       J 


Lexington,  April  23d,  1775. 

We,  Nathan  Barrett,  captain;  Jonathan  Farrer,  Joseph  Butler  and  Francis 
Wheeler,  lieutenants;  John  Barrett,  ensign;  John  Brown,  Silas  Walker, 
Ephraim  Melvin,  Nathan  Buttrick,  Stephen  Hosmer,  Jr.,  Samuel  Barrett, 
Thomas  J.mes,  Joseph  Chandler,  Peter  Wheeler,  Nathan  Pierce,  and  Ed- 
ward Richardson,  all  of  Concord,  in  the  county  of  .Middlesex,  in  the  prov- 
ince of  tin-  Massachusetts  Bay,  of  lawful  age,  testify  and  declare,  that  on 
Wednesday,  the  nun  teenth  instant,  about  an  hour  after  sunrise,  we  assem- 
bled on  a  lull  near  the  meeting-bouse  in  Concord  aforesaid,  in  consequence 
of  information  thai  a  Dumber  of  regular  troops  had  killed  six  of  our  coun- 
n  \  men  at  Lexington,  and  were  on  their  march  to  said  Concord:  and  about 


1775.]         I'.\<  i  aSIOIS  OF  THE   KING  B  TR<  (OPS 

an  hour  after  we  sa^   them  approaching,  t>>  the  numl 

aluitit  twelve  hundred  :  on  which,  wre  retreated  i"  a  Mil  al 

hack,  and  tin-  aforet  >ps  ilnn  took  |  of  tli<-  hill  where  we 

were  first  posted.     PreseutI)  after  ll  them  n 

north  bridge,  about mile  from  said  i  theu  imm<  d 

l\  went  beibre  them,  and  passed  I  them,  to 

the  number  of  about  two  hundre<  ed-    Tl  i   half 

of  those  two  hundred  at  the  bri  I  ^^  it  1 1  tin-  real  towards 

( lolonel   Barrett's,  aboul  t\\ o  m;. 
m\  end  fires  in  the  tow  n,  thought  < 
atel)  inarched  b 
the i  •  .  in-  our  app 

up  bo  me  of  the  planks.     \\  o  then 
and  \\  hen  we  h 

-mi--,  one  rid   then  n  upon 

which,  and  not  before,  havii  >m  our  i  "i  in 

fire  till  v  fired  ii|  1  upon  the  i 

\    Concord,  and  on  their  retreat  through   I 
houses,  burnt  three  at  Lexiugton,  together  with  a  shop  ami 
mitted  damage,  more  or  less,  to  almost  everj  I  <  ' 

InU  II. 

Nathan    Rarri  Iathaji    I '.i  r  i  i.ic  k, 

Jonathan  1  S      piien  H 

.li.    I  ill     I3l    ri  S  \  \:i   I  :      B  ■ 

\  m  i>   Win  :  i  i  i..  Tho         Jones, 

JoiI.N     B  ll  III    <  'll  VM' 

Joii.il   Brown,  Peter  Whim 

Silas  VValki  Nathan  Peirce, 

I        i:.  \i  m    M  ELVIN,  Rll  ii  LRD8 

I      ington,  April  23d,  I 

We,  Joseph  Butler  and  Gphraim  Melvin,  do  testify  and  declare,  tltat  when 
the  regular  troops  firi  <l  upon  our  people  al  the  north  bridge,  in  <  !oi  cord,  - 
related  in   the  lb  lions,  the)  bIio!  one,  and  wo  believe  two  ol 

our  people,  before  we  fired  a  Bmgle  gun  al  tlicra. 

Jo    i  I'll    I' 
I 
Mi  \  23d,  17' 

'J'he  within  named  Nathan  Barrett,  Jonatl        I  I  I 

John   Barrett,  John    Brown,  Silas  \\  dker,   Kphraim   Melvin, 

N       in   Buttrick,  Stephen  Hostm      -    nucl   Barren     ■  .'■        .  -1 ph 

Chandler,  Peter  W  .  Vnhan  Peirce,  and    Edward  Richardson,  ap| 

ed,  and  made  solemn  oath  to  ti"-  truth  of  the  above  dc*p< 
subscj  ii-  il :  I ■>  fore  U-.  1 1 

John  Commik  /' 

I  »i  m  v  n  Im.k  mi  im,     ' 


674  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Concord,  April  23d,  1775. 
I,  Timothy  Minot,  Jr.,  of  Concord,  on  the  nineteenth  day  of  this  instant 
April,  after  1  had  heard  of  the  regular  troops  firing  upon  the  Lexington 
men,  and  fearing  that  hostilities  might  he  committed  at  Concord,  thought  it 
my  incumbent  duty  to  secure  my  family.  After  I  had  secured  my  family, 
sometime  after  that,  returning  towards  my  own  dwelling,  and  finding  that 
the  bridge  on  the  northern  part  of  said  Concord  was  guarded  by  regular 
troops,  being  a  spectator  of  what  had  happened  at  said  bridge,  I  declare  that 
the  regular  troops  stationed  on  the  bridge,  after  they  saw  the  men  that  were 
collected  on  the  westerly  side  of  said  bridge  marched  towards  said  bridge, 
then  the  troops  returned  towards  the  easterly  side  of  said  bridge,  and  form- 
ed themselves,  as  I  thought  for  a  regular  fight.  After  that,  they  fired  one 
gun,  then  two  or  three  more,  before  the  men  that  were  stationed  on  the 

westerly  part  of  said  bridge  fired  upon  them. 

Timothy  Minot,  Jr. 
Middlesex,  ss.  April  23d,  1775. 

Doct.  Timothy  31  i not,  Jr.  personally  appeared,  and  after  due  caution  to 
testify  the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth 
of  the  above  deposition  by  him  subscribed:  before  us, 

William  Read, 

Jonathan  Hastings, 

Tnn«.  r<™„«„„„„  >  Justices  of  the  Peace. 

John  Cummings, 

Duncan  Ingraham, 


Lexington,  April  23d,  1775. 

I,  James  Barrett,  of  Concord,  colonel  of  a  regiment  of  militia  in  the 
county  of  Middlesex,  do  testify  and  say,  that  on  Wednesday  morning  last, 
about  day  break,  I  was  informed  of  the  approach  of  a  number  of  the  regu- 
lar troops  to  the  town  of  Concord,  where  were  some  magazines  belonging  to 
this  province  :  when  there  were  assembled  some  of  the  militia  of  this  and 
the  neighboring  towns,  then  1  ordered  them  to  march  to  the  north  bridge, 
so  called,  which  they  had  passed,  and  were  taking  up.  1  ordered  said  mili- 
tia to  march  to  said  bridge,  and  pass  the  same,  but  not  to  fire  on  the  king's 
troops  unless  thej  were  first  fired  upon.  We  advanced  near  said  bridge, 
when  the  said  troops  fired  upon  our  militia,  and  killed  two  men  dead  on  the 
spot,  and  wounded  several  others,  which  was  the  first  firing  of  guns  in  Con- 
cord.    My  detachment  then  returned  the  fire,  which  killed  and  wounded 

sev<  ral  of  the  king's  troops. 

James  Barrett. 
Minn;  i  -.  April  23d,  1775. 

The  above  Darned  James  Barrett  personally  appeared,  and  after  due  cau- 
tion to  testify  the  whole  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  solemn  oath 
to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition  bj  him  subscribed:  before  us, 

\\  i  i.i.i  \m  Read,  -\ 

Jonathan  Hastings,  C  Justices  0f  the  Peace. 

Di  m  an  Ingraham,    ) 


L775.]         EX(  i  RSION  OF  THE  KIN'. 

i  \ 

\\ . ,  Bradburj  R  >n,  Samuel  Sprii       I  I 

cord,  and  Jamee  Adams,  of  Lincoln,  all  in  tli<-  count)  of  Middli  ill  of 

lawful  age,  do  testify  and  Bay,  that  on  Wedi 

the  clock,  we  san  near  one  hundred  ol  troopc  in  the  I 

of  Concord,  at  the  north  bridge  in  said  town,  so  called,  and 
the  aame  the)  were  taking  up  said  bridge,  when  about   three  bui 

our  militia  were  advancing  ti  rd<  i 

when,  without   Baying  an)   thing  to  us,  lh< 

on  U-,  which  killed  two  men  dead  on  thi 

when  we  returned  the  fire  on  them,  which  killed  two  of  il  • 

rd  sevi  ral ;  h  lii'-li  was  the  bcgiunii  %  of  I 

I  ii  \  ml.  i   -    I!  \  ■■■ 

Middli  sex,  b&  \im i  2  to,  1775. 
The  within  named  Bradbury  Robinson,  Samuel  Spring,  Thaddeuf   B 
.•mil  and  James  Adams,  made  solemn  oath  t"  the  truth  <>!'  the  within  depo- 
■  ii  b)  them  subscribed :  before  us, 

\\  ii .i.i  kM    III  LD,  \ 

\\  ii. 1. 1  \m  Stk  km  r,   >  Justices  qf        P 
\  i  ii  in  ELxsTtifi 


I    mcord,  April  33d,  IT ' 

I,  James  Marr,  of  lawful  age,  testify  and  Bay,  that  in  the  evening  of  the 

eighteenth  instant,  I  received  orders  from  G  Hutchinson,  adjutant  of 

the  fourth  regiment  of  the  regular  troops  stationed  in    Boston,  to  prepare 

ami  march:  to  which  order  I  attended,  and  marched        I         ord,  wb<       I 

was  ordered  bj  an  officer,  with  about  one  hundred  men  to  guard  a  certain 

bridge  there.     While  attending  that   Bervice,  a   number  of  people   came 

along,  in  order,  as  I  Bupposed,  to  cross  said  bridge,  at  which  time  a  nun 

of  regular  troops  firsi  fired  upon  them. 

Jami     M  las. 

Middlesex,  ss.  Lpru  23d,  1775. 

The  above  named  James  Marr  appeared,  and  after  due  caution  i"  tcstifj 

the  truth,  and  nothing  but  the  truth,  made  Bolemn  oath  to  the  truth  "i  the 

above  deposition  b)  him  voluntarily  subscribed:  b< 

1*1    !f<     \  N      iN'.l;  Ml  Ol.        / 

Jonas  Dix,  N 

I.  Edward  Thornton  Gould,  of  bis  majesty's  own  regiment  ol 
nf  lawful  age,  'I"  testify  and  di  clare,  thai  "ii  the  evening  of  tl  enth 

instant,  under  the  order  of  <;  neral  Gage,  I  embarked  with  the  light  infan- 
tr\  and  grenadiers  of  the  fine,  commanded  b)  Colonel  Smith,  and 


676  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.      [April  19, 

on  the  marshes  of  Cambridge,  from  whence  we  proceeded  to  Lexington. 
On  our  arrival  at  that  place,  we  saw  a  body  of  provincial  troops  armed,  to 
the  number  of  about  sixty  or  seventy  men.  On  our  approach,  they  dis- 
persed, and  soon  after  firing  began,  but  which  party  fired  first  I  cannot  ex- 
actly say,  as  our  troops  rushed  on,  shouting  and  huzzaing,  previous  to  the 
firing,  which  was  continued  by  our  troops  so  long  as  any  of  the  provincials 
were  to  be  seen.  From  thence  we  marched  to  Concord.  On  a  hill  near 
the  entrance  of  the  town,  we  saw  another  body  of  the  provincials  assem- 
bled. The  light  infantry  companies  were  ordered  up  the  hill  to  disperse 
them.  On  our  approach  they  retreated  towards  Concord.  The  grenadiers 
continued  on  the  road  under  the  hill  towards  the  town.  Six  companies  of 
light  infantry  were  ordered  down  to  take  possession  of  the  bridge  which 
the  provincials  retreated  over.  The  company  I  commanded  was  one  of  the 
three  companies  of  the  above  detachment,  and  went  forward  about  two 
miles.  In  the  mean  time,  the  provincial  troops  returned,  to  the  number  of 
about  three  or  four  hundred.  We  drew  up  on  the  Concord  side  of  the 
bridge.  The  provincials  came  down  upon  us  ;  upon  which  we  engaged  and 
gave  the  first  fire.  This  was  the  first  engagement  after  the  one  at  Lexing- 
ton. A  continued  firing  from  both  parties  lasted  through  the  whole  day.  I 
myself  was  wounded  at  the  attack  of  the  bridge,  and  am  now  treated  with 
the  greatest  humanity,  and  taken  all  possible  care  of,  by  the  provincials  at 
Medford. 

Edward  Thornton  Gould. 
Medford,  April  20th,  1775. 

Province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay, 

Middlesex  County,  April  25th,  1775. 

Lieutenant  Edward  Thornton  Gould,  aforenamed,  personally  made  oath 
to  the  truth  of  the  foregoing  declaration,  by  him  subscribed:  before  us, 

Thaddeus  Mason,  -\ 

Josiah  Johnson,     V  jl(S(iCes  of  the  Peace. 

Simon  Tufts.  j 


Province  of  tlue  Massachusetts  Bay. 

ClIARLESTOWN,    SS. 

JL  Nathaniel  Gorham,  Notary  and  Tabellion  Public,  by  lawful  authority, 
duly  admitted  and  sworn;  hereby  certify  to  all  whom  it  doth  or  may  con- 
cern,  thai  Thaddeus  .Mason,  Josiah  Johnson,  and  Simon  'Putts,  Esq'rs,  are 
three  of  bis  majesty's  justices  of  tin-  peace,  quorum  unus,  for  the  county  of 
Middlesex,  and  thai  full  faith  and  credit  is  and  ought  to  be  given  to  their 
transactions  as  such,  both  in  court  and  out.  In  witness  whereof,  1  have 
hereunto  affixed  m\  name  and  seal,  this  twenty-sixth  day  of  April,  Anno 
Domini,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five. 

Nathaniel  Gorham. 


173  3  EXC1  (tSION  OF  THE  KING  -  TROOP 

V  i:      \  <•  ■  :  ■  oade  out  under  1 1 » . -  signature 

lie,  that  -ill  ili'-  other  justices  wlio  administered  tin- 
ponents,  were  his  m  of  the  peace,  in  the  • 

certificates  wen    made,  uid  were  legallj  appointed  to  dial  I  that 

full  faith  and  credit  is  and  ought  to  u  to  their  ii 


A   paper  having  been  printed  in  Boston,  re]  of  the 

l  is  killed  at  the  In  id.         I  uid  th<   i 

oil*  from  the  bead,  supposed  to  be  done  in  01  dishonor  th<    M       ichu- 

-i  ii-  | ■•  ople,  ami  Id  make  them  .  the  fol- 

lowing deposition  was  taken  that  the  truth  u, 

W  •  ,    ll  of  law  l'i.  (lie 

dead  bodies  of  i  dial  were  killed  at  I 

cord,  mi  the  aiueteeuth  da)  <>i"  ^pril,  1 T  7  ~>.  where  the  action  first  began,  and 

that  neither  of  those  persons  wi  Iped,  nor  their  i  -  has 

been  repn  sented. 

'/.M  ii  m.i  \h   Brown, 
Tho         Davis,  Jon. 
Concord,  Ma)  1 1th,  177  ."">. 

Zachariah  Brown,  Tliomas  l>.\i~.  Jim.,  personally  appeared  l» : 
and  made  oath  to  the  above  declaration. 

I>l    M     v  1  Ml  VM,    JuM\  /' 


Hannah  Adams,  wife  of  l>        n  Joseph   \  \  precinct  in 

Cambridge,  testifieth  and  soilh,  that  on  the  nineteenth  daj  of  April 
upon  the  return  of  the  I  -  from  Concord,  divers  of  i 

our  house,  b)  bursting  open  the  doors,  and  tliree  of  the  into 

the  room  in  which  1  then  was,  laid  on  my  bed,  ben  I)   able  to  walk 

from  m\  bed  to  the  fire,  not  having  been  to  my  chamber  door  from  in) 
delivered  in  child-birth  to  that  time.     <  me  of  said  Boldiers  brum  di 
opened  mj  curtains  with  his  bayonel  fixed,  pointing  the  same  to  ui)   I  . 
I  immediate!}  cried  out,  "  for  the  Lord's  sake  do  nol  kill  me;"  i  i  *  -  replied, 
'•damn  you."     One  that  stood  near  said,  u we  will  nol  hurt  the  woman,  if 
she  will  go  out  of  the  bouse,  bul   we  will  surer)    burn  it"     I  imn 

,  threw  a  blanket  over  me,  went  <>m  and  crawled  into  a  c . 

mar  the  door,  \\ ill i  ins  iiiiimt  m  my  arms, where  I  remained  until  U 
gone      They  immediatel)   set  the  house  on  fire,  in  which  I  bad   lefl 
children,  and  do  other  person  ;  but  the  fire  was  happil)  extinguished,  when 
ilic  i  i5  in  the  utmost  danger  of  being  utterl)  consumed. 

llwNMI        \l     VM     . 


678  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Middlesex,  ss.  Cambridge,  Second  Precinct,  IGth  Mat,  1775. 

Hannah  Adams,  the  subscriber  of  tbe  above  deposition,  personally  ap- 
peared, and  made  oath  to  tbe  truth  of  the  same  :  before  me, 

Jonathan  Hastings,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


Cambridge,  May  19th,  1775. 

We,  Benjamin  Cooper  and  Rachel  Cooper,  both  of  Cambridge,  aforesaid, 
of  lawful  age,  testily  and  say,  that  in  the  afternoon  of  the  nineteenth  day  of 
April  last,  the  king's  regular  troops  under  the  command  of  General  Gage, 
upon  their  return  from  the  blood  and  slaughter  which  they  had  made  at 
Lexington  and  Concord,  fired  more  than  a  hundred  bullets  into  the  house 
where  we  dwelt,  through  doors,  windows,  &c.  Then  a  number  of  them 
entered  the  house,  where  we  and  two  aged  gentlemen  were,  all  unarmed. 
We  escaped  for  our  lives  into  the  cellar.  The  two  aged  gentlemen  were, 
immediately,  most  barbarously  and  inhumanly  murdered  by  them :  being 
stabbed  through  in  many  places,  their  heads  mauled,  skulls  broke,  and  their 
brains  dashed  out  oil  the  floor  and  walls  of  the  house  ;  and  further  say  not, 

Benjamin  Cooper, 
Rachel  Cooper. 

Middlesex,  ss,  May  10th,  1775. 

The  above  named  Benjamin  Cooper  and  Rachel  Cooper,  appeared,  and 
after  due  caution,  made  solemn  oath  to  the  truth  of  the  above  deposition,  by 
them  subscribed :  before  me, 

Jonas  Dix,  Justice  of  the  Peace. 


Tlie  following  is  a  list  of  those  provincials  ivho  ivere  killed,  wounded,  and  mis- 
sing in  the  action  of  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  and  the  toivns  to  which  they 
respectively  belonged :  including  all  that  were  lost  on  that  day. 

Cambridge. — Killed :  William  Marcy,  Moses  Richardson,  John  Hicks,  Ja- 
son Russell,  Jabish  Wyman,  Jason  \\  inship.  Wounded:  Capt.  Samuel  Whit- 
temore.     Missing:  Samuel  Frost,  Setb  Russell. 

Charlestown. — Killed:  James  Miller,  and  a  son  of  Captain  William 
Barber. 

Watertown. —  Killed:  Joseph  Cooledge. 

Sudbury. —  Killed:  Deacon  Josiah  Hayncs,  Asahcl  Reed.  Wounded: 
Joshua  Baynea,  Jun. 

Acton. — Killed :  Capt.  Isaac  Davis,  Abner  Ilosmer,  James  Hayward. 

Bedford. — Killed:  Capt  Jonathan  Wilson.     Wounded:  Job  Lane. 

Woburn. —  Killnl:  Asa  Parker,  Daniel  Thomson.  Wounded:  George 
Read,  Jacob  Bacon. 


1775.]        BX<  i  RSION  OF  THE  KING  -  TROOPS 
Mebpord.     E  Henrj  Putnam,  WU Ham  Polly. 

.\  t     H     I  OS.  II     ■  \  \\  ill. 

i.i  \i  m,  1..N      a,/;../  .•   .1  r.n..i.  i 

John  Raymond,  3  Hadley,  Juuatliau  Harriogtou,  Jun..  I-     c   M 

Caleb  Harringlou,  Nathaniel   W^iuan,  Jubn    Brown.      "  I 

Bfom  ii,  Ji'lm  Uubbi       -        n"ii   I'.  i  i  i 

Muuroe,  Jun  ,1  \l\  -  I 

Billerii  v      I'  :  John  \  I   :iinili\  BlancliartL 

t  in  lmsi  iii.i..     /'  ounded :  D  karoo  I      ■   <  •         r 

run. 

( '<>\i  ord. — a  bun  '■  I :  Abel  Pi  J        '         I         es  Miles,  Cap 1 1 

than  Barrett 

I     \  mi  m.ii  i        W  Dai  iel  Hemi  away. 

Stow.     Wo  1 1  I     nant 

I  »i  mi  \m.     Killed :  Eli      H  ,:     nufed :  I  -         I        ■  ti. 

Needham.     Killed:  Lieut  John  Bacon,  Serjeant  Elisha  Mills,  Amos  >  I  i  1 1  ^ . 
Nathaniel  Chamberlain,  Jonathan  Parker.     Wounded:  Capt  El<  K 

bur} .  and  a  bod  of  I  h  ict  Tohnan. 

Roxbi  i.i. — Missing:  Elijah  Seaver. 

B  .  "iMisi    —Killed:   Isaac  Gardner,  Esq. 

Salem  —Killed:  Benjamin  Peirce. 

Dam  vers. —  Killed:  Henrj   Jacobs,  Samuel  <  ■  I  G    dthwait, 

George  Southwick,  Benjamin   Deland,  Jun.,  Jotbam  Webb,  Perl)   Putnam. 
Wounded:  Nathan  Putnam,  Dennis  Wallis,     M  ph  Bell 

Beverly.  -Killed:  Mr.  Kinnyni.     Wounded:  Nuthaniel  '  Ii  ivea,  San 
\\     id  bur) ,  \\  illiara  Dodge. 

Ltkw.— A  Abeduego  Ramsdell,  Daniel  Townsend,  William  Flynt, 

Thom  b  Hadley.    /fo  :  J<        -I         I  iinotb)  Muuroe.    Jtt 

all  llr.  i  d. 


BRITISH  I  HI  K  I  \l.    ICCOl  NT. 


A    CIRCOMSTANTIAL      IlCCOUNI     01       IB      LTTACI     THAT      HAPPENED     on     inr 

MM   i  i  i  m  ii    ..i      ii  i.i  i  .     i;  ....    05    HIS    IK  i  I......  -.    i  >     v    M   • 

m    i  in    peopli    oi    i  M i    pRovmci    oi    Mas    lchusetts    Bay.     U 

i  -,•     Bl     0RDEH     01      III-     ExCELLEKCl     I  HOB     <.'v'.i.    IWD     ENCLOSED 

in     \    i.i   i  i  i  ..     ro    G  I'm  mi:i  i  i  .   0       I        fWECTK 

On  7  iy,  the  kpril,  about  half  paal  u  d  oi  night,  I 

ant  Colonel  Smith,  of  the  10th  regiment,  embarked  from  ih<   • 


680  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Boston,  with  the  grenadiers  and  light  infantry  of  the  troops  there;  and  land- 
ed on  the  opposite  side  ;  from  whence  he  began  his  march  towards  Con- 
cord, where  he  was  ordered  to  destroy  a  magazine  of  military  stores,  depos- 
ited there  for  the  use  of  an  army  to  be  assembled,  in  order  to  act  against  his 
majesty  and  his  government.  The  colonel  called  his  officers  together,  and 
gave  orders,  that  the  troops  should  not  fire,  unless  fired  upon  ;  and  after 
marching  a  ihw  miles,  detached  six  companies  of  light  infantry,  under  the 
command  of  Major  Pitcairn,  to  take  posssssion  of  two  bridges,  on  the  other 
side  of"  Concord.  Soon  after,  they  heard  many  signal  guns,  and  the  ringing 
of  alarm  bells  repeatedly  ;  which  convinced  them,  that  the  country  was 
rising  to  oppose  them,  and  that  it  was  a  preconcerted  scheme  to  oppose  the 
king's  troops  whenever  there  should  be  a  favorable  opportunity  for  it. 
About  three  o'clock  the  next  morning,  the  troops  being  advanced  within 
two  miles  of  Lexington,  intelligence  was  received,  that  about  five  hundred 
men  in  arms,  were  assembled  and  determined  to  oppose  the  king's  troops; 
and  on  Major  Pitcairn's  galloping  up  to  the  head  of  the  advanced  companies, 
two  officers  informed  him,  that  a  man,  advanced  from  those  that  were  as- 
sembled, had  presented  his  musket  and  attempted  to  shoot  them,  but  the 
piece  flashed  in  the  pan  ;  on  this,  the  major  gave  directions  to  the  troops  to 
move  forward,  but  on  no  account  to  fire,  nor  even  attempt  it,  without  orders. 
When  they  arrived  at  the  end  of  the  village,  they  observed  about  two  hun- 
dred armed  men,  drawn  up  on  a  green,  and  when  the  troops  came  within 
one  hundred  yards  of  them,  they  began  to  file  off  towards  some  stone  walls 
on  their  right  flank.  The  light  infantry  observing  this,  ran  after  them;  the 
major  instantly  called  to  the  soldiers  not  to  fire,  but  to  surround  and  disarm 
them.  Some  of  them,  who  had  jumped  over  a  wall,  then  fired  four  or  five 
shots  at  the  troops;  wounded  a  man  of  the  10th  regiment,  and  the  major's 
horse  in  two  places,  and  at  the  same  time  several  shots  were  fired  from  a 
meeting-house  on  the  left :  upon  this,  without  any  order  or  regularity,  the 
light  infantry  began  a  scattered  fire,  and  killed  several  of  the  country  peo- 
ple, but  were  silenced  as  soon  as  the  authority  of  their  officers  could  make 
them. 

After  this,  Colonel  Smith  marched  up  with  the  remainder  of  the  detach- 
ment, and  the  whole  body  proceeded  to  Concord,  where  they  arrived  about 
nine  o'clock,  without  any  tiling  further  happening;  but  vast  cumbers  of 
armed  people  were  seen  assembling  on  all  the  heights.  While  Colonel 
Smith  with  the  grenadiers  and  pari  of  the  light  infantry  remained  at  Con- 
cord, to  search  lor  cannon,  &c.  there,  he  detached  Captain  Parsons  with  sbs 
light  companies,  to  secure  a  bridge  at  some  distance  from  Concord,  and  to 
proceed  from  thence  to  certain  houses  where  it  was  supposed  there  were 
cannon  and  ammunition.  Captain  Parsons,  in  pursuance  of  these  orders, 
posted  three  companies  at  the  bridge,  and  on  some  heights  near  it.  under 
the  command  of  Captain  Laurie,  of  the  43d  regiment,  and  with  the  remain- 
der went  and  destroyed  some  cannon,  wheel.-,  powder,  and  hall.  The  peo- 
ple still  continued  increasing  on  the  heights,  and  in  aboul  an  hour  after,  a 
large  bodj  of  them  began  to  move  towards  the  bridge;  tb<  light  companies 


IT",.]         i:\ri  RSIOIS  <  T  THE   KING  B  TROOPS  I  31 

of  the  Mi  and  10th  then  Captain  Laurie.    1 

pie  continued  to  advance  in  great  nun  I  fin  •!  ii|)on  ili<  kit 

killed  three  men,  wounded  fou  four  pri  n; 

upon  which,  after  returning  the  fin    Captain  Laurie  am  i>t 

it  prudent  t"  retreal  towards  the  main  bod)  at  «  d,  and  on 

joined  bj  two  conapani  When  I  r  tui  n<  >l 

with  the  three  companies  over  the  l>i  bserved  lhr<  •" 

the  ground,  >'ii<-  i»i"  them  scalp  !  much  mangled  and  bi  'it 

ofi£  though  not  quite  dead  ;  it  whicl  with  horror. 

•    ptain  Parsons  marched  on  main  body,  «  rtj 

waiting  for  !n~  coming  up  I  Boston.  Colonel  8 

cuted  ln>  orders  n  itliout  o  >n,  b)  <l 

e    •  I « I  tiinl :  I  oth  the  i  Major  1 

pains  i"  convi  inhabitants  that  no  n,  and 

that,  if  thej  opened  their  doors  when  not 

the  slightest  mischief  should  l»r  done  ;  neither  bad  an)  of  the  people  the  l< 

1 1 1 1 > 1 . 1 1 1 1 ;  I. ut  the)   were  sulky,  and  one  of  them  even  struck 

M   jo     I'   cairn.     Except  ii| Captain   I.  urie,  at  the  bi 

bappei    <l.  from  ii,  rat]  gti   i  until  the  troops  began  their  march 

back.      \-  •  the  troops  bad  got  out  of  tli<-  town  of  >  rd,  the)    i 

ved  a  beav)   fire,  from  all  sid(  s,  from  walls,  fena  s,  I 
&c,  which  continued  without  intermission,  till  they  met  tin 
with  two  field  pieces,  near  Lexington,  ordered  oul  under  iii>    command  "t" 
Lord  Percy,  to  support  them:  advices  having  I  d,  about  seven 

lock   in  \t  morning,  that  signals  had  been  mad< 
to  alarm  the  country,  and  that  the  people  w<  the  n- 

under  <  lolonel  Smith.     I  j ••  >n  the  firing  of  the  field  pieces,  tl 
was,  for  a  while,  silenced ;  but,  as  the)  continued  t<>  ii  tl)  in  uum- 

bere,  the)  fired  again  as  before,  from  all  places  where  the)  could  flu. i 
upon  ili>-  whole  body,  and  continued  so  doing,  for  tin 
Notwithstanding  their  numbers,  the)  did  i  pcnl)  during  thewh 

day,  bul  k« •  [ ir  under  cover  ou  all  occasions.     The   troops  were  ver)   much 
fatigued,  tl  ter  part  of  diem  having    been  under  arms  all  night,  and 

made  a  march  of  upwards  of  fort)  miles,  b<  fore  the)  arrived  at  Charli  stown, 
from  whence  the)  were  ferried  over  i"  Boston. 

The  troops  had  above  fift)  killed,  and  man)  more  wounded.     R 
various  about  the  '  tained  by  the  countr)   people;  some  make  it  \- 

id<  rahle  ;  othi  i  much. 

Thus  tliis  unfortunate  affair  has  happened,  through  the  rashi  i  im- 

prudence of  a  few  people,  who  1  n  the  troops  at  1  >n. 

30 


6S2  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 


INTERCEPTED  LETTERS. 

The  following  extracts  of  letters,  written  by  British  officers  and  soldiers 
in  Boston,  and  intercepted,  relating  to  the  events  of  the  19th  of  April,  1775, 
were  communicated  to  the  Provincial  Congress.1 

Boston,  April  28,  1775. 

I  am  well,  all  but  a  wound  I  received  through  the  leg  by  a  ball  from  one 
of  the  Bostonians.  At  the  time  I  wrote  you  from  Quebec,  I  had  the  strong- 
est assurance  of  going  home,  but  the  laying  the  tax  on  the  New  England 
people  caused  us  to  be  ordered  for  Boston,  where  we  remained  in  peace 
with  the  inhabitants,  till,  on  the  night  of  the  18th  of  April,  twenty-one  com- 
panies of  grenadiers  and  light  infantry  were  ordered  into  the  country,  about 
eighteen  miles ;  where,  between  four  and  five  o'clock  in  the  morning,  we 
met  an  incredible  number  of  the  people  of  the  country  in  arms  against  us. 
Col.  Smith,  of  the  10th  regiment,  ordered  us  to  rush  on  them  with  our  bayo- 
nets fixed ;  at  which  time,  some  of  the  peasants  fired  upon  us,  and  our  men 
returning  the  fire,  the  engagement  began  ;  they  did  not  fight  us  like  a  regu- 
lar army,  only  like  savages,  behind  trees  and  stone  walls,  and  out  of  the 
woods  and  houses,  where,  in  the  latter,  we  killed  numbers  of  them,  as  well 
as  in  the  woods  and  fields.  The  engagement  began  between  four  and  five 
in  the  morning,  aud  lasted  till  eight  at  night.  I  cannot  be  sure  when  you 
will  get  another  letter  from  me,  as  this  extensive  continent  is  all  in  arms 
against  us.  These  jieople  are  very  numerous,  and  full  as  bad  as  the  Indians 
for  scalping  and  cutting  the  dead  men's  ears  and  noses  off,  and  those  they 
get  alive,  that  are  wounded  and  cannot  get  off  the  ground. 


Boston,  April  28,  1775. 

The  grenadiers  and  light  infantry  marched  for  Concord,  where  were 
powder  and  ball,  arms,  aud  cannon  mounted  on  carriages  ;  but  before  we 
could  destroy  them  all,  we  were  fired  on  by  the  country  people,  who  are 
not  brought  up  in  the  military  way  as  ourselves:  we  were  surrounded  always 
in  the  woods  ;  the  firing  was  very  hot  on  both  sides;  about  two  in  the  after- 
noon the  second  brigade  came  up,  which  were  lour  regiments  and  part  of 
the  artillery  ;  which  were  of  no  use  to  us,  as  the  enemy  were  in  the  woods; 
and  when  we  found  the}  fired  from  houses,  we  set  them  on  fire,  and  they 
ran  to  the  woods.  We  were  obliged  to  retreat  to  Boston  again,  over  Charles 
river,  our  ammunition  being  all  bred  away.  We  had  one  hundred  and  fifty 
wounded  and  killed,  and  some  taken  prisoners.  We  wen'  forced  to  leave 
sonic  behind,  who  were  wounded.  We  got  back  to  Boston  about  two 
o'clock  next  morning;  and  they  that  were  able  to  walk  were  forced  to 
mount  guard  and  lie  in  the  field.  I  never  broke  my  fast  for  forty-eight 
hours,  for  we  carried  no  provisions,  and  thought  to  be  back  next  morning. 

-   .hi'   Journal  ol    Maj   I.  unU  page  173.     Neither  the  address  nor  signature  of  any  Utter  has 
been  preserved. 


1775.]         EXC1  RSION  OF  THE  KING  S    NlOOPi 

I  li.nl  di\  bat  shot  off  mj  bead  1 1 » r< -•  ■  times,  two  balls  through  • 
ni_\  bayonet  carried  awa)  by  mj  side,  and  near  being  kill<il.    The  | 
Boston  are  in  great  trouble,  for  G  G   .<•  will  i>'>t  let  the  town's  people 

go  out.    Dili  rt  for  me  to  Chatham's  division  of  marim 


i'.   iTOir,  Aran   30,  l" 

B  this  reai  ou,  you  ma]  bear  thai  our  regimeni  bas  been  en- 

■  1  with  the  provincials.    The  grenadiers  and  light  infant  cbed 

about  nun-  at  night    At  sii  iii  \t  morning,  four  hundred  and  twenty-three 
Boldieraand  forty-seven  marines,  in  all  fifteen  hundred,  marched  ton 
the  grenadiers  and  light  infantry:  w<    joined  about 

them  iin'  .1.  which  t ln-\  had  I  bt  I rs  before;  for  we  had  two 

of  cannon,  which  made  us  march  verj  bIow.      \  came 

u|>  we  fired  the  cannon,  which  brought  them  from  behind  the  trees,  for  we 
diil  Dot  fight  a~  you  did  in  German]  ;  for  we  did  not  see  above  ten  in  ■ 
body,  for  thej  were  behind  trees  and  walls,  and  fin  d  at  us,  and  then  lo 
on  their  bellies.     We  bad  but  thirty-six   rounds,  which  obliged  u-  t< 
home  that  nighl  ;  and  as  we  came  along,  the)  got  before  us,  and  fired  at  us 
out  of  the  houses,  and  killed  and  wounded  a  great  number  of  us,  but  we 
levi  lied  their  houses  as  we  came  along.     It  was  thought  there  were  about 
six  thousand  at  first,  and  at  night  double  that  number.    The  king's  troops 
lost,  in  killed  and  wounded,  one  hundred  and  fifty,  and  the  Americans  five 
hundred,  nun,  women,  and  children;  i<t  there  was  a  number  of  women  and 
children  burnt  in  their  bouses.    Our  regiment  had  five  killed  and  thirty-one 
wounded,  particularly  Col.  Bernard  in  the  thigh,  which  all  the  regiment  i-< 
Borrj  for.     I  got  a  wounded  man'-  gun,  and  killed  two  of  them,  as  I  am 
Bure  of.     We  have  been  busj  in  fortifying  the  town  ever  since  we  ■ 
and  in  a  few  days  we  expect  a  ^'""l  many  more  troops  from  England,  and 
then  we  Bhall  Burel]  burn  the  whole  countrj  before  us  if  the)  do  not  sub- 
mit, which  I  tin  not  imagine  the]  will  do,  for  the]  are  an  obstinate  set  of 
people.    Thej  have  formed  an  arms,  and  keep  guard  close  to  our  work 
that  our  -  can  talk  together  at  ease.    We  were  engaged  from  sis  to  tax. 

The  whole  country  are  in  arms  against  us,  and  the]  are  headed  bj  tv 
the  generals  that  headed  our  arm]  last  war ;  their  names  are  Black  and  Put- 
nam. We  have  a  great  deal  of  shipping,  but  they  are  of  little  service,  onlj  to 
cover  the  town,  cannon  and  troops,  except  the  small  schooners  that  go  up 
the  creek  and  destro]  them,  which  thej  have  done,  man]  of  them.  There 
i-  no  market  in  Boston:  the  inhabitants  ore  all  starving:  the  soldiers  live  on 
>alt  provisions,  and  the  officers  are  supplied  bj  the  men  of  war  cutters,  wln> 
l'i>  up  the  creeks  and  take  live  cattle  and  sheep  w  herever  the]  find  them  W 
vex  the  kmericans  verj  mucb  b]  cutting  down  their  Libert]  poles  and  alarm 
posts.  We  have  had  a  great  man]  died  in  our  regiment  lasi  winti  r,  so  that 
what  with  wounded  nun,  ami  what  have  d(  Berted,  we  have  not  three  hun- 
dred nun.  and  dutj  i-  bo  hard  thai  we  come  off  guard  m  the  morning  and 
mount  picket  at  night 


684  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

Boston,  April  25,  1775. 

The  rebels,  when  we  came  to  Concord,  burnt  their  stores,  fired  upon  the 
king's  troops,  and  a  smart  engagement  ensued.  About  two  o'clock,  our 
brigade  came  up  to  thorn,  when  we  engaged,  and  continued  fighting  and 
retreating  towards  Boston.  The  rebels  were  monstrous  numerous,  and  sur- 
rounded us  <>n  every  side;  when  they  came  up  we  gave  them  a  smart  fire, 
but  they  never  would  engage  us  properly.  We  killed  some  hundreds  and 
burnt  some  of  their  houses.  I  received  a  wound  in  my  head.  The  troops 
are  in  Boston,  and  surrounded  on  the  land  side  by  the  rebels,  who  are  very 
numerous,  and  fully  determined  to  lose  their  lives  and  fortunes,  rather  than 
be  taxed  by  England.  We  had  thirty-four  killed  and  wounded.  I  suppose 
the  king's  troops,  lost  in  all  about  one  hundred  and  sixty.  In  case  they  should 
take  Boston,  the  troops  will  retire  on  board  the  men  of  war,  and  then  the 
men  of  war  will  burn  the  town,  and  remain  till  more  troops  come  from  En- 
gland, and  then  conquer  them,  so  their  estates  and  lives  will  be  forfeited. 
There  are  oidy  four  thousand  soldiers,  and  about  fifty  or  sixty  thousand  of 
them. 


Boston,  May  2,  1775. 

The  19th  of  April  the  engagement  happened,  and  my  husband  was 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner;  but  they  use  him  well,  and  I  am  striving  to 
get  to  him,  as  he  is  very  dangerous,  but  it  is  almost  impossible  to  get  out  or 
in,  or  to  get  any  thing,  for  we  are  forced  to  live  on  salt  provisions  entirely, 
and  they  are  building  batteries  round  the  town,  and  so  are  we,  for  we  are 
expecting  them  to  storm  us.  Are  expecting  more  troops  every  day.  My  hus- 
band is  now  lying  in  one  of  their  hospitals,  at  a  place  called  Cambridge,  and 
there  are  now  forty  or  fifty  thousand  of  them  gathered  together,  and  wre  are 
not  four  thousand  at  most.  It  is  a  very  troublesome  time ;  for  we  are  ex- 
pecting the  town  to  be  burnt  down  every  day,  and  I  believe  we  are  sold,  and  1 
hear  my  husband's  leg  is  broke,  and  my  heart  is  almost  broken. 


RAVAGES  OF  THE  BRITISH  TROOPS. 


Statements  of  the    losses  sustained  by  the  inhabitants  from  the 
ravages  of  the  blutlsh  troops,  april  19,  1775. 

The  committee  appointed  to  estimate  the  damages  done  at  Cambridge, 
Lexington,  and  Concord,  bj  tin-  king's  troops,  on  tin'  nineteenth  of  Apiil, 
177.">,  have  attended  that  duty,  and  beg  leave  to  report: 


1775.]         i\«  i  RSION  OF  THE  KING  8  TROOPS 
Thai  the  destruction  made  bj  6re  and  robbery  on  .-iiiii  day,  bj 

i-  U  follows,  \  i/.  : 

The  damages  to  th<   buildings  in  Cambridge,  estimated  according  to  il"- 
-kill  and  judgment  of  your  commits  ■■,  after  viewing  the  same,  amount 
t"  .......  . 

The  value  of  the  goods  and  chattels  thai  were  destroyed,  or  taken  out  of 
the  houses,  or  near  the  same,  b)   the  estimation  of  those  i  who  left 

the  same,  according  t<>  their  sev<  ral  accounts  exhibit!  A  on  oath,  and 
ed,  amounts  to  ...  .  . 

The  value  of  the  g I-  and  i  battels  thai  w  I  k«'n  oul  of 

tli-   said  houses,  or  neat  the  same,  bj  th<    estimation  of  thorn    |  "lio 

|i  it  the  same,  b)  their  several  accounts  exhibited,  who  wen  rorn,  bj 

M  of  some  being  .  • !  •  ~ .  -  j  1 1 ,  nr  some  oth<  r  inconvenience  that  attended  the 

same,  amounts  to  .....  .  6  10 

The  damage  done  to  the  meeting-house  and  school-house  in  the  north- 
wesl  precincl  in  said  Cambri  wrted  b)  your  committee,  amounts 

to  ....... 

The  vessels,  linen,  and  cash,  belonging  i<>  the  church  of  said  precinct, 
taken  <>nt  <>i"  the  house  of  Joseph  Adams,  d<  aeon  "i"  said  church,  a^  bj  bis 
account,  exhibited  on  oath,  amount  to  .  .  .  x.i<'>  16  B 

The  whole  losses  suffered  in  Cambridge,  amount  to  .         £1209  -  '• 

The  damages  sustained  in  L<  Kington,  are  as  follow,  viz.: 

The  buildings  destroyed  b)  fire,  with  the  cash,  utensils,  and  mc 
either  burnt  in  the  same,  or  carried  away,  estimated  bj  the  owners  of  the 
property,  as  bj  their  accounts,  exhibited  on  oath,  amount  t«> 

I  e  damages  t"  other  buildings  in  Baid  town,  estimated  as  were  those  in 
<  Cambridge,  amount  to  .  .  .  .  .  .  1 1  IS  '• 

D  tustained  from  the  robberies  of  said  troops,  by  sundrj  inhabi- 
tants, as  bj  their  several  accounts ath,      .  .  .  18  2 

Damages  sustained  by  otlier  inhabitants,  as  bj  their  several  accounts 
hibited,   but    nol   on   oath,  for  the   reason   before   mentioned,  amounl  to 
the  sum  of        .  .  .  .  .  .  .  674  4  2 

l>  to  the  meeting-house  in  said  town,  .  .  CI    12  0 

The  whole  amounl  in  Lexington,     .  .  .  .      £1761  1  15 

The  damages  sustained  in  Concord,  were  as  follow,  vi 

The  damages  to  the  buildings,  estimated  as  above,  are       .  12  0 

The  il  ustained  bj  Bundrj  inhabitants,  estimated  in  manner  afi 

said,  under  oath,  amount  to  .....  C209  16  10 
'III.    damagi  -  to  other  inhabitants,  nol  under  oath,  for  reasons  bi  I 

mentioned,  amounl  to  •  .  .  .  •  •  '    ' 


6S6  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

The  damage  to  sundry  door  locks  broke  in  his  majesty's  jail  in  said  town, 

by  account  exhibited,  on  oath,  by  the  under  keeper  of  said  jail,  £3  G  0 

The  whole  amount  in  Concord,        ....        £274  1G  7 

Abraham  Fuller, 
Ichabod  Goodwin, 
Oliver  Whitney, 

Committee. 


ACCOUNTS  OF  DAMAGES. 

The  original  accounts  of  the  injuries  done  to  individuals,  not  having  been 
preserved  on  the  files,  the  following  returns  were  made,  by  order  of  the 
Legislature,  in  1783. 

Joseph  Loring. 

An  account  of  the  real  and  personal  estate  belonging  to  Joseph  Loring, 
of  Lexington,  destroyed  and  carried  off  by  the  British  troops  in  their  rava- 
ges in  said  town,  on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  viz. : 

A  large  mansion-house,  and  a  barn  seventy  feet  long,  and  a 
corn-house,  all  burnt,  ......    £350  0  0 

Household  goods  and  furniture,  viz. :  eight  good  feather  beds 
and  bedding  ;  a  large  quantity  of  pewter  and  brass  ware ;  three 
cases  of  drawers ;  two  mahogany  tables ;  with  the  furniture  of 
eight  rooms,  ....... 

All  the  wearing  apparel  of  my  family,  consisting  of  nine  per- 
sonSj  •*••*•■■ 

All  my  husbandry  tools  and  utensils,  with  a  cider  mill  and 
press,  with  about  rive  tons  of  hay,  and  two  calves, 

About  two  hundred  rods  of  stone  wall  thrown  down,  . 

£3  in  specie,         ....... 

£720  0  0 

N.  JB.    The  above  mentioned  buildings  were  the  first  that  were  destroyed 

in  the  town,  and  near  the  ground  where  the  brigade  commanded  by  Lord 

Percy  met  the  detachment  retreating  under  Lt.  Col.  Smith.      It  does  not 

appear  that  anj  of  the  militia  were  in  or  near  these  buildings,  neither  could 

they,  in  any  way,  either  expose  or  retard  the  British  troops  in  their  operations  : 

therefore,  the  destruction  must  be  considered   as   brutal,    barbarous,   and 

wanton. 

JosErH  Loring. 


230  0  0 

GO  0  0 

72  0  0 

5  0  0 

3  0  0 

Jonathan  Harrington. 

Account  of  things  1  lost  on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  by  the  British 
troops. 

One  eight  day  clock,  carried  off,  almost  new,         .  .  .    £15     0  0 


1775.]         EXC1  RSION  OF  THE  KING  -    ri;<  M 


i  *; 


0  India  dark  gov  n,  . 
One  striped  English  cotton  gown,  . 
Two  dozens  of  cottoa  and  linen  and  two  -—  1 1 .  i  t-.    . 
Si\  shirts,  -i\  shifts,  to  the  value  of 

<  me  law  11  apron  ;  one  da  catul  ric ;       •  <1".  linen, 
Four  ii'-w  check  aprons,     .... 

1  i  e  dozen  of  handkerchiefs,  pan  check,  pari  printed, 

<  me  bed  blanket,     ..... 
Fifteen  pair-  stockings,  pan  wonted,  part  thread  and  raj 
Si*  large  diaper  table  cloths, 
»  hie  dozen  fine  diaper  cloths, 
( me  dozen  cotten  linen  <l". 
One  dozen  of  napkins,  diaper, 

<  me  Bcarlet  riding  hood,      .... 

*  >  1 1  •  -  pair  nt'  in-  w  I t.-  and  two  pairs  of  shoes, 

1  '      new  razei  great  coal ;  one  »l".  blur,  . 
Two  ii'-w  beaver  hat-.         .... 
Five  yards  of  cotton  and  linen  cloth, 
A  number  of  women's  rap-, 

<  me  muff  and  tippet,  .... 
Three  l< >« >k i ni^  glasses,  all  large, 
'J'w ii  large  moose  -kin-,      .... 
Three  cartridge  boxes  j  thr<  e  bridl<  -  and  straps,  all  new 
Three  and  a  half  yards  of  ratteen,  . 

Two  ran-,  one  trimmed  with  silver,  one  da  pinchb 
One  dozen  of  stone  plates,  mugs,  bowls,  tea  pots,  >\  <•.. 

Two  L"iil  razors;  a  number  ofl ks  ;   Latin  history,  & 

One  dozen  of  spoons,  porringei  -.  &  >■..  to  the  value  of 
1  '  i  damask  cloth.     N<  w  buckskin  breech 
Damage  to  m_\  bouse,  ninety-four  squares  ofgl 
I      ty-two  wooden  sashes  broke  to  pieces, 
Two  desks  broke,  clock,  cans,  &c, 


The  above  is  a  true  copy  from  the  original  thai  was  taken  it 
li\  Major  Fuller  and  others,  with  Borne  additional  things. 

Jonathan  II  \Ki;i>       n 


.'      - 

!    I 

1 

3     ii  ii 

y  io  n 

l  10  0 

1   I     0 

(i  l-  0 

4    0  ii 

1   10  0 

. 

1    1  II 

1  i 

9    ii  ii 

9     1  ii 

6    0  0 

10  0 

1 1  II 

1  III  II 

ii   19  H 

6    ii  ii 

l    .1  ii 

3    0  0 

l    i 

•  I  i-  0 

l   i 

9    ,i  ii 

l    i 

9 

1     0  0 

9    0  0 

l     ii  .1 

£103    7  (i 

i   nn 

il   -with   to 

Ltdu  Wihship. 

i    rington,  Januarj  33d,  l" 

'I  In-  maj  certify,  to  whom  it  ma\  concern,  thai  I.  the  subscri- 
ber, lost,  mi  tin-  nineteenth  of  Ipril,  1775,  bj  the  British  trooj 
in  household  furuiture,  wearing  apparel,  and  in  money,  more 
than  1  ran  replace  with  tin-  Mini  of  sixty-six  pounds,  thirteen 
shillings  and  lour  pence.    ......    ■'-'  6  13  4 

Li  in  ^  w  I5SHIP. 


688  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 

John  Mason. 

The  loss  and  damage  I  sustained  by  the  British  troops,  on  the 
nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  in  sundry  articles  of  clothing  and 
household  furniture,  &c.  &c,  was  .....    £14  13  4 

John  Mason. 
Lexington,  January  23d,  1783. 


Matthew  Mead. 

The  account  of  the  loss  that  I  sustained  by  the  British  troops, 
on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  amounts  to  one  hundred  and  one 
pounds,  agreeably  to  the  present  value  of  these  things  that  I  lost.    £101  0  0 

Matthew  Mead. 


Benjamin  Merriam. 
The  following  is  a  true  and  just  account  of  the  damage  sustained  by  Ben- 
jamin Meriam,  by  the  ravages  of  the  British  troops,  in  the  town  of  Lexing- 
ton, on  the  nineteenth  day  of  April,  1775. 

Real  Estate,     .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .£600 

Personal  Property,       .  .  .  ,.  .  .  .   217  4  0 

Benjamin  Merriam. 


Nathaniel  Farmer. 

The  following  is  a  just  and  true  account  of  what  damages  and  losses  I 
sustained,  by  the  wanton  ravages  and  depredations  of  the  troops  of  his  Brit- 
ish majesty,  under  the  command  of  Lord  Percy,  on  their  return  from  Con- 
cord, on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  1775,  viz. : 

To  the  wearing  apparel  of  my  family,  consisting  of  seven  per- 
sons, together  with  my  bedding,     .....    £2G     00 

To  the  furniture  of  three  rooms,  much  damaged  and  carried 
off,    .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .       16     0  0 

To  damage  done  my  house  and  shop  windows,  .  .        4  10  0 


£46  10  0 
Natiiamel  Farmer. 


Thomas  Fessenden. 
The  following  is  a  just  and  true  account  of  the  damages  I  sustained,  by 
the  wanton  ravages  of  the  British  troops,  under  the  command  of  Lord  Per- 
cy,  on  the  nineteenth  of  April,  L775,  in  their  return  from  Concord,  viz.: 

To  damage  don.;  mj  bouse  and  windows,  and  fences,  .  £6  0  0 


1775.]         l'.\<  i  R.SK  »\  I >F  THE  KING  S  Ti;<  K  >PS 


T.>  the  \\  •  :n  in ir  apparel  ofmj  whole  family,  consisting 
••li  pei  soi  ....... 

I     the  bedding  and  furniture  <>i'  four  rooms,  with  .-•  reral  arti- 
clea  of  plate,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  0  0 

To  one  horse  and  chaise  stolen  and  cai  B     ton,  .  0  0 

i     suodrj  |  if  broadcloth,  and  manj  other  articles  in  mj 

trading  shop,  .  .  .  .  .  .  .20 


•:ii,i  0  it 
Thou  v     I  i      >  ■  •■  ■ 


Lexington,  Januarj   . 


Ill    V   V  M  I  N      1  '  1  - K I  . 

The  losses  thai  [sustained,  \pril  l'.'tli,  177.". 

Four  fine  Holland  shirts, 

(  me  sash  w  indow,   .... 

Our  black  > i  I k  apron, 

< >in-  ^<>l.|  ring,  .... 

<  >ne  >inii>-  ear  i  iuu. 

<  me  pair  Btone  sleeve  buttons, 

<  »nr  black  gauze  handkerchief, 
( » 1 1 « -  black  barceloua  do. 

Tw 'i  pair  cotton  h" 

I        isb,       ..... 
quarl  pew  ti  r  basin, 


13  0 

i.  i-  0 

it  15  0 

ii  i 

n  I 

i)  , 
ii 

ii  i 

0  18  0 

0  I 

0  2  0 

jC!»  7  0 

I  I       ■  '  V  M  1  N     PlSKS. 


.1  i  i.KMI  Ml    II  kRRIIfQTON. 

I  Im-i  on  the  uinetei  nth  of  April,  I77."i,  the  following  artii 

( tin-  broadcloth  great  co 

<  me  pair  goatskin  bj  i 
( >m-  pair  cotton  and  linen  sheets,  . 
rJ         •  yards  calico,  at  lis  pel 

<  hie  \ .inl  ami  a  quai  ter  u>\\  cloth, 
Four  linen  handkercluefs,   . 
Two  diaper  towels, 
T<  ii  yards  tow  cloth, 
I  •  platter, 
Fight  |»  wter  plan  b, 
Six  pint  port  ingers, 

-7 


• 

.    £3    '■    0 

ii  19    0 
1     G     - 
.      (i   I-     ii 
n     1    Hi 
(i     -     ii 
(i     2     (I 

0  15    0 
.      ii    9    5 

1  1    0 
ii  16    0 

(590 


EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 


Six  spoons,  . 
One  pair  hose, 
One  pair  shoes, 


.  0  4  0 
.  0  3  0 
.      0    9    0 

£11  13  11 
Jeremiah  Harrington. 


Robert  Harrington. 

An  account  of  the  damage  done  hy  the  British  troops,  on  the  nineteenth 
of  April,  1775: 


To  clothing  and  linen  to  the  amount  of 


.      £12  0  0 
Robert  Harrington. 


Joshua  Bond. 

The  following  is  a  true  and  just  account  of  the  damages  sustained  by 
Joshua  Bond,  by  the  ravages  of  the  British  troops,  in  the  town  of  Lexing- 
ton, on  the  lUth  day  of  April,  1775. 


One  dwelling-house  and  shop, 
Personal  property,    . 


.    £54     0  0 
.     135  16  7 

Joshua  Bond. 


Benjamin  Brown. 

A  true  and  just  account  of  the  loss  and  damage  sustained  hy  the  wanton 
cruelty  and  barbarity  of  the  British  troops,  on  the  19th  of  April,  1775,  in 
real  property,  and  in  household  furniture  and  wearing  apparel,  &c.  &c. 


Real  property, 
Personal  estate, 


£7 
35 


0  0 
0  0 


N.  B.     Having  delivered  to  a  committee,  sent  by  the  great  and  general 

court  or  convention,  a  list  of  the  articles  valued   separately  and  distinctly, 

the  subscriber  has  nothing  more  to  deliver  in  now,  than  the  total  of  the 

w  hole  as  above. 

Benjamin  Brown. 

Lexington,  January  20,  1783. 


Hepzibeth  Davis. 

Lost  at  Concord  fight: 

One  pair  of  sheets, 

.      £0  18  0 

Two  pair  of  pillow  cases,  . 

0    8  0 

Three  Dapkins, 

0    4  0 

Two  table  cloths,     . 

0    4  0 

Three  smocks, 

0  13  G 

1775.]        EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS 

Three  ;i]>r..'  .... 

Shoes,  caps  and  other  irtu 


. 

. 

0 

•  1 

* 

• 

1 

II 

EPZIBI   i  II 

X 

I>\\  i-. 

In  irk. 

B  .1         IBROOK. 

Tlii-  iii.i\  certify,  thai  I,  the  subscriber,  lost,  on  the  19th  of  ApriJ,  1775, 
bj  ih.    British  troops,  in  dan  i  m)  buildings  and  furniture,  and  i'i 

carried  away,  more  than  I  can  replace  now  for  twelve  pounds. 

Benjamin   Ebtabxook. 


B \mi  i  i.  Bemis. 

An  accounl  <>r  damages,  and  plundering  from  me,  by  the  king's  troops, 
on  thi-ir  return  from  <  Joncord,  on  the  L9th  of  April,  I "  i 

\bout  twelve  panes  of  window  gli  ....      CO  12  0 

One  pair  of  sheets  and  pillow  cat  •           •           •           .17" 

Pari  of  a  timepi<                  .            .  .                       .           >        1  16  0 

A  looking  glass,       .            .  •            •                        .         0 

Two  boxes,  \\  itb  sundi  i<                 •  •           •            •           .        0 


•:  i    -  - 
Saudi  l  Bkmis. 


Lexington,  January  23d,  IT 


N  \  i  il  \  s    Bjlodoi  i- 

Tlii.-  i-  i srtify,  thai  the  following  is  a  just  and  true  accouni  of  the  d 

ages  .-iinl  waste  I  sustained,  bj  the  ravages  of  the  troops,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lord  Percy,  on  the  19th  <>f  April,  l7/">,  viz.: 

M\  wearing  apparel,  namelj  :  two  coats,  one  pair  of  breech< 
one  beaver  hat,  and  sundry  other  articles,  .  .  .    £18    (l  0 

\  \  i  ii  \  %  Bi  om 
1.'  ungton,  Januarj  22,  K-:. 


I . M /  \ mi  i  ii  Bamson. 

This  in  v.  ■  mi)  i"  whom  it  maj  concern,  thai  F,  the  subscri- 
ber, lost,  "ii  the  19th  of  April,  1 7 7 -~».  bj  the  British  troops,  in 
w<  .niiiu  apparel,  more  than  I  <-;in  replace  with  the  sum  of  CIO 

Elizabeth  Saj    or. 


692 


EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.     [April  19, 


Jonathan  Smith,  Jr. 

The  account  of  the  things  that  I  lost  by  the  British  troops,  on  the  19th  of 
Ajiril,  1775 : 


Three  silver  spoons, 

One  pair  of  silver  buckles, 

One  pair  of  sleeve  buttons, 

One  satin  bonnet  and  cloak, 

One  hat  and  one  pair  of  shoes, 

Two  pewter  porringers, 

One  block-tin  tea  pot, 

One  blanket, 

To  a  number  of  other  articles, 

Damage  done  to  the  house, 


.      £0  12  0 

0  18  0 

0    6  8 

3  12  0 

1  10  0 

0    2  0 

0  12  0 

0  18  0 

2    2  0 

3    0  0 

£13  12    8 

Jonathan  Smith,  Jr. 

John  Williams. 
A  true  and  just  account  of  the  damages  received  by  the  British  king's 


troops,  under  the  command  of  Lord  Percy,  April  19,  1775 : 

To  damage  done  to  my  house  and  fence, 
To  wearing  apparel  and  household  furniture, 


£3  10  0 
33    5  0 


Sum  total, 


Lexington,  January  23,  1783. 


.  £36  15    0 
John  Williams. 


John  Winship. 
Taken  by  the  British  troops  the  19th  of  April,  1775 : 

Two  suits  of  clothes,  valued  at  twelve  pounds,  lawful  money,     .    £12     0  0 

John  Winship. 
Lexington,  January  23,  1783. 


Margaret  Winship. 

This  is  to  certify,  that  the  following  is  a  just  and  true  account  of  the  dam- 
ages and  waste  1  sustained,  by  the  ravages  of  the  troops  under  the  com- 
mand  of  Lord  Percy,  on  the  loth  of  April,  1775,  viz.: 

My  wearing  apparel  and  bedding,  with  sundry  articles  of  plate,    £15     0  0 
Also  the  furniture  of  two  rooms,  much  damaged  and  carried  off,        6    0  0 


1775.]       EXC1  EtSION  OF  THE  KING  9  TROOPS 

1 1  ae  to  in\  bouse  and  window  .  .  .11 


MaB     IBET  Wl  !I8HIF. 
LexiDgtOD,  Jain:;!      22,   I 


Maebj  1 . 

Damage  done  by  th     I'      sb  troops,  the  19th  of  April,  1775,  to  mj  pi 
ertj  carried  off)  to  the  amount  of  five  pounds  and  six  1  • 


I          :count  of  dungs  taken  awaj  and  destroyed  by  the  British  tr.. 
\      i  1  :  >.  1  7  ; 

II    isebold  furniture  and  clothing,  .            .  .  11  ■  * 

In  tin  retail  shop,    .            .           .  .            .  .  .90 


£173  II  9 
Damage  of  real  property,  .  .  .  .  .'MOO 

William   Mum 


\  Mi  /./.v. 

April  19,  i: 

\  !  account  of  what  (lam.!.  British  troops  did  me  thai 

To  breaking  glass  windo  .....      •_■;  11  0 

To  ■>in   lool                           .  .            .            .                    7   in  11 

To  crockery  wan                 .  .           .            .                         no 

To  ilania-.    to  n  .               ....          2 


Ll  in  v    MULLIKEN. 

\n  account  of  the  real  and   personal   property  belonging  to  the  widow 
Lydia  Mulliken  and  ber  son,  destroyed  and  carried  off  bj  tin-  Britisb  tn 
hi  their  ravages  in  said  town,  ou  tlie  19th  of  April,  177 

( me  mansion  bouse  and  si  op,        ■  .  .  .  CIS 

1 1 « .ii~.  hold  furnil  .  ....     1 

M)  wearing  apparel,  and  that  of  five  of  mj  family,  .  96   18  - 

\     umber  of  valuable  •  id  clockmal  .  .105 


The  above  account  is  computed  at  the  low<  si   rate  thai  thii 

purchased  at  thj 

Ltdia  i  v 


694  EXCURSION  OF  THE  KING'S  TROOPS.  [April  19,  1774. 

William  Munroe. 
An  account  of  the  loss  and  damage  sustained  by  William  Munroe,  late  of 
Lexington,  destroyed  by  the  ravages  of  the  British  troops,  on  the  19th  of 
April,  1775,  viz.: 

Household  goods  and  furniture,      .  .  .  .  .£900 

Isaac  Reed,  one  of  the  heirs  to  said  estate. 
Lexington,  January  24,  1783. 


P   A    I'    E    ! 


TICONDEROG   \     \  N  i»    <    i;  < »  v,   N    POINT 


/•   iii'firt  .Irnoltl  to  tilt    f'uiiunilt'  -     ■!;/. 

<  !aznbri(]        \   ril  30, 1' 

Gi  tm  i  mi  n  :  —  \  on  I  i.i  \  i-  <!■  sired  me  to  Btate  the  number  of  cannon,  a.  ■• . 

conderoga,     [  have  certain  information,  that  there  an   at  Ticondej 

eight}  pieces  of  heavj  cannon;  twenty   br  from  four  to  eighteen 

pounders;   and  ten  or  twelve  large  mortars.     At  5         thorough,  on  the 

Boutfa  bay,  there  are  three  01  foui   brass  cannon.    The  fort  is  in  a  ruinous 

condition,  and  bas  not  more  than  iiit\   men,  ;.t  the  most.      I 

numbers  of  small  arms,  and  considerable  storee 

eight]   tons  on  the  lake.    The  clan    could  not  bold  oui  an  b<  ost  a 

\  igorous  one 

\  our  mosi  otx  di<  i  at, 

BENEDICT    \KN"l  1». 
1 1      J     .      "  •,'•/■«  n,  and  the  honorable  ('<-ini  v      '</. 


i  §  ■'■iii  to  thi  i  Veto  York. 

( Cambridge,  April  30,  l" 

Gentlemen: — It  bas  been  proposed  to  us  to  take  |  oss<  Bsion  of  the  fbr- 
1 1-.  ss  of  Ticonderoga.     W  •   have  a  just  s<  use  of  the  importance  oftbat  forti- 
fication, and  the  usefulness  of  tlie  lim    canuon,  mortars,  and   field   , 
whicb  are  there.     But  we  would  not,  even  ou  diis  cincrgi  ncy,  infringe  ujwn 
the  rights  <>!'  our  Bister  colon]  of  N<  \\   York  ;  bul  w<-  I  n  <1  tb< 

tlemau  who  will  carrj  diis  Ictu  r,  !■•  r<  pn  sent  the  matter  t"  you,  di  I 
1 1  i.i\  give  auch  orders  as  art  blc  to  you. 

\\  ■  are,  n%  i 1 1  i  the  greatesl  respecl  and  affection, 

^  our  most  obedi<  nt  servai 

.M  r-l.l'll    W  AIM!  I   \.    '      MTMCM. 
'/'../■  Ml>  ■u-j-'tll.  I. 


096  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

Edward  Mott  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

To  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress,  or  to  the  Council  of  War  for  the.  Prov- 
ince of  Massachusetts  Bay : 

Shoreham,  May  11,  1775. 

Gentlemen: — I  would  congratulate  you  on  the  surrender  of  the  gar- 
rison of  Ticonderoga  to  the  American  forces.  The  affair  was  planned  and 
conducted  after  the  following  manner :  a  number  of  the  provincial  gentle- 
men of  the  assembly  at  Hartford,  on  Friday  the  S28th  of  April,  conversing  on 
the  distressed  condition  of  the  people  of  Boston,  and  the  means  necessary  to 
relieve  them,  fell  on  the  scheme  to  take  that  fortress,  that  we  might  have  the 
advantage  of  the  cannon  that  were  there,  to  relieve  the  people  of  Boston. 
1  told  the  gentlemen,  that  in  my  opinion,  it  might  be  taken  by  surprise 
with  a  few  men,  if  properly  conducted ;  on  which,  they  desired  me,  if  I  was 
willing  to  serve  my  country  in  that  way,  to  join  Capt.  Noah  Phelps,  of  Sims- 
bury,  and  Mr.  Bernard  Romans,  on  that  design;  and  furnished  us  with 
£800  in  cash  from  the  treasury,  and  desired  us  to  go  forward  to  the  upper 
towns  and  search  into  the  situation  of  said  garrison,  and  if  1  thought  proper, 
to  proceed  to  take  possession  of  the  same.  On  which,  we  collected  to  the 
number  of  sixteen  men  in  Connecticut,  and  proceeded  forward  till  we  came 
to  Col.  Easton's,  at  Pittsfield  ;  and  there  we  consulted  with  Col.  Easton,  and 
John  Brown,  Esq.,  who,  after  they  heard  our  plan  of  operation,  agreed  to 
join  us,  and  after  informing  them  that  we  intended  raising  our  men  on  the 
Grants  for  the  aforesaid  purpose,  as  it  would  be  difficult  to  raise  and  march 
a  number  of  men  through  the  country  any  distance  without  our  plans  being 
discovered,  Col.  Easton  and  Mr.  Brown  told  us,  that  the  people  on  the 
Grants  were  poor,  and  at  this  time  of  year  it  would  be  difficult  to  raise  a 
sufficient  number  of  men  there  to  take  and  hold  said  garrison ;  whereon 
Col.  Easton  offered  to  raise  men  in  his  own  regiment  for  the  aforesaid  pur- 
pose, to  join  with  the  green  mountain  boys ;  on  which  I  set  out  with  him 
for  the  town  of  Jericho,  where  Col.  Easton  raised  between  forty  and  fifty 
men,  and  proceeded  to  Bennington,  at  which  place  the  men  arrived  the  next 
day.  At  this  place  a  council  of  war  was  called,  Col.  Easton  being  chair- 
man, and  it  was  voted,  that  Col.  Allen  should  send  forward  parties  to  secure 
the  roads  to  the  northward,  to  prevent  all  intelligence  from  arriving  before 
us.  On  Sunday  evening,  the  7th  of  this  instant  May,  we  arrived  at  Castle- 
ton,  where,  on  the  next  day,  was  held  a  council  of  war  by  a  committee  cho- 
sen for  that  purpose,  of  which  committee  I  had  the  honor  to  be  chairman. 
Alter  debating  and  consulting  on  different  methods  of  procedure  in  order 
to  accomplish  our  designs,  it  was  concluded  and  voted,  that  we  would  pro- 
ceed in  the  following  manner,  viz. :  that  a  party  of  thirty  men  under  the 
command  of  ('apt.  Uerrick,  should,  on  the  next  day,  in  the  afternoon,  pro- 
ceed to  Skenesborough,  and  take  into  custody,  Major  Skene  and  his  party, 
and  take  possession  of  all  the  boats  thai  thej  should  find  there,  and  in  the 
night  proceed  up  the  lake  to  Shoreham,  with  the  remainder  of  our  men, 
which  were  about  one  hundred  and  forty,  who  were  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Ethan  Allen,  and  Col.  James  Easton  as  his  second,  and  Capt.  Warner, 


TICONDEIU  Kj  \    \M»  CIU  >\\  \  r<  HNT 

the  third  in  command;  as  these  three  men  were  the  persons  wl  I  ihe 

nun  the)  were  chosen  to  the  command,  and  t<>  nmk  according  t<>  the  num 

r  men  that  each  001  raised.    We  also  sent  off  Capl   D  I 

t,i  proceed  direct!)  i"  Panton,and  there  consul!  bis  brother  in  law,  who 
lived  there,  and  send  down  some  boata  to  Bhoreham,  if  possible,  to  belp 
people  over  i"  the  fort  Ml  this  it  was  concluded  should  l»-  done  or  at- 
tempted, and  was  voted  universally.  After  this  affair  \\.>-  all  settled,  and  the 
linn  pitched  "ii  t..  go  in  each  party,  all  were  preparing  for  tin  ir  march, 
ing  then  within  about  nine  miles  of  Skeneaborougb,  and  about  twenty-five 
mi  lea  on  the  waj  u<  went,  from  Ticonderoga. 

<        Arnold  arrived  to  us  from  you  with  bis  orders      W 
rejoiced  to  see  that  you  full)  agreed  with  us,  as  to  the  expediei  I  im- 

portance of  taking  i  to  of  ti  But  we  nglj 

surprised  when  Col.  Arnold  presumed  to  contend  for  the  command  >m  • 
forces  that  we  had  raised,  whom  \\<-  bad  assun  «l.  should  l">  under  the  com- 
mand of  their  own  officers,  and  be  paid  and  maintained  b)   the  colon]   of 

Connecticut;  but  Mr.  Arnold,  after  we  had  gene si)   t<>M  bim  mir  whole 

plan,  strenuously  contended  and  insisted,  that  be  had  a  right  to  comn 
them  :in<l  all  their  officers  :  which  bred  such  a  mutiny  amongst  tli>-  soldiers, 
as  almost  frustrated  our  whole  design.     Our  men  were  for  clubbing  their 
firelocks  and  marching  home,  but  were  prevented   b)  CoL  Allen  and  Col. 
Easton,  who  told  them,  that  be  should  n<>t  have  llie  command  "t'  d 
if  he  had,  their  pa)   would  !»■  the  same  as  though  thej   were  under  their 
command;  but  the)  would  damn  the  pay,  and  sa)  tins  would  n«.t  !»•  com- 
mauded  by  an)  others  but  tli<>.-<-  the)  i  ngaged  with.     After  the  ganrisoi 
surrendered,  Mr.  Arnold  again  assumed  the  command,  although  he  had  not 
one  man  there,  and  demanded  it  of  Col.  Allen ;  on  which,  v  CoL  Al- 

len ln>  orders  in  \\i  it  follow,  \  a. : 

To  CoL  Ethan  Mm: 

Sir: — Whereas  ibl)  to  the  power  and  authorit)  to  us  given  b)   tin- 

(ii|cii_\  of  Connecticut,  we  have  appointed  you  t"  t ••  i K « ■  tli<-  command  of  a 
part)  of  men  and  reduce  and  take  possession  of  the  garrison  at  Ticondi 
;iml  the  dependencies  thereto  belonging;  and  as  you  •'"'''  "nu  '"  :"  '"•'''  P°a 

on  of  the  same,  you  are  hereb)  requiri  A  t>>  keep  the  command  and 
m  ssion  of  the  same  for  the  use  of  the  American  colonies,  until  you  liave  fur- 
ther orders  from  the  colon)  of  Connecticut,  >>r  the  Continental  Coi 

Signed,  per  order  of  the  committee  of  v 

I  l>\\  \i;  D   M«  I  I  I     Chairman  oft       < 

I      James  I  laston,  was  of  gr<  al  set t ice  both  in  eouncil  and  act and  in 

raising  men  for  the  above  expedition,  and  appeared  to  be  well  qualified  t>> 
be  n"t  onl)  a  colonel  <>i"  tli<-  militia  at  borne,  but  t<>  command  in  the  held. 
Also,  John  Brow  ii.  Esq.,  of  Pittsfield,  w-  r»  commend  a>  an  abl<  llor, 

and  full  of  spirit  and  resolution,  as  well  as  % 1  conduct     We  wish  the) 

88 


698  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

may  both  be  employed  in  the  service  of  their  country  in  a  situation  equal  to 
their  merits. 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  add,  that  on  Wednesday  morning  last,  the  1  Oth  of 
this  instant  May,  about  the  break  of  day,  our  men  entered  the  gate ;  till  then 
they  were  undiscovered,  and  in  the  most  courageous  and  intrepid  manner 
darted  like  lightning  upon  the  guards,  so  that  but  two  had  time  to  snap 
their  firelocks  at  us,  and  in  a  few  minutes,  the  fortress  and  its  dependen- 
cies were  delivered  into  our  hands.  There  are  about  forty  soldiers  taken 
prisoners  of  war,  including  officers,  and  excluding  those  taken  at  Skenes- 
borough.     Not  one  life  was  lost  in  these  noble  acquisitions. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  in  haste,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

EDWARD  MOTT,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  War. 


Certifcate  of  Col.  Easton,  and  others. 

Ticonderoga,  May  11,  1775. 

To  the  Provincial  Congress  noto  sitting  at  Walerlown  : 

This  is  to  certify,  that  previous  to  Col.  Benedict  Arnold's  arrival  to  the 
forts  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  a  committee  sent  from  the  colony  of 
Connecticut,  furnished  with  money  for  the  purpose  of  reducing  and  garri- 
soning said  forts,  had,  with  the  assistance  of  eighty  men  from  Massachu- 
setts, and  one  hundred  and  forty  men  from  the  New  Hampshire  Grants, 
marched  within  a  few  miles  of  Ticonderoga,  and  this  morning,  at  day  break, 
took  possession  of  said  fort,  and  gave  the  command  thereof  into  the  hands 
of  Col.  Ethan  Allen.  Col.  Arnold  refuses  to  give  up  his  command,  which 
causes  much  difficulty ;  said  Arnold  not  having  enlisted  one  man,  neither 
do  we  know  that  he  can  do  so.  As  said  committee  have  raised  the  men, 
and  are  still  raising  supplies  for  the  purpose  of  repairing  said  fort,  taking  the 
armed  sloop,  and  defending  the  country  and  the  fort,  we  think  said  Arnold's 
further  proceeding  in  the  matter,  highly  inexpedient  both  in  regard  to  ex- 
pense and  dispute. 

James  Easton,  1  Committee  of  War  for  tin 
Epaphrus  Pall,  I  expedition  against  TV- 
Edward  Mott,  [  conderoga  and  Crown 
Noah  Phelps,       J      Point. 


Hi  indict  .  I  mold  to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ticonderoga,  May  11,  1775. 
Gl  NTI.F.MKN  : — 1  wrote  you  yesterday,'  that  arriving  in  the  vicinity  of  this 
(1)  'I'll-  letter  of  the  lOtli  of  May,  was  not  received  bj  the  Commil f  Safety. 


n^K- 


Tl<  <  >NDER<  h,  \    1ND  I  i;<  »w  N   Pi  >i\  r 

place,  I  found,  one  hundred  and  fiftj  m<  n,  collect*  .1  at  tin-  ii  nnte 

gentlemi  ii  lion  i  Connecticui  •  1  •  signed  on  the  same  errand  on  which  I  i 
headed  hj  <  iol    Ethan   Mleu  ;  ami  dial  I  had  joined  them,  nol  thiukii 
er  to  wait  the  arrival  of  the  troops  1  had  ■!  on  the  road,  but  lo  attempt 

the  fori  bj  Burpriae;  thai  we  had  taken  die  t ■  »*n  at  four  o'clock  yesterdaj 
morning  widioui  opposition,  ami  had  mail,  prison*  rs,  "in-  captain,  one  lit  u- 
tenant,  and  fort]  odd  privates  an. I  subalterns;  ami  thai  we  found  the  fori 
in  a  most  ruinous  condition,  and  nol  worth  repairing;  thai  a  part)  of  fitly 
men  were  gone  i>>  Crown  Point,  and  thai  I  intended  i"  follow  with  as  many 
more,  i"  seize  the  sloop,  &  c. ;  ami  dial  I  ini  nd<  >l  ■  >n  here, 

until  I  had  further  advice  from  you.    On  and  b  ir  taking  \*oam  --ion 

here,  I  had  agreed  with  Col.  Allen,  to  issue  future  ordera  joiutly,  until  I 
could  raise  a  sufficienl  Dumber  of  men  to  relieve  bis  people;  "ii  which  plan, 
we  proceeded,  when  I  wrote  you  yesterday  ;  since  which,  CoL  Alleu,  timl- 
ing  he  had  the  ascendency  ov<  t  bis  people,  positively  insisted  1  should  have 

i tnuiaml,  as  1  had  forbid  the  soldiers1  plundering  and  destroying  pi 

property,  Tin-  power  is  now  taken  out  of  m]  bands, and  [am  Dot  consulted, 
imr  have  I  a  voice  in  an\  matters.  There  are  here,  al  present  near  one  hun- 
dred men,  who  are  in  the  greatesl  confusion  and  anarchy,  destroying  and 
plundering  private  property,  and  committing  ever]  enormity,  paying  no  at- 
tention i"  the  public  service.  The  part]  1  advised  w<  to  Crown 
Point,  have  returned,  having  met  with  bead  winds;  and  thai  expedition, and 
taking  1 1 1  *  -  Bloop,  mounted  with  >i\  guns,  are  entirel]  hud  aside.  Tlicre  is  n>.t 
tin-  leasl  regularity  among  the  troops;  bul  every  thing  is  governed  by  whim 
and  caprice ;  the  soldiers  threatening  to  leave  tl  ion  on  the  leai 
front  Mosl  of  them  musl  return  home  soon,  as  their  famil  suffering. 
I  nder  our  present  situation,]  believe  one  hundred  men  could  retake  the 
fort,  ami  tin  re  w  ema  m>  prospeel  of  things  I"  ling  in  s  I"  iter  situation.  I 
have,  therefore,  thought  proper  to  send  an  express  advising  you  of  the 

of  affairs,  nol  doubting  you  will  take  the  matter  into  your  ser -  consi 

tion,  and  order  a  number  of  troops  to  join  those  I  have  coming  on  hen 
thai  you  will  appoint  some  other  person  to  take  the  command  of  them  and 
this  place,  as  you  shall  think  most  proper.  Col.  Allen  i-  a  proper  man  to 
bead  bis  own  wild  people,  but  entirel]  unacquainted  with  military  service; 
and  ii^  I  am  the  onlj  person  who  has  been  legal!]  authorizcil  intake  posses- 
sion of  this  place,  1  am  d  termined  to  insist  on  mj  riuht.  and  tlimk  ii  mj  du- 
t]  to  remain  here,  against  all  opposition,  until  I  have  further  orders;     I 

nol  comply  with  y ordera  in  regard  to  the  cannon,  &  c  .  for  want  of  men. 

I  have  written  to  the  governor  and  general  assembl]  of  <  Connecticut,  a.l\  i>- 
ing  them  of  my  appointment,  and  giving  them  an  exact  detail  of  m  I 
the]  stand  al  present  I  Bhould  be  extremelj  glad  to  be  honorabl)  acquitted 
of  m\  commission,  and  thai  a  more  proper  person  mighi  be  appointed  in  toy 
loom:  hut,  as  |  nave,  in  consequence  of  mj  ordera  from  you,  gentlemen, 
been  the  firs)  person  who  entered  and  took  possession  of  the  fort,  I  shall 


700  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

keep  it.  at  every  hazard,  until  I  have  further  advice  and  orders  from  you, 
and  the  general  assembly  of  Connecticut. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient,  humble  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

P.  S.  It  is  impossible  to  advise  you  how  many  cannon  are  here  and  at 
Crown  Point,  as  many  of  them  are  buried  in  the  ruins ;  there  are  a  large  num- 
ber of  iron  and  some  brass  cannon  and  mortars,  &c,  lying  on  the  edge  of 
the  lake,  which,  as  the  lake  is  high,  are  covered  with  water.  The  confusion 
we  have  been  in,  has  prevented  my  getting  proper  information,  further  than 
that  there  are  many  cannon,  shells,  mortars,  &c,  which  may  be  very  ser- 
viceable to  our  armv  at  Cambridge.1 

B.  A. 
To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  Cambridge. 


Benedict  Arnold  to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Ticonderooa,  May  14,  1775. 

Gentlemen  : — My  last  was  of  the  11th  iustant,  per  express  ;  since  which,  a 
party  of  men  have  seized  on  Crown  Point,  in  which  they  took  eleven  pris- 
oners, and  found  sixty-one  pieces  of  cannon  serviceable,  and  fifty-three  un- 
fit for  service.  I  ordered  a  party  to  Skenesborough,  who  have  made  Ma- 
jor Skene  prisoner,  and  seized  a  small  schooner,  which  has  just  arrived 
here.  I  intend  setting  out  in  her  directly,  with  a  batteau  and  fifty  men,  to 
take  possession  of  the  sloop,  which  we  are  advised  this  morning,  by  the 
post,  is  at  St.  Johns,  loaded  with  provisions,  &c,  waiting  a  wind  for  this 
place  Inclosed  is  a  list  of  cannon,  &c.  here,  though  imperfect,  as  we  have 
found  many  pieces  not  included,  and  some  are  on  the  edge  of  the  lake  cov- 
ered with  water.  1  am,  with  the  assistance  of  Mr.  Bernard  Romans,  mak- 
ing preparation  at  Foil  George,  for  transporting  to  Albany  those  cannon 
that  will  be  serviceable  to  our  army  at  Cambridge.  I  have  about  one  hun- 
dred men  here,  ami  expect  more  every  minute.  Mr.  Allen's  party  is  de- 
creasing, and  the  dispute  between  us  subsiding.  I  am  extremely  sorry  mat- 
ters have  not  been  transacted  with  more  prudence  and  judgment.  I  have 
done  every  thing  in  my  power,  and  put  up  with  many  insults  to  preserve 
peace,  and  serve  the  public.  I  hope  soon  to  be  properly  released  from  this 
troublesome  business,  and  that  some  proper  person  may  be  appointed  in  my 

room,  till  which 

[  am,  very  respectfully,  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

(1)  The  answer  to  this  letter  is  inserted  in  the  Journal  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  ante  page  250. 


TICK  >NDER<  )(i\  ami  cm  >\\  \  p<  >i\  i  Tin 

P,  S.   Since  writing  the  above,  Mr.  Romans,  eoneludi  -  01 
to  forward  oarri  innon,  \  ■■.,  and  provisions,  which  will   l»« 

soon  wanted.     I  beg  leave  i<>  observe,  be  baa  bi  i  n  of  gn  ai  -•  i  \  ice 
1  tliink  him  a  \>i\  spirit*  d,  judicious  gentleman,  who  Ji;i-  the  aai  vice  of  the 
country  much  al  heart,  and  i  1  >  »j »« •  be  will  meet  proper  encouragi  ment 

i:    \. 


lAat  of  Cannon,  Mortars,  and   s  H  Point  and  T 

M  ,  \\,  \ .'. 

Jit  Crown  Point  -Two  iron  twenty-four  poundera :  one  iron  twenty-l 
useless:  one  brass  twenty- four,  serviceable :  four  iron  ind  four- 

iron  twelves,  noi  examined,  but  appeari  I    encfa  iron 

twelves,  uaelesa:  eight  French  twelves  and  eigh  toons,  not  examined,  but 

appearing  good :  seven  long  nines,  double  fortified,  and  g I:  twelve  long 

nines,  serviceable :  i nn < >  long  nines,  mounted:  thirty-three  long  -  i  I 

bines,  useless:  bi  ven  1- >i i ^r  nine-,  and  twelves,  useless  :  two  long  sixes,  good: 
two  short  sixes,  l>ad :  three  slum  sixes,  not  examined:   three  short 
useless:  one  English  thirteen  inch  mortar:  one  French  thirteen  inch,  two 
French  i  ighl  inch,  and  two  eight  inch  howitzers,  all  serviceable. 

. //  Ticondaroga — Three  long  eighteen  pounders,  good :  twi    I         b  eigh- 

teens,bad:  two  French  twelves,  bad,  and  t\\"  g I:  six   French  twelves, 

double  tiirtitifil,  giMnl,  ami  two  bad:  twelve  long  nines,  g I,  and  five  bad: 

eighteen  sixes,  bad:  nine  fours,  good:  one  m\,  L""il :  nineteen  awi 
good:  two  wall  pieces,  good :  two  French  twelves,  bad:  one  thirteen  inch 
mortar  and  bed,  g I :  one  Beveu  inch  and  l>.  d,  -j. 1 :  one  seven  inch  how- 
itzer, good:  twenty-eight  iron  truck  wheels :  ten  carriages,  fit  for  use:  for- 
ty-two port  fires:  five  copper  ladles,  with  staves:  twelve  copper  ladles 
without  stav<  enteen  lintstocks:  one  hundred,  eighteen  pound  shot: 
live  hundred  and  fifty,  twelve  pound  shot:  two  hundred  and  forty,  nine 
pound  shot:  "in  thousand  lour  hundred  and  thirty,  six  pound  Bhot:  one 
hundred  and  Bixtj  eight,  quilted  grape  >ln't:  nine  tons  lead  balls:  three 
thousand  seven  hundred  pounds  iron  balls:  twenty-eighl  barrels  powder, 
damaged:  nine  hundred  and  Bix  Bhells:  thirty  thousand  flints. 


Benedict  Jbrnold  to  tht  Committer        s    ■!>/- 

Caowa  Pomt,  ^Im    19,  1 1 

( b  s  1 1 1  m  \ :  Mj  last  was  of  the  1  Ith  instant,  bj  Mr.  Romans,  \  ia  N<  « 
Haven.  I  then  acquainted  you  of  the  occasion  of  delaj  in  not  carrying 
your  orders  into  execution.  The  afternoon  of  the  same  day,  being  joined 
bj  Captains  Brown  and  Oswald,  with  fifty  men  enlisted  on  the  road,  they 

having  taken  possession  of  a  small  Behi ir  at  Skeneeborough,  wi  imme- 

diatelj   proceeded  on  ourwaj  to  St.  Johns,  and  at  eight  o'clock,  P.  M.  the 
17th  instant,  arrived  within  thirtj  mile-  of  St  Johns,    The  weather  proving 


702  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

calm,  we  manned  out  two  small  batteaux  with  thirty-five  men,  and  the  next 
morning,  at  six  o'clock,  arrived  at  St.  Johns,  surprised  and  took  a  sergeant 
and  his  party  of  twelve  men,  the  king's  sloop  of  about  seventy  tons,  with 
two  brass  six  pounders  and  seven  men,  without  any  loss  on  either  side. 
The  captain  was  gone  to  Montreal,  and  was  hourly  expected,  with  a  large 
detachment  for  Ticonderoga,  a  number  of  guns  and  carriages  for  the  sloop, 
which  was  just  fixed  for  sailing ;  add  to  this,  there  were  a  captain  and  forty 
men  at  Chamblee,  twelve  miles  distant  from  St.  Johns,  who  were  expected 
there  every  minute  with  the  party  :  so  that  it  seemed  to  be  a  mere  interpo- 
sition of  Providence  that  we  arrived  in  so  fortunate  an  hour.  We  took 
such  stores  on  board  as  were  valuable,  and  the  wind  proving  favorable,  in 
two  hours  after  our  arrival,  weighed  anchor  for  this  place,  with  the  sloop 
and  four  of  the  king's  batteaux,  having  destroyed  five  others :  so  that  there 
is  not  left  a  single  batteau  for  the  king's  troops,  Canadians  or  Indians,  to 
cross  the  lake  in,  if  they  have  any  such  intention.  I  must,  in  justice  to  Col. 
Allen,  observe,  that  he  left  Crown  Point  soon  after  me  for  St  Johns,  with 
one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  and  on  my  return  I  met  him  five  leagues  this 
side,  and  supplied  him  with  provisions,  his  men  being  in  a  starving  condi- 
tion. He  informed  me  of  his  intention  of  proceeding  on  to  St.  Johns  with 
eighty  or  one  hundred  men,  and  keeping  possession  there.  It  appeared  to 
me  a  wild,  impracticable  scheme,  and  provided  it  could  be  carried  into  exe- 
cution, of  no  consequence,  so  long  as  we  are  masters  of  the  lake  ;  and  of 
that  I  make  no  doubt,  as  I  am  determined  to  arm  the  sloop  and  schooner 
immediately. 

1  wrote  you,  gentlemen,  in  my  former  letters,  that  I  should  be  extremely 
glad  to  be  superseded  in  my  command  here,  as  I  find  it  next  to  impossible 
to  repair  the  old  fort  at  Ticonderoga,  and  am  not  qualified  to  direct  in  build- 
ing a  new  one.  I  am  really  of  opinion,  it  will  be  necessary  to  employ  one 
thousand  or  fifteen  hundred  men  here  this  summer,  in  which  I  have  the 
pleasure  (if  being  joined  in  sentiment  by  Mr.  Romans,  who  is  esteemed  an 
able  engineer.  I  am  making  all  possible  provision  for  wheel  carriages,  &c., 
to  carry  such  cannon,  &c.  to  Albany,  as  can  be  spared  here  and  will  be  ser- 
viceable to  our  army  at  Cambridge. 

1  must  refer  you  for  particulars  to  the  bearer,  Capt.  Jonathan  Brown,  who 

has  been  very  active  and  serviceable,  and  is  a  prudent  and  good  officer,  and 

beg  leave  to  observe,  I  have  had  intimations  given  me,  that  some  persons 

had  determined  to  apply  to  you  and  the  Provincial  Congress,  to  injure  me 

in  your  esteem,  by  misrepresenting  matters  of  fact.     I  know  of  no  other 

motive  they  can   have,  only  my  refusing  them  commissions,  for  the  very 

simple  reason,  that  1  did  not  think  them  qualified.     However,  gentlemen,  I 

have  the  satisfaction  of  imagining  I  am  employed  by  gentlemen  of  so  much 

candor, thai  my  conducl  will  not  be  condemned  until  1  have  the  opportunity 

of  being  heard. 

I  am,  with  the  greatest  respect,  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  devoted  and  very  humble  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 


TICONDEROGA    \M)  <  K<>\\  \   POINT  70  I 

P  8,     Enclosed  is  a  memorandum  of  such  cannon,  A  I 

in::  in  <  ambridge  :  also  of  bucIi  bj  arc  hi 

K\  a  return  from  Montreal  to  Gei  •  G  I  find  there  are  seven  hun- 
dred and  seventeen  men  in  I  the  7ih  ami  26th  n  clud- 
ing  seventy,  whom  we  have  taken  j >i  i~i»j 

To  the  (  -  i 


/.'  rudid  .  frnold  to  the  i 

1      >ws   Poijtt,  M  *  r  23,  J ' 

Gentlemen  : — Mj  last  was  of  the  19th  instant,  by  Capt  Jonathan  Brown. 
I  then  advised  you  of  m)  taking  i  on  of  tin    k. 

that,  mi  the  1-tli  instant,  on  m\  return  from  St.  Johns,  Colonel  Allen,  with 
a  I  ii  jut  eight]  or  one  hundred  nun,  passed  me,  with  the  intention  of  makii 
stand  al  St.  Johns,  and  not  being  able  to  dissuade  bim  from  so  rash  a  pur- 
pose, I  supplied  him  with  pro\  ision,  &c     ^  esterda)  he  arrived  at  1 

with  his  party,  and  says,  that  on  the  evening  of  the  18th  instant,  hi 
rived  with  his  part)  at  Si   Johns,  and  bearing  of  a  detachment  of  mei 
tin   road  from  Montreal,  he  laid  an  ambush  for  tin  m:  but  bis  people  I* 
so  much  fatigued,  when   the  part)  was  about   one  mile  distant,  he  the 
proper  to  retreat,  and  crossed  the  lake  at  St.  Johi  ; 

through  the  night :  at  dawn  the  nexl  day,  the)  were,  when  asleep 
with  a  discharge  "!'  grape  shot  from  >i\  field  pieces,  and  a  <\i><- 
small  arms  from  about  two  hundred  regulars.    The)  made  a  precipitati 
treat  and  lefl  behind  three  men. 

Immediate!)  on  1 1 1 i~-  advice,  1  proceed*  'I  here  n  itli  the  Bloopai 
as  well  armed  as  | — ible  under  our  circumstances,  and  <  igbt)  men,  which, 
with  the  part)   here  before,  make  mar  one  hundred  and  fift)   men,  with 
whom  I  am  det<  rmined  to  make  a  stand  hen  ire  the  cannon,  it  I 

impossible  to  remove  them  al  present  I  am  in  bourl)  expectation  of  two 
or  three  hundred  men  more.  Most  of  those  here  have  enlisted.  Co 
. Mini's  men  are,  in  general,  gone  home.  \-  the  regulars  have  good  infor- 
mation of  our  Btrength  and  movements,  1  am  apprehensive  of  their  paying 
us  a  visit,  provided  the)  can  gel  batteaux  from  Montreal  to  St.  Johni  I 
shall  make  ever)  possible  preparation  t"  give  them  a  worm  reception.  I 
have  commissioned  <  "a|it.  John  Stone  in  the  sloop,  and  Capt    I  M 

in  the  Bel ner,  and  have  written  to  New  York  for  a  numbei 

ami  at  amen  to  man  the  two  v<  s»  Is,  being  i  I  ofthi  m  al 

ami  obligi  'I  to  stay  on  board  one  of  them  myself 

\-  booi  ifficient  number  of  men  arrive,  I  shall  lose  no  time  in  • 

tying  your  ordt  ra  into  i  Kecution,  in  regard  to  the  cannon.    Tl 
ver)  luckily,  an  i  scorl  of  provisions,  five  barrels  of  pork,  and  thii 
Sour,  arrivi  il  here,  as  a  pn  -•  m  from  Albany,  under  the  care  of  <      '.  I  lijah 
Phelps,  the  hut   barrel  of  our  pork  being  broached.    I  have  ordered  fifty 


704  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

barrels  of  pork,  and  one  hundred  barrels  of  flour,  from  Albany,  which  I  ex- 
pect soon.  Prior  to  which,  I  bought  five  oxen  and  thirty  barrels  of  flour, 
which  is  all  the  provision  purchased  yet.  The  people  enlisted  have  been 
promised  the  same  bounty  as  is  given  in  the  Massachusetts  Bay.  A  sum  of 
money  will  be  requisite  to  carry  matters  into  execution.  I  have  £160,  found 
in  the  sloop :  but  as  it  was  the  property  of  the  captain,  I  don't  choose  to 
make  use  of  it  at  present.  1  have  sent  to  Albany  repeatedly  for  powder, 
and  can  get  none  there:  only  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  here,  which  I 
brought  from  Concord  ;  and  I  beg  you  will  order  a  quantity  to  be  sent  for- 
ward here  immediately.  I  have  written  to  Connecticut,  but  can  have  no 
dependence  from  that  quarter,  as  it  is  very  scarce  there.  I  hope  some  gen- 
tleman will  soon  be  appointed  in  my  room  here,  who  is  better  able  to  serve 
the  public  than  I  am.     In  the  interim, 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

P.  S.  Since  writing  the  above,  one  of  Col.  Allen's  party,  who  was  taken 
prisoner  at  St.  Johns,  has  made  his  escape,  and  says,  that  on  the  19th  in- 
stant, there  were  about  four  hundred  regulars  at  St.  Johns,  who  expected  to 
be  reenf breed  by  more  men,  and  were  making  all  possible  preparations  to 
cross  the  lake,  and  retake  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga.  I  have  sent  ex- 
presses to  Fort.  George  and  Skenesborough,  to  rally  the  country.  You  may 
depend,  gentlemen,  these  places  will  not  be  given  up,  unless  we  are  over- 
powered with  numbers,  or  deserted  by  Providence,  which  has,  hitherto,  sup- 
ported us. 

I  am  yours,  &c. 

B.  ARNOLD. 


Gov.  Trumbull  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Hartford,  May  25,  1775. 

Gentlemen: — Your  letter  of  the  17th  instant,  with  the  enclosed  resolve 
of  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  was  delivered  to  me  by 
Col.  Easton,  and  communicated  to  the  general  assembly,  who  have  desired 
me  to  return  their  congratulations  on  the  reduction  of  Ticonderoga,  a  for- 
tress truly  important,  and  to  assure  you  they  entertain  a  proper  sense  of  the 
merit  of  those  officers  and  soldiers  by  whose  bravery  and  good  conduct  it 
was  achieved.  As  this  advantage  was  gained  by  the  united  councils  and 
enterprise  of  a  number  of  private  gentlemen  in  your  province,  New  Hamp- 
shire, New  York,  and  this  colony,  prompted  only  by  a  zeal  for  the  liberty  of 
their  country,  without  public  authority  to  our  knowledge,  and  is  of  great 
and  general  importance  to  the  united  colonics,  it  was  thought  best  to  take 
the  advice  of  the  Continental  Congress  upon  the  manner  .of  treating  it  in 
future,  both  by  the  general  assembly  of  this  colony  and  the  committee  of 
New  York,  as  well  as  by  you.     Despatches  were  accordingly  sent  to  Phila- 


TH  ONDEROG  \   AND  cimw  \   POINT  705 

delphia,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  Continental  Congn  n  ih<  reon  have  ba  n 

ived  tin-  day,  bj  express,  with  ;i  letter  from  the  commi 
York,  copies  <>i  which,  enclose  d,  are  herewith  sent  yon. 

B)  them  _\"'i  will  gee,  the  present  custod)  of  that  ii>.  tted 

to  the  province  oi  New  York,  with  the  assistance  of  th<  N  I  land  col- 
onies,  if  needed.  The  general  assemblj  of  this  colon}  behold  your  situa- 
tion with  concern,  and  a  fixed  resolution  in  contribute  ever)  thing  in  their 
power  to  your  defence  and  preservation,  and  as  fat     -  ,  to  them, 

willing  and  d<  sirous  you  Bhould  have  the  benefil  h  artiller)  as  ma)  be 

Bpared  from  the  fbrti  f  Crown   Point  and  Ticonderoga;  but,  as  the) 

(In  in  a  consider  thi  mselves  as  entitled  to  the  i  immand  of  those  phiccs,  the) 
cannot   take  upon  tbemselvi  ive  orders  for  l 

cat n  that  ma)  be  spared,  without  the  concui 

interested  in  them. 

The  necessity  of  securing  and  maintaining  tin  lor  the 

defence  of  the  frontiers,  becomes  dail)  mon  t,  from  the  r  d  in- 

telligence wi  receive,  of  the  plan  formed  bj  our  enemies  to  distress  us,  bj 
Inroads  of  Canadians  and  savagt  -.  from  the  province  of  Qui  1"  c,  upon  the 

dements.    The  enclosed  cop)  of  a  letter  from  our  delej 
tending  at  New  York,  to  communicate  measures  with  the   Provincial  Con- 
gress in  thai  city,  throws  an  additional  light  on  this  t,  and  is  tho 
worth]  to  be  communicated  t>>  \<>n.     Whilst   the  designs  of  our  i 
againsl  us,  fill  us  with  concern,  we  cannot  omit  to  observe  the  -mil' 
Providence  upon  us,  in  revealing  their  wicked  plans,  and  hitherto  prosper- 
ing tin'  attempts  nf  tin-  colonii  s  to  frustrate  them.     \\  itli  :i  bumble  rel 
on  the  continuance  of  divine  favor  ami  protection  in  tin  cause,  "i"  tin-  jus- 
of  which  a  doubt  cannot  l»'  entertained,  il  mbl)  of  this 
colon]  an-  read)  t'>  cooperate  with  tin-  other  colonies,  in  ev<  r)  i  \-  rtion  t "< •  r 
their  common  defence,  ami  in  contribute  their  proportion  of  men  and  other 

ssaries,  for  maintaining  the   posts  on  the  front  defcndii 

pelling  invasions  in  any  other  quaru  eably  to  the  advice  of  the  Conti- 

nental <  'nil!' 

I  am.  <;■  mil  men,  in  iiihali"  of  the  general  assembl]  of  this  colouy, 

^  our  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JON  ATI!  \\  TRI  M  It  I  I 
To  Uu  Provincial  Con  f  Maua/chutttU, 


Committee  of  New  York  !•>  G      TrumbulL 

\  i  ..    \  i n.K.    M  \  \     J .'.    I 

Hiimikmi  8ia:     I  am  directed  b)  the  general  committee  ol  lion 

for  this  cit)  and  county,  to  transmit  to  your  honor  the  enclosed  authentic 
copy  of  a  resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress,  received  b)  express,  and 
B9 


706  T1CONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

to  inform  your  honor,  that  in  consequence  thereof,  we  immediately  shipped 
to  Albany  one  hundred  barrels  of  pork,  and  that  a  select  committee  has 
been  appointed  to  purchase  and  forward,  without  delay,  cordage,  oakum, 
pitch,  guns,  and  every  other  necessary  that  may  be  wanted  from  hence,  to 
carry  into  execution  the  aforesaid  resolution. 

We  have  also,  by  express,  desired  our  brethren  of  Albany  to  give  their 
aid  and  assistance. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be,  most  respectfully, 

Your  honor's  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

HENRY  REMSEN,  Deputy  Cliairman. 
Hon.  Gov.  Trumbull. 


Resolution  of  the  Continental  Congress. 

Ik  Continental  Congress,  Thursday,  May  18,  1775. 

Whereas,  there  is  indubitable  evidence  that  a  design  is  formed  by  the 
British  ministry,  of  making  a  cruel  invasion,  from  the  province  of  Quebec, 
upon  these  colonies,  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  our  lives  and  liberties, 
and  some  steps  have  actually  been  taken,  to  carry  the  said  design  into  exe- 
cution: and  whereas,  several  inhabitants  of  the  northern  colonies  residing 
in  the  vicinity  of  Ticonderoga,  immediately  exposed  to  incursions,  impelled 
by  a  just  regard  for  the  defence  and  preservation  of  themselves  and  their 
countrymen  from  such  imminent  dangers  and  calamities,  have  taken  pos- 
session of  that  post,  in  which  was  lodged  a  quantity  of  cannon  and  military 
stores,  that  would  certainly  have  been  used  in  the  intended  invasion  of 
these  colonies :  this  Congress  earnestly  recommend  it  to  the  committees 
of  the  cities  and  counties  of  New  York  and  Albany,  immediately  to  cause 
the  said  cannon  and  stores  to  be  removed  from  Ticonderoga  to  the  south 
end  of  Lake  George,  and,  if  necessary,  to  apply  to  the  colonies  of  New 
Hampshire,  Massachusetts  Ray,  and  Connecticut,  for  such  an  additional 
body  of  lorces  as  will  be  sufficient  to  establish  a  strong  post  at  that  place, 
effectually  to  secure  the  said  cannon  and  stores,  or  so  many  of  them  as  it 
may  be  judged  proper  to  keep  there  ;  and  that  an  exact  inventory  be  taken 
of  all  such  cannon  and  stores,  in  order  that  they  may  be  safely  returned, 
when  the  restoration  of  the  former  harmony  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
colonies,  so  ardently  wished  for  by  the  latter,  shall  render  it  prudent  and 
consistent  with  the  overruling  law  of  self-preservation. 

A  true* copy  from  the  minutes. 

CHARLES  THOMPSON,  Secretary. 


TIO  >NDEROG  \    Wh  UROM  \    l'<  >l\  r 

'  '  General, 

Meh    J      k,  Mil  83,  \~>~ 

Bib:     W<  arrived  in  tl   scitj  d  have  the  satisfaction  to 

form  you,  that  the  committee  of  N  cd  with  the  direc- 

tions of  the  <  Continental  I  [*icondero- 

ga  \\ ith  |>ii.. 

The  Provincial  Convi  f  tliia  provii  i    Bitting,  bul  I 

i   the   busim  *a  of  examiui  S        W      have 

not,  therefore,  as  yet,  laid  our  ap|K>intmenl   before  them.     We  lia\<-  bad  n 

onal  conference  with  Mr.  Price,  an  eminent  English  merchant 
treal,  who  is  Bent  b)  the   English  merchants  of  th  i  the 

Continental*  is,  with  intelligei of  a  most   inti  re.     Me 

informs  us,  that  all  the  French  offic<  I   inada  are  now  in  actual  pa]  un- 

der  <  ieneral  Carlton ;  that  St.  Luk<  La  Corne,  who  was  superintendent  of  all 
the  Indians  in  Canada,  while  it  was  in  the  hands  of  the  French,  and  is 
father  in  law  of  Mr.  Campbell,  who  is  superintendent  under  his  majesty, 
has  Benl   belts  i"  the  northern  trilx  r  up  as  the  falls  of  St  Marj  and 

Michilimakinak,  to  engage  them  t>>  take  up  arms  against  thi  N  I  gland 
colonies,  but  the  event  "t'  that  embi  nown  :  that  a  Bimilar  ap- 

plication had  be<  n  mad  ■  t<>  the  tribes  nearer  to  the  frontiers  "t'  the  Bnglish 
settlements,  but  with  little  succ(  dian  fort)  Indians  could  \»- 

found  that  would  engage  in  the  m<  :  that  the  plan 

i  i  procun  to  join  with  the  Canadians  in  hostilities 

against  the  rebels  of  N(       I  ingland. 

Mr.  Price  gives  it  as  lii-  opinion,  that  the  I  nts  will  not,  but 

with  the   utmost    reluctance,  en  gainst  tli<'  colonists,  but  that  th< 

our  bitter  enemies:  he  also  G  I     rlton  was  cx< 

I  at  Montreal  in  a  daj  or  t\\i>  after  he  left  that  place,  which  v\a.*  the  I  Itli 
of  Mas  in-taut,  and  that  li«'  was  t'>  take  up  his  residi  nee  then  for  this  Bum- 
mer. 

\\ ,'■■  are  now  about  t"  take  up  in  the  hearl  <>t"  the  city,  where  we 

shall  have  an  opportunity  of  conversing  with  the  citizens,  and  of  learning 
their  true  .-pint. 

The  Provincial  Convention  of  New  Jersej  meet  this  daj  :  we  propose  t" 
wait  "ii  them  sometime  this  \\ i  • 

We  can,  at  present,  lm\'-  you  no  jusl  account  of  the  state  <<\'  the  cause  of 
libertj  in  this  city,  but   hope,  from   th>'  littl>-   information  u>-   have  alread) 
had,  that  there  will  nol  be  bo  general  a  defection  as  was  appreht  uded. 

\\  e    ■   .  Sir,  \\  i t ! i  due  resp<  ct,  your  most  obedient  InnuM"-  servaj 

\  \  I  II  Will.    \\   Ml-.  .Ik.. 

Ill  VDhl.i  9  i:i  KK. 

I'll  i:r<  »N  I    li>\\  kRDft 
'/'a  tin  llmi.  William  WUUanu    I. 

Sm  //  fembly,  '  tit. 


708  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

Congress  of  New  York  to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  New  York,  May  26,  1775. 

Brethren  : — Having  received  a  minute  of  the  grand  Continental  Con- 
gress, of  which  we  send  you  a  copy  herewith  ;  we  wrote  a  letter  to  the  gov- 
ernor and  company  of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  of  which  we  also  send  you 
a  copy. 

We  do  not  doubt  of  your  ready  concurrence  in  the  measures  recommend- 
ed hy  that  august  hody,  in  which  we  do  entirely  acquiesce. 

We  pray  you  to  act  on  this  occasion  with  prudence  and  expedition,  espe- 
cially as  we  have  received  intimations  from  our  brethren  in  Connecticut, 
that  they  cannot  send  a  sufficient  force  for  the  purposes  mentioned  to  them 
in  our  letter.  And  we  beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  we  are  affectionately 
your  friends  and  brethren  in  the  general  cause  of  freedom. 

We  are,  Gentlemen,  your  humble  servants, 

P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  President. 

To  Joseph  Warren,  Esquire,  and  others,  the  Committee  of  Safety 
for  the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 


Benedict  Arnold  to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

Crown  Point,  May  26,  1775. 

Gentlemen  : — My  last  was  of  the  23d  instant ;  I  then  advised  you  of  the 
situation  of  matters  here  ;  since  which,  there  has  been  no  material  altera- 
tion. Very  few  men  have  arrived ;  we  have  fixed  the  sloop  with  six  car- 
riage and  twelve  swivel  guns;  the  schooner  with  four  carriage  and  eight 
swivel ;  both  vessels  are  in  good  order,  and  tolerably  wellmanned,  eight 
gentlemen  having  arrived  from  Hartford,  who  are  seamen.  I  have  sent  two 
ten  inch  iron  mortars,  two  eight  inch  brass  mortars,  and  two  eight  inch 
howitzers  to  Ticonderoga,  to  be  forwarded  to  Fort  George.  You  may  de- 
pend on  my  sending  the  cannon  from  this  place  as  soon  as  possible.  There 
are  three  thirteen  inch  iron  mortars  here.  I  beg  to  know  what  1  shall  do 
with  them.  I  have  received  large  donations  of  flour,  pork,  peas,  &c,  from 
Albany,  near  seventy  barrels,  and  1  am  informed,  there  is  a  large  quantity 
on  the  road  from  that  place,  and  a  quantity  supplied  from  Connecticut.  The 
advices  I  received  from  Butterfield,  and  communicated  in  the  postscript  of 
my  last  of  the  23d  instant,  prove  to  be  premature.  I  have  good  intelligence 
from  a  batteau  immediately  from  St.  Johns,  which  place  she  left  the  19th 
instant,  that  the  regulars  win'  returned  to  Chamblee. 

1  am,  with  great  respect,  Gentlemen,  your  obedient  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 

To  the  Committee  of  Safety,  Cambridge. 


Tl<  ONDEROG  \    Win  i:<>\\  \   |m,|\  r  yo9 

('•■  m  ml  .  U  i      inn  tuut  to  the  P  i 

II   rtford,  Ma]  '.'".  I 

( ■'(  n  n  i  mi  n  :     Y'.'i  have,  doubtless,  received  the  advice  of  the  <  ''>nt:' 
tal  Congress,  relative  to  the  important  :•  -  and  posts  "t    I 

and  Crown  Point    W  m  it  n<  lided  bj  their  opinion  in 

ever]  important  transaction,  and  bat  tion  in  their  approbation 

of  the  capture  made  of  those  |»>m~  :  and  their  advice  relating  t«>  tb< 
ing  the  cannon,  &  ■• .  t"  the  -'>mli  end  of  Lake  <  • 

there,  must  probablj   be  complied  with,  unless  they,  u] furth  lider- 

ation,  shall  alter  their  opiuion,  and  advise  to  making  the 

both  the  aforesaid  forts,  which  this  I •  much 

more  expedient,  on  man]  obvious  accounts,  and  have,  several  da] 
signified  their  opinion  t<>  our  d<  at  Baid  I  nd  from  thi 

and  for  oth<  r  reasons,  hope  for  their  com  urrei 

The  bearer,  Cape  Phelps,  who  has  been  verj  active  and  useful  in  the  rap- 
tures, is  just  arrived  w  it  1 1  important  advices  from  CoL  Arnold,  of  an  expect- 
ed attack,  speedil]  from  Governor  Carlton,  and  is  charged  with  the  same 
advices  from  Mr.  Arnold  t"  you.  In  consequence  of  tbem,  and  the  imminent 
danger  the  people  there  are  exposed  t".  our  assembl)  have  just  orden  <\  the 
hundred  pounds  of  our  pittance  of  |><>\\  < l«  r.  to  !»•  fbrtbw  ith  sent  tbera;  I 
also,  have  ordered  four  companies  t"  march,  for  their  present  relief)  and 
have  advised  the  New  Vork  IV"\ incial  Congress  of  tlii-  step;  and  al>' 
now  despatching  advices  of  the  same  to  the  Continental  I 
ting  forth  the  advantage  of  maintaining  a  posi  at  Ticondi  i   Crown 

Point,  and  suggesting  our  wishes,  that  the)  reconsider  their  ail. 

In  the  mean  time,  you  maj  !»■  assured  that  we  have  in>  such  claim  t<>  the 
acquisition  or  the  command  of  them  as  in  the  \<  isl  di  _  •  •  to  interfere  with 
anj  measures  you  ma)  think  proper  to  adopt  relating  to  them,  and  consider 
whal  we  have  <l<>iir  as  a  small  and  temporar)  n  be£ 

I     ii.  Gentlemen, in  the  name  and  behalf  <>t"  the  bouse  of  represental 
your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant,  bj  their  order, 

\\  II. 1. 1AM  \\  ll. l.l  \M-    -      kerJ 


Governor  Trumbull  to  Uu  Provincial  Congn 

ll     tford,  Ma)  3  '.  r 

(.'i  m  ii  men: — I  am  d(  sin  d  to  inclose  to  you,  a  cop)  of  a  letter  from  the 
Congress  of  V  w   Vork  to  this  assembly,  dated  25th  instant,  which  you  \\\U 
rec<  rve  herewith,  per  Mr.  Brown,  who  i>  <>n  bis  return  from  the  Contii 
tal  Congress.  The  contents  of  the  above  mentioned  letter  "■  re  immedinti  Is 
taken  into  consideration  b]  this  assembly;  in  consequence  whereof,  tbej 

(i  ~^- 


710  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

came  into  the  following  resolutions.  Tliat  one  thousand  men,  including 
four  hundred  which  we  had  before  ordered,  under  command  of  Col.  Hin- 
man,  should  march,  as  soon  as  possible,  to  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point, 
for  the  support  and  defence  of  those  fortresses.  That  they  continue  there 
until  they  are  relieved  by  the  province  of  New  York,  or  are  otherwise  order- 
ed by  this  assembly.  That  Col.  Hinman  take  the  command  of  our  troops 
on  those  stations.  That  the  troops  be  furnished  with  one  pound  of  powder 
and  three  pounds  of  bullets  to  each  soldier.  That  Col.  Hinman  be  ordered 
to  keep  up  the  strictest  vigilance,  to  prevent  any  hostile  incursions  from  be- 
ing made  into  the  settlements  of  the  province  of  Quebec.  And,  that  the 
Provincial  Congresses  of  New  York  and  Massachusetts  Pay,  be  advised  of 
these  measures ;  and  the  New  York  Congress  be  requested  to  forward  the 
necessary  supplies  for  said  troops,  and  such  other  supplies  of  ammunition 
as  they  shall  judge  necessary. 

Advice  of  these  resolutions  is  already  sent  forward  to  New  York,  per  Mr. 
Colton,  your  express  to  Philadelphia. 

It  is  matter  of  doubt  with  us,  whether  the  above  mentioned  detachment  of 
troops  ordered  by  this  colony,  will  be  sufficient  for  the  important  purposes 
for  which  they  are  destined.  Put  we  recollect  that  Col.  Arnold  is  now  on 
the  spot  with  a  commission,  as  we  understand,  to  raise  a  regiment  in  the 
pay  of  your  province.  We  are  not  informed  how  far  he  has  proceeded  in 
that  design.  If  he  meets  with  success,  we  flatter  ourselves  that  his  regiment, 
joined  with  the  troops  we  have  sent,  will  be  able  to  maintain  their  ground 
and  keep  possession  of  those  important  posts. 

We  take  the  liberty  to  recommend  to  your  consideration,  the  furnishing 
such  additional  supply  of  powder  from  you,  as  you  shall  think  necessary  to 
be  sent  forward  for  the  support  of  those  northern  posts.  1  am  very  sorry  to 
have  it  to  say,  that  we  are  credibly  informed  there  are  not  five  hundred 
pounds  of  powder  in  the  city  of  New  York  :  but  at  the  same  time,  are  advis- 
ed, that  means  are  taking  to  supply  them  with  that  very  important  article. 

1  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JONATHAN  TRUMBULL. 

The  honorable  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 


The  Congress  of  .Yew  York  to  the  Assembly  of  Connecticut. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  New  York,  May  25,  1775. 

To   the   honorable   the    Governor   and    Company   of  the   English    Colony  of 

Connecticut  : 

Brethren:— By  a  minute  of  the  grand  Continental  Congress  of  the  18th 
of  May,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 


TICONDEIU  '<■  \   AND  «  ROM  \   P<  UNT  :  1 1 

five,  a  copy  of  which  we  ■!"  herewith  transmit  that 

Ticouderoga  hath  been  taken   h)  Bundrj   inhabitants  of  the  northern  i 
nies;  and  from  the  minute  .  ured  that  tl  sure  \\ :is 

for  the  common  safetj  of  tin    \  In  purs 

reclions  contained  in  that  minute,  we  I  d  the  i 

removiug  the  cannon  ai  u  ;it  that  important  i"i  o  the 

Bouth  end  of  1         «•        e,  and  for  securing  them  there ;  and  we  have  ap- 
pointed  Messrs,  John  V  Bleeker,  II      j    I    I'  I  P  link 
Swart,  and  Peter  J                                      i  of  tins  bue              I 
doubt  but  that  "tn  brethren  of  Connecticut                                             t  tin- 
idea  of  ordering  an)  <>!'  their  troo]  a  t<>  inarch  within  the  bounds  of  ihi>  eoU 
ony,  for  the  purpose  of  defending  the  fort  at  Ticonderoga,  and  the  cat 
and  Bton  -  above  mentioned  ai  Fort  I                 But  we  praj  you  to  cast  away 
all  (ears  of  offending  us  upou  1 1  *  I  —  occasion.    \\  e  shall  I"-  bappj  thai 
_\<iu  have  placed  a  part  of  your  forces  in  these  posts,  with  intent  t"  di 
thiiii  until  they  shall  be  relieved  bj  troops  from  this  colony. 

In  further  pursuance  of  the  directions  of  the  -rami  Congress,  we  bav< 
dered  provisions  to  be  conveyed  to  Ticonderoga  and   Lake  G  I  we 

shall  continue  i"  furnish  Buch  supplies  as  we  shall  deem  i  i  c<  ssary. 

^  mi  will  be  pleas<  d,  gentlemen,  t"  appoint  trust}  i  idi  rs  over  \<>ur 

forces  destined  for  the  purposes  above  mentioned;  and 
our  willingness  that  they  shall  take  the  command  at  th<  a  whili 

risoned  l>\  your  trooj  -. 

\\  i   beg  leave  to  assure  you,  that  in  this  and  all  other  matters,  we   will 
paj  the  highest  attention  to  everj  recommendation  of  th<  I 

1       _:•  ss,  ■  - 1 ■  < i  that  we  have  the  honor  t"  I 

i .  atlemen,  your  most  obedieul  bumble  servai 

P.  \.  B.  I.l\  INGS  rON,  /'       fen*. 

P>\  order  of  th<  I 


.Inns    Mi  Ki 

Robert   Bensok, 


S 


P.  S.     We  praj  you  t"  use  everj  effort  to  preserve  and  improve  the  pre- 
sent peaceable  dispositions  of  the  Canadians  and  Indians,  for  which  purpose 
we  think  it  will  be  m  cessarj   t"  keep  up  the  strii  test  vigilant  <•  n>  pn 
anj  incursions  from  I"  Log  made  1 1 1 1 « » th<-  province  "i  <  l 

P.  \.  B.  Il\  LNGS  rON,  /'        mi. 


Benedict  Arnold  to  Uu  Commitle*        s     ty, 

i       '.  n  Point,  Maj  29,  I  ''•'<■ 
( . i  vi  1 1  mi  \:  —  I  was  ii i nails  surprised  and  alarmed  this  day,  on  receiving 


712  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

advice,  via  Albany,  that  the  Continental  Congress  had  recommended  the  re- 
moving of  all  the  cannon,  stores,  &c,  at  Ticonderoga  to  Fort  George,  and 
evacuating  Ticonderoga  entirely,  which  being  the  only  key  of  this  country, 
leaves  our  very  extensive  frontiers  open  to  the  ravages  of  the  enemy,  and  if 
put  into  execution,  will  be  the  entire  ruin  of  five  hundred  families  to  the 
northward  of  Ticonderoga.  1  have  written  to  the  Congress  and  given  my 
sentiments  very  freely,  with  your  instructions  to  me,  as  I  fancy  they  have  had 
no  intelligence  of  my  appointment  or  orders.  Col.  Allen  has  entirely  given 
up  the  command.  I  have  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  here,  and  expect,  in  two 
or  three  weeks,  to  have  my  regiment  completed,  and  believe  they  will  be 
joined  by  a  thousand  men  from  Connecticut  and  New  York.  1  have  sent  to 
Lake  George,  six  large  brass  and  iron  mortars  and  howitzers,  and  one  brass 
and  three  iron  twelve  pounders ;  and  shall  pursue  your  orders  with  all  the 
despatch  in  my  power. 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

BENEDICT  ARNOLD. 


Col.  Easton  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Pittsfield,  May  30,  1775. 

To  the   honorable  Provincial  Congress,  now   sitting  at  Watertown,  and  to  the 
honorable  Committee  of  Safety,  at  Cambridge. 

May  it  please  your  honors  : — When  I  arrived  express  from  Ticondero- 
ga, to  the  honorable  Provincial  Congress  and  Committee  of  Safety,  at  Water- 
town  and  Cambridge,  I  represented  to  those  two  honorable  boards,  that  the 
reduction  of  that  important  fortress  had  taken  its  rise  in  the  general  court 
of  the  colony  of  Connecticut,  as  it  was  also  mentioned  in  the  letter  from 
Capt.  Mott  to  those  two  honorable  boards  aforesaid ;  upon  which,  the  Con- 
gress passed  a  resolve,  and  the  president  of  the  Congress  was  ordered  to 
write  to  the  said  general  assembly,  desiring  them  to  garrison  and  fortify 
I  hose  late  acquisitions,  and  also  to  bring  down  some  of  the  cannon  to  our 
head  quarters  at  Cambridge.  When  J  arrived  at  the  assembly,  and  deliver- 
ed the  letter  to  the  governor,  his  honor  told  me,  that  the  assembly  had  not, 
as  an  assembly,  taken  the  matter  up,  but  that  it  had  its  original  in  private 
persons  belonging  to  the  assembly.  However,  it  was  immediately  attended 
to,  and  a  committee  of  both  houses  was  appointed  to  take  the  matter  under 
consideration,  and  did  so;  but  did  not  report  till  Capt.  Mott  came  from  the 
Continental  Congress,  with  the  approbation  of  that,  honorable  body  for  the 
taking  and  maintaining  the  fortress  aforesaid.  The  council  have  detained 
me  till  farther  intelligence  can  be  had  from  the  Congress  at  New  York,  and 
Mr.  Bheppard  is  sent  in  m\  Btead.  I  am,  however,  sent  on  my  way,  with  all 
haste,  for  Ticonderoga,  without  receiving  said   intelligence,  on  account  of 


TICONDEROGA   AND  CROWN   POINT.  713 

the  great  danger  that  fortress  is  in  of  being  besieged  in  a  short  time.    By 
order  of  the  aforesaid  assembly,  1  have  senl  forward  five  hundred  [rounds  of 
powder,  under  a  proper  guard,  and  shall,  this  day,  basten  after  ii  with  all 
expedition. 

1  i  sped  do  provision  from  Connecticut  will  I  ad  th<-  men 

that  were  with  me  from  this  province  at  the  tak  Baid  fort,  which  were 

about  fifty,  and  about  one  hundred  who  have  ircement,  ex- 

cept the  paying  them  till  about  this  time.    Though  Connecticut  will 
men  and  assist  in  the  defence  of  that  fortress,  yet  the)  exp<  ct  that  our  con- 
gress will  proper!)  i  inize  the  men  tlie)  send,  and  ,-iIm>  paj 
them. 

It  i-  ..  on  all  hands,  the  fortress  must  be  maintained,  as  it  is  of  infi- 

nite importance  to  the  general  i  I  ao  doubt  but  ver)  violent  at- 

tempts will  soon  be  made  to  wrest  it  out  of  our  hands,  \-  I  hav<  about 
uiii'  hundred  ami  fift)  men  now  at  dial  fort,  ami  shall  be  able  to  till  up  a 
regiment  in  a  fevi  days  time-,  I  would  ju.-t  hint  to  your  honors,  that  I  should 
h<   willii  rve  m_\  countr)  in  the  capacit)  1  stand  in  at  home,  as  the 

bead  <>f  a  regiment  on  this  northern  expedition.     Should  you  Bee  tit  to 
ifj  me  with  the  command  of  a  i  at  li'i   tin   fortifying  and  garrisoning 

said  fortress,  you  ma)  depend  on  m_\  n  osl  faithful  exertions  t"  d<  fend  it,  to 
the  last  extremity,  against  the  whole  weight  of  Canada,  and  <>n  tin- 
punctual  observance  "f  all  your  orders.     And  I  shall  !"■  read) 
farther  acquisitions  as  shall   he  in  m)  power,  consistent  with  wisdom  and 
prudence  for  the  safety  of  what  arc  alreudy  made,  that  you  in  your  wisdom 
shall  direct 

\-  iu  other  regimental  officers,  Copt  Israel  Dickinson  and  John  Brown, 
Esq  .  havt  distinguished  themsi  Ives  ver)  highly,  both  in  council  and  action, 
ami,  in  m)  humble  opinion,  are  well  qualified  to  command  in  the  field.  In 
a  word,  gentlemen,  what  is  now  wanted,  is,  that  you  put  that  fortress  into 
the  besl  posture  of  defence,  in  conjunction  with  Connecticut:  that  \«>n 
properl)  officer  one  or  more  regiments :  as  there  muBt  be  order  and  com- 
mand in  all  armies,  that  you  nominate  a  commander  in  chi<  f:  ami  forward 
I >.i \  with  all  expedition.  I  hope  n>  receive  an  answer  to  this  without  an) 
unnecessar)  delay.  Should  you  Bee  lit  to  appoint  a  chaplain  t<>  attend  us,  1 
recommend  to  you  the  Rev.  Thomas  Allen  of  this  place,  as  a  suitable  per 
son,  who  is  well  known  to  General  Pomeroy. 

1  am,  Gentlemen,  your  humble  Bervant, 

.1  \MI  -   I    ISTON. 

N.  r>     Ti    necessary  that  provisions  for  the  t ps  be  provided  immedi 

ately,  and  also  a  number  of  the  militar)  laws  lati  ly  made  b)  the  '  • 

.1.  I.  iSTON. 

•.hi 


714  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

Governor  Trumbull  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Hartford,  June  1,  1775. 

Gentlemeh  : — Your  letter  of  the  29th  May,  by  Mr.  Sheppard,  is  received, 
and  I  observe  your  agitation  occasioned  by  the  resolution  of  the  General  Con- 
gress, touching  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point.  It  was  looked  on  in  the 
same  light  here,  and  hath  been  repeatedly  mentioned  to  the  delegates  from 
Connecticut,  that  removing  from  Ticonderoga  to  the  south  end  of  Lake 
George,  would  expose  great  part  of  the  frontiers  to  invasion  and  distress, 
and  a  fort  at  the  latter  could  scarcely  be  tenable.  The  expressions  of  the 
resolution  are  not  clear.  The  Provincial  Congress  at  New  York,  take  them 
to  mean  no  more  than  the  removing  the  supernumerary  cannon  and  stores 
from  those  two  fortresses  to  the  south  end  of  Lake  George ;  but,  not  to 
leave  or  abandon  those  two  important  posts.  Mine  of  the  29th  of  May,  by 
Mr.  Brown,  informs  what  hath  been  resolved  here,  which  is  fully  approved  by 
the  Provincial  Congress  at  New  York.  They  express  their  concern  to  keep 
and  maintain  "  the  important  posts  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point."  \\  e 
have  received  intelligence  from  Albany,  of  the  readiness  of  that  city  and 
county  to  afford  their  utmost  assistance  for  securing  those  important  posts, 
for  the  common  defence  of  our  rights  and  liberties.  Our  general  assembly 
was  closed  last  evening.  I  shall  be  attentive  to  jour  intelligence,  and  will 
communicate  to  you  all  that  appears  important,  that  shall  come  first  to  my 
knowledge  :  please  to  direct  for  me  at  Lebanon.  1  congratulate  you  on  the 
union  and  increasing  harmony  of  these  North  American  colonies,  and  the 
wonderful  concurrence  and  coincidence  of  counsels  amongst  them.  May 
our  hearts  be  united  in  humble  thankfulness  therefor. 

I  am,  with  great  truth  and  regard,  Gentlemen, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JONATHAN  TRUMBULL. 

The  honorable  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  Bay. 


Col.  Easton  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

Crown  Point,  June  6,  1775. 

Respectable  Gejsteemen: — It  is  of  the  utmost  importance  to  the  united 
colonies  to  cultivate  harmony  and  friendship  with  the  Canadians  and  their 
Indians.  1  have  painfully  exerted  myself  to  procure  and  secure  it.  I  have 
sent  you  a  copy  of  a  letter  Col.  Allen  and  myself  wrote  to  the  Canadians. 
It  appears  to  me  of  importance,  that  your  honors  should  be  acquainted  with 
the  state  of  policy  and  of  facts.  You  will  discover,  by  perusing  the  enclosed, 
that  a  party  of  Canadians  made  an  attack  upon  our  reconnoitering  party. 
Since  that,  Mr.  Ferris,  an  inhabitant  of  the  New  Hampshire  Grants,   has 


TICONDEROG  \    kND  CR<  i  '    l\  T  ;  r, 

been  at  Montreal,  and  returned  to  this  place ;  !>•  I  ile  in, 

and  he  inibrme  thai  Sainl   Luke  La  Corue,  who  acted 
wards  our  people  the  lant  war,  for  which  be  was 

lii-  utmo.sl  influence  t<>  excite  the  Canadians  and  India  i  the 

war  against  the  united  colonieB ;  and  thai  he,  and  Capi    Mel  o)   \ ^  I ,•  >  com- 
manded il"-  Canadian  attack,  have  made  hul  little  proficiency.     \\  tlie 
said  part)  of  Canadians  were  appointed  officers,  hul  could  ; 
few  soldiers  and  not  one  Indian.    Saint   Luke  advises,  that  some  in  i 
parish  l»-  immediati          tecuted,  except  t J i .  \    will   join   the   k 
There  are  latel)  come  to  Saint  Johns,  near  two  hundred  regulars,  and  j"m- 
ed  ( apt,  Mel  'oy's  port)  of  aboul  fifl)  Canadians,  w  ho  have  I"  <  n  menti< 
as  assailants  on  the  reconnoitering  party,  and  the)   ore  there  fortifying       I 
still  retain  mj  sentiments  thai  policy  demands  thai  the  colonies  advance  an 
army  of  two  or  three  thousand  men   into  Canada  and  environ   M 
This  will  inevitable  ii\  and  confirm  the  Canadians  and  Indiana  in  our  inter- 
est    Nothing  gives  me  bo  much  concern,  as  the  mistaken  policy    in  our 
worthy  Congress  and  assemblies,  who,  for  wani  of  the  real  knowledge  of 
••i  n.ii'i  facts,  imagine,  thai  to  push  an  arm)  thither  would  offend  the  < 
dians  and  incense  them  agaiusl  the  colonies.    The  armed  vessels 
vanced  to  the  north  pari  of  the  lake  to  command  it,  and,  consequently,  to 
guard  the  frontier  settlements  thereon.     We  hear  thai  CoL  Hinman  is  ;i|>- 
pointed  commander  in  chief  of  this  department,  aud  is  marchjng  hither  with 
a  thousand  men.     These  are  joyful  tidings  to  us.     We  hope  the)  will  prove 
true  :  for  we  cannot  long  conducl  our  orm)  \\  itboul  it  be  reguloj  Ij  organized 
w  ith  officers  and  under  pa) . 

I  am,  Gentlemen,  your  n b  dienl  humble  Bervant, 

.1  \mi.s  ;  \. 

'I'ii  tin  honorable  tht   <  enqftht  Provitu       ' 

( 'ommittet  pn  and  Cambrid 


damation  <</  '  bU.  .  /'.'.  n  and  Easton. 

Ticonderoga,  June  1.17  75. 
'I'n  mir  loorthy  and  friends  and  countrymen,  I       /' 

(  'iinmln.    I .       '  ng  : 

I  i  ■  .  ii  i  u.'.\  Sobje(  rs,  \  M«  <  'hi  ■»  i  i.i  mi  \  :  -You  are,  undoubtedly, 
more  or  leas  acquainted  with  the  unnatural  and  unhapp)  controversy  sub- 
Bisting  between  Great  Britain  and  her  colonies,  the  particulars  >>\  which,  in 
this  letter,  we  do  nol  pretend  to  expatiate  upon  ;  bul  refer  you  to  t!i>'  consid 

eration  of  the  justice  and  equitableness  "i"  our  cause  from  \ '  i" 

quaintance  with  the  merits  of  it.     We  n<t-.!  only  observe,  thai  the  inhabi- 
tants ofthe  colonies  viewed  ill tntrovers)  on  their  pari  to  !•<■  justifiable  in 

the  tight  of  God  nml  all  unprejudiced  and  hon  en,  thai  have  oi 


716  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

have  opportunity  and  ability  to  examine  into  the  ground  of  it.    Fixed  in  this 
principle,  those  inhabitants  are  resolved  to  vindicate  their  cause  at  the  haz- 
ard of  their  lives  and  fortunes,  but  have  not  the  least  disposition  to  injure, 
molest,  or,  in  any  way,  deprive  our  fellow  subjects,  the  Canadians,  of  either 
liberty  or  property;  nor  have  they  any  design  to  wage  war  with  them;  and, 
on  the  other  hand,  from  all  the  intelligence  that  the  inhabitants  of  the  said 
colonies  have  received  from  the  Canadians,  it  has  appeared  that  they  were 
alike  disposed  for  friendship,  or  at  least  neutrality,  and  not  at  all  disposed  to 
take  part  with  the  king's  troops  in  the  present  civil  war  against  the  colonies. 
We  were,  nevertheless,  surprised  to  hear,  that  a  number  of  about  thirty 
Canadians,  attacked  our  reconnoitering  party,  consisting  of  four  men  ;  fired 
on  and  pursued  them  until  they  returned  the  fire.     This  is  the  account  of 
the  party  who  have  all  arrived  at  head  quarters.     We  desire  to  know  of  any 
gentleman  of  the  Canadians,  the  facts  of  the  case,  if  they  be  different :  as 
one  story  must  be  allowed  to  be  good  till  another  is  told.     Our  general  or- 
ders to  the  soldiers  were,  that  they  should  not,  on  pain  of  death,  molest  or 
kill  any  of  your  people      But  if  it  shall  appear,  upon  examination,  that  the 
reconnoitering  party  commenced  hostilities  against  you,  they  shall  suffer, 
agreeably  to  the  sentence  of  a  court  martial :  for  our  special  orders  from  the 
colonies  were,  to  befriend  and  protect  you,  if  need  be,  so  that  if  you  desire 
their  friendship,  you  are  invited  to  embrace  it :  for  nothing  can  be  more  unde- 
sirable to  the  inhabitants  of  these  colonies,  than  a  war  with  their  fellow  sub- 
jects, the  Canadians,  or  with  the  Indians.     You  are,  undoubtedly,  very  sensi- 
ble that  a  war  has  already  commenced  between  Great  Britain  and  the  colo- 
nies: hostilities  have  already  begun.     To  fight  the  king's  troops  has  become 
inevitable.    The  colonies  cannot  avoid  it.     But  pray,  is  it  necessary  the  peo- 
ple  of  your  country  and  ours   should  butcher   each  other?     God  forbid. 
There  are  no  controversies  subsisting  between  us.     Pray  let  old  England 
and  the  colonies  fight  it  out,  and  the  Canadians  stand  by  and  see  what  the  arm 
of  flesh  can  do.     We  are  apprehensive,  that  the  conduct  of  jour  people  be- 
fore complained  of,  had  not  a  general  approbation,  and  are  still  confident, 
that  your  country,  as  such,  will  not  wage  war  with  the  colonies,  or  approve 
of  the  aforesaid  hostile  conduct  of  your  people  ;  as  we  conceive  it  impolitic, 
to  the  last  decree,  for  the  Canadians  to  enter  into  a  bloody  war  with  the 
English  colonics,  without  either  provocation  or  motive;  but  every  motive  of 
interest,  virtue,  and  honor,  to  dissuade  you  from  it.    To  conclude,  we  appre- 
hend St.  Luke  La  Corne,  Monsieur  Ronvelo,  and  ('apt.  McCoy,  the  last  of 
whom  commanded  the  Canadian  party  aforesaid,  and  probably  some  others, 
whose  interest  it  is  to  irritate  and  excite  your  people  to  take  up  arms  against 
the  colonies,  have  inveigled  some  of  the  baser  sort  already  to  attack  the  said 
four  men  as  before  related.      We   expect,  gentlemen,  as  to  these   particulars, 
you  will,  in  good  time,  favor  us  with  an  answer,  and  in  the  interim,  we  sub- 
scribe ourselves  your  unfeigned  friends, 


ETHAN  ALLEN,    )  At  present,  the.  principal  Command- 
HES   EASTON,*         ing  Officers  of  the  Army. 


TICONDEIU  »<.  \    wi»  <  it<>\\  \  poiN  r  ;i: 

A  copj  of  the  letter  that  we  sent  !■•  tin-  Canadians,  to  i»  communicated  to 
them  in  print,  translated  into  French  bj  tin-  favor  "i   Mr  \\  alk<  .   o\ 
;it  UontreaJ.    This  we  Bubrail  to  your  bom  sideration. 


N  i  command, 


Ethan  Ai i  i  v 
James  I 


/.'     ni  ii/'tln  CommiUet  .•>•»  ni  to  'I 

( Iambi  idge,  Jul)  «;.  I '  1 

The  committee  appointed  t"  proceed  to  die  posts  of  Ticonden 
Crown  Point,  &  i\,    beg  leave  to  report,  that  thej  proci  edi  'I  through  the  new 
settlements  called  die  New   Hampshire  Grants,  and  carefullj  ■  1  the 

road  through  the  same,  and  find  thai  then    is  a  good  road  from  Willi 
t"\\n  tn  the  place  where  the  road  crosseth  the  river  called   Paulet  river, 
which  is  about  fifteen  miles  from  Skenesborough  ;  from  thence  t"  the  falls 
at  \\  i",,|  <  'r,  ,  |(  ii,  :,|-  Major  Skene's  bouse,  the  road  is  not  feasible,  and  is 
unfit  for  carriages,  but  cattle  maj  be  driven  that  waj  verj  well. 

Your  committee,  having  taken  with  them  th< pies  of  the  com  mist 

and  instructions  from  the  committee  of  safetj  tn<',,i  Benedict  Arnold,  and 
informed  themselves,  as  fullj  as  thej  were  al >t< ■,  in  what  manner  be  had  i  \- 
ecuted  his  said  commission  and  instructions,  hav<  found  that  he  was  with 
Col.  Allen,  and  others  at  the  time  tin  fort  was  reduced;  but  <1"  not  find  that 
he  bad  anj  men  under  Ms  command  at  the  time  of  the  reduction  of  ll 
fbrtn  sses  ;  but  find  that  be  did,  afterwards,  poss<  ss  bimself  of  the  sloop  on 
the  lake.  At  Saint  Johns  we  found  the  said  Arnold,  claiming  the  command 
of  said  Bloop,  and  ■■<  schooner,  which  is  said  to  l»-  the  property  o  \ 
Ski  in- ;  and  also  all  the  posts  and  fortress)  -  at  the  south  end  of  Lake  <  Iham- 
plain  and   Lak<    G  ,  although  Col.   Hinman  was         I  ,  with 

in  ar  a  thousand  men  under  his  command  at  the  several  po 

Your  committee  informed  the  said  Arnold  of  their  commission,  and,  at 
bis  request,  gave  him  a  copj  of  their  instructions;  upon  reading  of  which, 
beseemed  greatlj  disconcerted,  and  declared  he  would  not  b  >\  in 

command  to  any  person  whomsoever;  and  after  .-nun-  time  contemplating 
upon  the  matter,  resigned  his  |  ost,  and  gave  your  committee  his  resignation 
under  bis  band,  dated  the  24th  of  Juni  :  which  is  submitted,  and,  al  the 
same  time, he  ordered  In-  men  to  I"-  disbanded,  which  he  said  were  bctv 

twoand three  hundred.    N 'committee,  not  finding  anj  nun  regularl)  un- 

\     old,  bj  reason  of  his  so  disbanding  them,  appointed  Col   I 
ton,  who  was  at  Ticonderoga,  to  tal  e  the  command  under  Col.  Hinman,  who 
was  die  principal  commanding  officer,  al  diose  posts,  of  thi  I 
and  endeavored  to  give  the  officers  and  nun  who 

•  i  i  i 

ooauB  ilio  Jmifii :         i 


718  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

said  Arnold,  an  opportunity  to  reenlist ;  of  whom,  numbers  enlisted  and  sev- 
eral of  the  officers  agreed  to  hold  their  command  under  the  new  appoint- 
ment. 

Your  committee,  having  taken  a  critical  survey  of  the  garrison  and  posts 
of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  found  them  in  a  very  defenceless  state, 
and  after  consulting  with  Col.  Hinman,  were  of  opinion,  upon  the  whole, 
that  it  is  necessary  to  retain  in  the  service  of  this  colony,  for  the  present,  the 
number  of  four  hundred  men,  as  the  committee  were  informed  from  intelli- 
gence from  Canada,  that  great  preparations  were  making  and  all  endeavors 
used  to  bring  over  the  Canadians  and  savages  to  be  inimical  to  these  colo- 
nies. 

Your  committee  having  found  Capt.  Noble  at  the  Point,  with  a  number  of 
men  who  had  been  under  said  Arnold,  willing  to  engage  in  the  service,  we 
paid  to  said  Noble,  one  hundred  pounds,  to  be  delivered  to  the  men,  as  ad- 
vance pay ;  and  appointed  Mr.  William  Satterly,  a  worthy  man,  to  muster 
them  and  inspect  their  arms;  and  took  Capt.  Noble's  and  Satterly's  receipt 
for  the  same,  and  their  promise  to  apply  it  for  that  purpose. 

Your  committee  returning  to  Ticonderoga,  and  Col.  Easton  being  there, 
they  paid  into  his  hands  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  pounds,  to  be 
applied  for  the  purpose  aforesaid,  and  took  his  receipt  and  promise  so  to  do  ; 
and  appointed  Mr.  Jonas  Fay,  a  respectable  person,  to  muster  the  men  and 
their  arms,  all  except  Capt.  Noble's  company.  We  also  paid  into  the  hands 
of  one  Remember  Baker,  said  to  be  a  good  officer,  who  engaged  a  certain 
number  of  men  under  Col.  Easton,  the  sum  of  twenty  pounds,  and  took  his 
receipt  and  promise  to  apply  said  money  as  advance  pay  to  said  men  ;  which 
completes  the  whole  of  the  money  delivered  to  said  committee  for  the  pur- 
poses aforesaid. 

Your  committee  have  engaged  to  Col  Easton,  that  the  remaining  part  of 
the  advance  pay  should  be  immediately  sent  to  him. 

Your  committee  found,  that  as  soon  as  Col.  Arnold  had  disbanded  his 
men,  some  of  them  became  dissatisfied  and  mutinous,  and  many  of  them 
signified  to  the  committee,  that  they  had  been  informed  that  they  were  to  be 
defrauded  of  their  pay  for  past  services.  The  committee,  in  order  to  quiet 
them,  engaged,  under  their  hands,  in  behalf  of  the  colony  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  that  as  soon  ;is  the  rolls  should  be  made  up  and  properly  authen- 
ticated, they  should  lie  paid  for  their  past  services, and  all  those  who  should 
engage  anew,  >lioiild  have  the  same  bounty  and  wages  as  is  promised  to 
those  who  serve  within  said  colony. 

Your  committee  inquired  of  Mr  Henry  Bleeker,  of  Albany,  how  the  men 
at  those  posts  were  supplied  with  provisions;  who  informed  us,  that  he  act- 
ed iinilcr  his  brother,  who  was  commissioner  of  supplies  from  New  York; 
that  all  tin-  men  at  those  stations,  of  whatsoever  colony,  were  supplied  by 
him,  without  distinction,  and  that  he  should  continue  so  to  supply,  until 
otherwise  directed. 

Your  committee  appointed  Timothy  Edwards,  and  Samuel  Brown,  Esq'rs, 

a  committee  to  supply  the  men  under  Col.    Kaston's  command,  with  such 


Tl<  ONDEROG  \    WD  <  i:<  >\\  \   POIN  r  719 

is  should  not  be  supplied  from  New  York;  and  appointed  Cape 
Elisba  Phelps,  to  act  aa  commissar]  under  them,  t"  deal  out  to  the  men 
whatsoever  should  be  supplied  bj  the  said  Edwards  and  Brown. 

vi  our  committee,  being  of  opinion,  that  a  major  should  be  appointed  iu 
(<il   Easton,  and  on<  a  to  the  battalion,  and  having  inquired  into  the 

disposition  of  the  ofi  who  havi  cd,  huv<  appointed  John 

Brown,  Esq.,  as  major,  and  Mr.  Jonas  Fay,  eon. 

Your  committee,  when  the)   bad  received  CoL    Arnold's  tiou,  di- 

rected him  i"  return  to  <  d  n  nd<  r  ai  I  of  bis  pro<  i 

•  ablj  to  their  instructions,  a  copj  of  which   >rd<  i  with  submitted. 

^   nr  committee  made  an  examination  of  the  military  si  those  | 

a  schedule  whereof  is  berewith  delivered,  except        -  ind  iron 

balls,  and  old  chains,  whicb  have  been  dug  out  of  the  ruins       I       ••  n  Point 
fort 

1     ir  committee,  finding  that  the  nun  at  those  stations  bad  n'»t  a  sufficien- 
cy of  gunpowder  i"  defend  the  posts,  and  upon  a  careful  inquiry  not  finding 
il  Albany,  have  directed  said  committee  of  supplies  to  Buppl)  two  hun- 
dred weight  from  some  of  the  town  stocks  in  the  count)  of  Beikshin 
ilir  credit  "f  the  colon) . 

^  "in  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  the  maintaining  of  ti.  -  of 

tlie  utmost  importance  i<>  the  security  of  t I • . -  colony  of  N-        5  d  the 

New  England  colonies,  which  was  a  sufficient  inducement  to  the  coram 
to  continue  in  the  paj  <>f  this  colony  the  number  of  men  before  mentioned. 
The  fortn  sses  not  l»  ing  at  pres<  nl  tenable,  then  there  musl  be  a  Buffi< 
number  of  men  r. .  ci  i  the  lake,  and  prevent  the  enemy  from  lan< 

"i   >ur  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  the  \«  -t  securitj   of  il  ta  in 

there  present  Btate,  is  l>\  armed  oi  various  construction  kept 

constantly  cruising  «>ti  the  lake,  and  small  l><>..r>  with  swiv< 

which  will  effectually  prevent  the  arm)  from  sudden  surpru 

)   »ur  committee  have,  agreeably   to  their  instructions,  advised  the  Hon. 
American  Congress,  the  Hon.  Convention  «>i"  the  colou)  of  New   York,  and 
the  governor  of  Connecticut,  by  respectful!)  Biguifying  to  them,  their  opin- 
ion of  the  importance  of  the  maintaining  thoa  nd  the  mesi 
sting  the  same. 

All  which  is  humbly  Bubuiitti  d, 

W  M.I'KK  SPOONER, 


Return  o/  Ordnaru  ■   s  I  P  rinL 

,.ii  punches  for  vents  of  guns ;  three  Bcoopa  for  shells ;  one  pair  I 
scales;  fourteen  mallets ;  one  set  of  measures  for  powder;  three   liui 
ami  ten  pounds  of  alow  match;  one  hundred,  eighteen-pound  >lt< .t :   ii\<- 
buudred  and  eighty,  twelve-pound  shot;  five  hundred  and  eighty,  nine-pound 
shot;  live  hundred  and  eighty,  six-pound  shot ;  one  thousand  four  hundred 


720  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

and  thirty  grape  shot ;  sixty-eight,  eight-inch  shells  ;  three  hundred  and  sev- 
enty, six-inch  shells;  six  sponges  with  ramrods;  six  waggon  hodies;  nine 
hundred  and  six  wheels ;  twenty-two  wadhooks  with  ramrods ;  one  cross- 
cut saw  ;  one  whip  saw. 

Stores  at  Ticonderoga. 

Three  guns  and  triangles  ;  six  gages  for  twelve-pound  shot ;  three  copper 
hoops;  six  copper  ladles;  twelve  iron  ladles;  shells,  shot,  &c,  in  vast 
quantities. 

June  23,  1775. 

Tlie  Committee  to  Benedict  Arnold. 

Crown  Point,  June  23,  1775. 

Sir: — You  having  signified  to  the  committee  who  are  appointed  and  di- 
rected by  the  Provincial  Congress  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  inquire  into  the 
state  of  the  fortresses  of  Crown  Point,  Ticonderoga,  &c.  and  the  appenda- 
ges thereof,  your  resolution  to  resign  all  your  command  of  the  suid  for- 
tresses, and  the  vessels  and  stores  thereunto  belonging,  for  reasons  under 
your  hand  expressed,  this  is  to  inform  you,  that  it  is  the  expectation  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  aforesaid,  that  the  chief  officer  of  the  Connecticut 
forces  at  those  stations,  will  command  the  same  for  the  present:  and  the 
committee  accordingly  expect  that  you  will  conform  yourself  to  the  direc- 
tions of  said  Congress  in  that  behalf,  and  deliver  the  same  to  such  chief 
officer  of  the  Connecticut  forces,  or  his  order,  for  which  this  shall  be  your 
authority.  The  committee  expect  that  you  will,  as  soon  as  may  be,  lay  an 
account  of  your  disbursements  before  the  Provincial  Congress,  agreeably  to 
our  instructions,  a  copy  whereof  is  lodged  with  you. 

By  order  of  the  committee. 

WALTER  SPOON ER,  Chairman, 
Col.  Benedict  Arnold. 


The  Committee  to  the  Continental  Congress. 

Ticonoeroga,  Junje  23,  1775. 

To  the  honorable  the  President,  and  the  members  of  the  American  Congress,  now 

silling  til  Philadelphia. 

May  it  please  your  honors: — The  Congress  of  the  colony  of  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Bay,  <hi  the  fourteenth  day  of  June  last,  appointed  Walter 
Spooner,  Jedediah  Foster,  and  James  Sullivan,  a  committee  to  repair  to  the 
fortresses  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  on  Lake  Champlain,  to  inquire 
into  the  importance  of  holding  those  posts,  and  also  into  the  method  by 
which  they  maj  lie  maintained;  to  establish  there,  in  the  pay  of  said  colo- 


Tit  « INDEROG  \    \M)  CROv\  \   i«.  »i\  r  721 

n\.  bo  man;  men  to  defend  the  -  mi.-  pot  should  j 

nol  exceeding  four  hundred;  and  the  nmitte* 

Congress  directed,  when  thej  should  have  made  themselves  full)  acquaint- 
ed with  the  situation  and  importan  ctfullj  to 
their  thoughts  thereon  i"  your  bono 

Wherefore,  b)  ordei  of  said  committee,  1  take  leavi  to  inform  you,  th 
is  the  opinion  of  said  committee,  Bucb  is  the  impon 

thai  should  the)  once  be  in  the  bands  of  the  enemii     to  A  >.  the  colo- 

D)  of  New  York,  together  with  tbi    N        I     jland  colonies,  would  be  in 
continual  danger  of  having  d  tted  on  them,  b)  then 

lax  forces,  who  would  b  ■••.!  of  tl  snd  Bhould  lb<    I 

nadians  and  savages,  who,  we  horx  I  eniuit)  with  us,  be  in- 

clined to  take  part  with  the  ministerial  army,  the  of  the  i 

before  mentioned,  must  be  extremel)  great 

\  garrison  at  the  Bouth  end  of  Lata  G  •  nable, dd  be 

of  but  little  service  to  the  New  England  colonies:  because  the  moal 
route  for  an  arm)  from  Quebec  into  V  w  England,  would  be  through  Lake 
Champlain  to  South  Bay,  from  whence  the)  mighi  travel  b)  land  through 
the  new  settlements  of  New  York  into  the  New  England  governn* 
destroj  the  frontier  towns  in  their  march,  drive  the  farmers  from  their 
fields,  prevent  the  large  supplies  of  wheal  and  other  necessaries  which  maj 
Boon  I"-  expected  from  these  new  settlements,  and  send  distress  and  famine 

into  the  heart  oi  the  i itr)  :  and  this  all  without  being,  on  a  right  line, 

within  man)  miles  of  the  Bouth  end  of  Lake  G 

I  him  also  directed,  b)  said  committee,  to  Bignif)  t"  your  I rs,  that  it  is 

the  opinion  of  the  committee,  that  the  defenci  of  those  fortresses  must  be 

supported  In  holding  command  of  I  Champlain,  which,  the)  ■ 

ma)  be  mosl  easil)   done,  by  bavin;  if  various  constructions,  well 

manned  and  armed,  floating  there:  for  which  purpose,  the nmittee  have 

stationed  four  hundred  men  there,  which  are  all  that  th.'  embarrassed  cir- 
cumstances <>t  i>ur  colon)  can  at  present  admit  of,  t « >  co-operate  with  i  i 
thousand,  under  the  command  of  Col.  Hinman,  who  is  sent  to  those  poets 
by  the  government  of  Connecticut  ;  but  whether  tl  now  on  the  lake 

an  sufficient  for  the  purposes  aforementioned,  your  honors  will  judge. 

I  am,  in  behalf  of  the  committi 

,i  our  honors1  1 1 1< >-t  humble  servant, 

\\  M.IT.K  SP<  K  »M.i;.  ( 
To  the  honorabU  Continental  Congress, 


91 


VZ-2  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

Tlie  Committee  to  Gov.  Trumbull. 

Springfield,  July  3,  1775. 

May  it  please  your  honors: — When  the  Congress  of  the  colony  of 
the  Massachusetts  .Bay  were  informed  that  your  government  had  sent  Col. 
Hinman  to  Lake  Champlain,  with  a  thousand  men,  to  defend  the  important 
posts  there,  it  was  with  the  deepest  concern  that  they  saw  he  was  not  com- 
mander in  chief  of  the  fortresses  and  their  appendages :  and  immediately 
despatched  a  committee,  whereof  I  had  the  honor  to  he  chairman,  to  let  the 
commander  of  their  forces  know  that  it  was  the  expectation  of  our  Con- 
gress, that  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  Connecticut  forces  should  be 
over  our  officers  and  privates  :  the  committee  was  also  ordered  respectfully 
to  signify  to  your  honor,  their  opinion  of  the  necessity  of  holding  those  for- 
tresses, as  also  of  the  most  expedient  method  to  do  it. 

Whereupon,  they  proceeded,  and  at  Crown  Point  let  Col.  Arnold  know, 
that  it  was  expected  that  he  should  give  up  the  command  of  the  garrison, 
&c.  to  Col.  Hinman,  and  be  under  him  as  officer  there :  but  he  declined  it : 
declared  he  would  not  be  second  to  any  man :  disbanded  his  forces,  and  re- 
signed his  commission.  A  majority  of  his  men  engaged  anew  under  Col. 
James  Easton,  who  the  committee  appointed  under  the  commander  of  the 
forces  of  your  government,  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  to  be  regulated  by 
your  martial  laws ;  and  the  committee  left  the  garrison  and  appendages  in 
peace,  with  much  satisfaction,  commanded  by  Col.  Hinman,  who,  they  are 
confident,  is  fully  equal  to  the  appointment. 

The  committee  also  order  me  to  inform  your  honor,  that  it  is  their  opin- 
ion, that  the  abandoning  the  posts  on  Lake  Champlain,  would  probably 
prove  the  utter  ruin  of  the  New  England  governments,  and  that  they  appre- 
hend armed  vessels,  floating  batteries,  &c.  will  be  the  surest  means  of  com- 
manding the  lakes.  The  committee  would  write  your  honor  more  fully  on 
the  subject,  but  they  are  convinced,  from  the  letters  you  have  favored  our 
Congress  with,  that  you  are  fully  possessed  of  the  importance  of  holding 
those  fortresses. 

Justice  compels  the  committee  to  let  your  honor  know,  that  on  Col.  Ar- 
nold's refusing  to  serve  under  Col.  Hinman,  a  mutiny  arose  among  some  of 
Arnold's  men,  who  would  not  engage  anew  in  our  service,  which  seemed  to 
be  attended  with  dangerous  symptoms,  but  by  the  noble  exertions  of  the 
officers  of  your  government,  with  those  of  Judge  Duer,  of  Charlotte  coun- 
ty, in  the  colony  of  New  York,  and  the  ample  .support  by  them  rendered  to 
the  committee,  in  the  most  difficult  situation,  it  was  happily  quelled  ;  the  par- 
ticulars of  it  are  too  tedious  and  disagreeable  to  trouble  your  honor's  atten- 
tion, while  you  have  constantly  business  of  the  last  importance  before 
you. 

Bui  thus  ninth  the  committee  order  me  to  take  leave  to  say,  that  from 
tint  polite,  generous  and  manly  disposition  of  Col.  Hinman,  and  the  officers 
in  the  Connecticut  forces  under  him,  we  may  gather  the  most  happy  pros- 


Tin  >\i»i:i:<»<;  \    \nd  CROvl  \  POIN  r  :::; 

i  of  a  campaign  in  the  northward  replete  with  honor  and  interest  to  tin- 

Colonies. 

1  am,  in  behalf  of  the  commit! 


Hon,  J'jii  it/tun   Trumhull. 


\        honor's  most  <>l»  dient  servant, 

\\  a  1. 1  l  I:  SPOON  1. 1:.  Chairman. 


/'     i      mitt"  tu  thi  Congn  u       A'      ) 

-     RIJCOI  it  Li..   Jim    •'!,    17? 

To  the  honorabli  it"  President  M  '     wention  I 

New  ) 

GEifTLKMEtv:  Notwithstanding  the  man)  calamitiee  that  the  colon)  "i 
M  nachusetts  Baj  now  struggles  under,  the  Congress  there  are 
lutelj  determined  to  leave  nothing  within  their  power  undone,  which  ma) 
have  even  a  probable  tendenc)  i"  preserve  the  rights  and  propert)  of  the 
American  colonies.  Jn  piursuance  of  this  resolution,  they,  on  the  14th  da) 
of  June,  appointed  a  committee,  whereof  I  have  the  honor  i<>  !"■  chairman, 
to  proceed  to  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  to  inquire  into  the  importance 
of  holding  those  posts,  and,  among  other  thu  i  ctfull)  to  aignif]  i" 

\i>n  their  thoughts  nil  the  subject    The  committee  have  made  Buch  inqui- 

-  b  the)  were  directed  to  prosecute,  and  have  ordered  me  to  take  l< 
to  inform  you,  that  it  is  their  opinion,  should  the  fortresses  on  I  I  ham- 
plain  fall  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  the  colon)  of  New  \  ork,  with  the 
.Wu  England  colonies,  muBl  !»■  in  the  utmost  insecurity,  for  the  eneui) 
might  land  at  the  Bouthern  end  of  a  part  <>f  the.  watei  -  Lake  4  ihamplam, 
called  South  Bay,  from  whence,  as  Fort  Edward  is  razed  t"  the  foundation, 
there  is  nothing  to  check  them,  or  prevent  their  spreading  fire  and  devasta- 
tion down  t"  Albany,  and  over  all  the  frontier  towns  eastward,  in  New  N  ork 
and  the  New  England  colonies:  wherefore,  it  is  the  opinion  <>t'  the  commit- 
tee, that  all  | ible  care  ought  t"  be  taken  t<>  keep  the  command  of  I 

Cbatnplain,  which,  perhaps,  raa)  be  more  eaail)  effected  b]  armed  vei 
of  various  constructions,  than  otherwise. 

The  committee  has  established  <>n  the  lakes,  in  the  pa)  of  the  M  tss  i  ;hu- 
setts  colony,  foui  hundred  effective  men,  with  proper  officers,  which  are  all 
that  the  distressed  state  of  the  colony,  at  present,  admit  "f:  which  i 
from  the  peculiar  embarrassments  which  that  colon)  is  now  laboring  under, 
must  look  for  present  supplies  <>i  | ■  i* ■  \ isions  t"  the  colon)  of  New  ^  <>i  k. 

While  the  committee  was  at  the  posts  above  mentioned,  there  w 
dangerous  mutiny  Bet  on  ti>nt  b)  some  persons,  employed  b)  <  !oL  Arnoli 
officer  of  our  colony,  who  bad  their  own  interesl  more  at  heart  than  the 

public  _ I.  which,  had  it  not  been  for  the  influence  and  well  tin 

tions  of  Judge  Duer,  a  gentleman  of  th unt)  of  Charlotte,  in  your  ■ 

ny,  and  the  principal  officers  of  the  I  sticui  forces,  might  i  •  n  at- 


724  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

tended  with  fatal  consequences.  As  the  committee  suppose  the  colony  to 
be  under  great  obligations  to  that  worthy  gentleman,  they  cannot  but  inform 
his  own  government  of  his  zealous  exertions  for  the  public  good. 

We  are,  Gentlemen,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  humble  servants, 

WALTER  SPOONER,  Chairman. 

Hon.  Provincial  Congress  of  New  York. 


Provincial  Congress  of  New  York  to  the  Committee  of  Safety. 

In  Provincial  Congress,  New  York,  June  7,  1775. 

Gentlemen: — The  multiplicity  of  business  brought  before  us  by  the 
Continental  Congress,  and  a  short  adjournment  of  our  body,  from  Saturday 
till  Tuesday  morning,  have  rendered  it  impossible  for  us  to  give  a  more  early 
attention  to  your  favor. 

We  have  little  to  say  upon  the  principal  subject  of  your  letter,  as  we 
conceive  that  the  Provincial  Congresses  of  both  colonies  are  concluded 
from  any  discretionary  provision  relative  to  the  ordnance  and  other  stores 
taken  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  of  which  you  must  be  fully  con- 
vinced by  the  acts  of  the  Continental  Congress  on  that  subject,  copies 
of  which  are  enclosed. 

We  are  fully  apprised  of  the  dangerous  consequences,  that  would  await 
this  capital  of  our  colony,  either  from  supineness,  or  a  confidence  in  the 
honor  of  those,  who  being  the  avowed  instruments  of  ministerial  vengeance, 
we  cannot  expect  w ill  hold  any  faith  with  us.  Whatever  articles  we  are 
now  possessed  of,  that  may  be  used  to  the  injury  of  this  city  in  particular, 
or  of  the  continent  in  general,  we  shall  be  studious  to  prevent,  if  possible, 
from  falling  into  the  hands  of  our  enemies.  In  sympathizing  with  you  for 
the  unhappy  town  of  Boston,  we  shall  do  every  thing  in  our  power  to  pre- 
vent this  city  from  being  reduced  to  the  same  deplorable  situation,  and  shall 
watchfully  attend  to  every  means  of  defence  which  our  present  or  future 
circumstances  may  enable  us  to  Improve. 

We  are,  Gentlemen  and  Brethren, 

With  great  respect  and  sincere  affection, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servants, 

P.  V.  B.  LIVINGSTON,  President. 

To  Joseph  Warren,  Esq.,  and  the 

Committee  of  Safety  for  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  Waterlown. 


TICONDEROG  \    \\l>  CR(  >\\  \   POINT  725 

/,'  ConHnerU     < 

Mm   30,   i: 

K.  letter  from  Col.  Arnold,  dated  Crown  Point,  M  23,  1775 
fore  the  Congress,  informing  thai  he  bad  certain  intelligence,  thai  won  1 1 1 •  - 
19th  there  were  then  four  hundred  regulars  si  St  J"hn*-.  making  slJ  possi- 
ble preparation  t"  cross  thi  nd  expected  t"  be  joined  by  ;i  number  of 
Indians,  with  ;i  design  "t  retaking  Crown  Poinl  and  Ticondei  ad 
earne8tlj  calling  for  a  reenforcement  and  supplies.  Tin-  letter  being  taken 
into  consideration, 

/.'  erf,  That  the  governor  of  Connecticul  I-  requested  immediately  to 
-•  ml  a  Btrong  reenforcement  t"  tin-  garrisons  of  <  'i ■  >\\  n  Poinl  ami  I  iconde- 

i.  ami  'hat  .-..  man)  of  the  cannon  ami  other  stores  l»-  retaini  'I,  as  maj 
be  neceasarj  for  the  immediate  defence  of  those  posts,  until  further  order 
from  tl      I  d  that  1 1 1 « -  provincial  convention  of  New  x"ork  be  in- 

formed of  this  resolve,  and  desired  to  furnish  those  troops  with  provisions 
ami  other  i  ry  stores,  ami  [..  take  effectual  care  thai  a  sufficient  Dum- 

ber of  batteaiut  !>■•  immediately  provided  for  the  la 

0  fererf,  That  the  above  resolve  !"■  immediatelj  transmitted  in  a  letter  bj 
the  presidi  ot,  to  Gov.  Trumbull,  ami  the  convention  a)  N>-      ^  ork. 

"  •'-/■»-/,  That  tin'  president  in  his  letter  acquaini  <i'"\.  Trumbull,  that  it  is 
the  desire  of  Congress,  that  he  should  appoint  a  person,  in  whom  be  can 
confide,  to  command  the  forces  at  Crown  Point  and  Ticondero 

Jim     1 .    177"). 

1  pon  motion,  Resolved,  That  it  l»-  recommended  to  the  governi 

<  anecticut,  or  the  general  of  the  forces  of  that  colony,  n>  appoint  commis- 
saries to  receive  at  A I  ban]  ami  forward  tin'  supplies  of  provisions,  for  the 
forces  on  Lake  Champlain,  from  tin-  provincial  convention  i  N.  N  irk, 
and  that  the  said  convention  use  their  utmost  endeavors  in  facilitating  and 
aiding  the  transportation  thereof,  from  thence  t<>  when  .id  com 

maj  direct 

.li  m    B,    177".. 

The  Congress  being  informed  that  a  Major  Skene,  with  Borne  other  offi- 
cers, who  arrived  last  evening,  in  a  vessel  from  London,  were,  with  their 
papers,  in  the  custodj  of  the  troops  i  f  tin.-  citj  ;  that  the  said  Skene  had 
latel)  been  appointed  governor  of  tin-  tint-  of  Ticonderoga  and  Crown 
r  mi  ;  that  i. in-  of  the  officers  with  him  i-  a  lieutenant  in  the  regulars,  now 
in  tin-  |iici\ ince  of  Quebec;  ami  moreover,  that  tin-  .-.ml  Skene  had  d<  clan  d 
that  In-  has  authority  to  raise  a  regiment  in  America;  from  all  this,  appi 
bending  that  tin;  -aid  Skene  is  a  dangerous  partizan  i>t'  administration,  ami 
that   bis  papers   may  contain    intelligence  of  ministerial   d  .-am-t 

America,  verj  importanl  t"  l>.-  known, 

/.'  dvedf  That  a  committee  !>'■  appointed  t"  examine  the  papers  of  the 
-aid  Skene  ami  lieutenant,  in  their  presence! 

That  tin'  committee  consist  of  Mr.  J.  kdams,  Mr.  !>■  ane,  and  Mr.  Mifflin. 


726  TICONDEROGA  AND  CROWN  POINT. 

That  the  said  committee  be  upon  honor  to  conceal  whatever,  of  a  private 
nature,  may  come  to  their  knowledge  by  such  examination  ;  and  that  they 
communicate,  to  this  Congress,  what  they  shall  discover  relative  to  the  pres- 
ent dispute,  between  Great  Britain  and  America. 

June  10,  1775. 

The  committee  for  examining  Gov.  Skene's  letters,  &c.,  having  communi- 
cated to  Congress  what  they  found  relative  to  the  dispute  between  Great 
Britain  and  these  colonies : 

Upon  motion,  Resolved,  That  Gov.  Philip  Skene,  Lieutenant  Moncrief, 
and  Mr.  Lundy,  be  released  from  their  present  confinement,  and  permitted 
to  go  at  large  any  where  within  eight  miles  of  the  city,  between  Delaware 
and  Schuylkill,  on  their  parole  of  honor,  not  to  pass  those  limits,  and  that 
they  will  hold  no  correspondence  with  any  person  whatsoever,  on  any  polit- 
ical subject. 

June  19,  177o. 

The  president  laid  before  the  Congress,  sundry  letters  he  had  received 
from  Massachusetts  Bay  and  New  York,  which  were  read. 

The  letters  from  Massachusetts  Bay  being  taken  into  consideration,  the 
Congress  came  to  the  following  resolve : 

That  the  governor  of  Connecticut  be  requested  to  direct  all  the  forces 
raised  in  that  colony,  not  employed  at  Ticonderoga  and  Crown  Point,  or  re- 
commended by  this  Congress  to  be  marched  towards  New  York,  to  be  im- 
mediately sent  to  join  the  combined  army  before  Boston.  And  it  is  earn- 
estly recommended  to  the  colony  of  Rhode  Island,  and  to  the  provincial 
convention  of  New  Hampshire,  to  send  immediately  to  the  army  before  Bos- 
ton, such  of  the  forces  as  are  already  embodied,  towards  their  quotas  of  the 
troops  agreed  to  be  raised  by  the  New  England  colonies. 

June  22,  1775. 

A  letter  from  Crown  Point,  dated  June  10,  was  laid  before  the  Congress 
and  read.  Information  being  given,  that  two  officers  who  brought  the  let- 
ter were  at  the  door,  and  had  some  things  of  importance  to  communicate, 

Ordered,  That  they  be  introduced,  and  they  were  introduced.  After  they 
withdrew,  the  Congress  came  to  the  following  resolutions  : 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  officer  commanding  in  the  New 
York  department,  to  procure,  as  soon  as  possible,  a  list  of  the  men  employ- 
ed in  taking  and  garrisoning  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  and  keeping 
possession  of  the  lakes,  and  also  of  their  disbursements,  in  order  that  they 
may  be  paid. 

Resolved,  That  their  pay  be  the  same  as  that  of  the  officers  and  privates 
in  the  American  army;  the  highest  of  the  officers  not  to  exceed  that  of  a 
captain,  and  that  the  pay  commence  the  third  day  of  May  last,  and  continue 
till  they  aif  ili-charged. 

Resolved,  That  it  be  recommended  to  the  convention  of  New  York,  that 
they,  consulting  with  General  Schuyler,  employ  in  the  army  to  be  raised  for 
the  defence  of  America,  those  called  Green  Mountain  Boys,  under  such  offi- 
cers as  the  said  Green  Mountain  Boys  shall  choose. 


i:  X  1  R  AC  I  - 


IK'Jll     HIE 


JOl   R  \  ALS   OF   Til  E  CONT1  N  ENT  \  I.   CONG  RESS 

RELATING    TO    MASSAC  HUS1    I   I- 


>.  1 1.  1 1.  m  i 

The  delegates  from  the  province  »'f  Massachusetts  Bay,  agreeable  toa  re- 
quest  from  the  joint  committees  of  everj  town  and  district  in  the  count]  of 
Mi.  Mli  Bex,  in  the  Baid  province,  communicated  t"  the  Congress  the  proc<  i  .1 
inga  c.i'  those  committei  s  al  ( Concord,  on  the  30th  and  31si  days  of  August 
last,  s\  hich  were  read. 

Si  pt.    17.    177  I. 

The  resolutions  ent<  red  into  l>\  the  delegates  from  the  several  towns  and 
districts  in  the  couutj  of  Suffolk,  in  the  province  <>f  the  Massachusi  its  Bay, 
« * 1 1  Tuesday,  the  fith  of  September,  and  theii  address  t<>  his  excellencj  gov- 
i  rnor  Gage,  dated  the  9th,  were  laid  before  the  Congn  sa 
The  '  'ougress  taking  the  resolutions  into  consideration, 
/.'  '.  unanimously,  That   this  assembl)   deepl)    feels  the  suffering  of 

tlnir  countrymen  in  t  i  j  ■    M  ass  ■>  i    -    ■-   Bay,  under  the  operation  of  the  late 
unjust,  cruel,  and  oppressive  nets  "i  the  British  parliament— that  thej  n* 
thoroughly  approve  the   \\i>(l"ia  aud  fortitude,  with  which   opposition 
these  wicked  ministerial  measures  has  hitherto  been  conducted,  and  the) 
earnest  I  j  recommi  od  t<>  theii  brethren,  ;i  perseverance  in  the  same  firm  and 
temperate  conduct,  as  expressed   in  ili«'  resolutions  determined  upon  at  a 
meeting  of  the  delegates  for  the  count]  of  Suffolk,  on  Tuesday,  the  1 1!>  in- 
Btant,  trusting  that  the  effect  of  the  muted  efforts  >>!'  North  America  in  their 
behalf,  will  carry  Buch  conviction  to  the  British  nation,  of  the  unwise,  un- 
just, and  ruinous  polic)  of  the  present  administration,  as  quickly  to  intro 
duce  better  men  and  wiser  measun 

i 

17, 1  ■  id.'  Briliah  doi 

inn.-  10, 

I 
rolal  Crown  Point 


728     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

Resolved,  unanimously,  That  contributions  from  all  the  colonies  for  supply- 
ing the  necessities,  and  alleviating  the  distresses  of  our  brethren  at  Boston, 
ought  to  be  continued,  in  such  manner,  and  so  long  as  their  occasions  may 
require. 

Ordered,  That  a  copy  of  the  above  resolutions  be  transmitted  to  Boston  by 
the  president. 

Ordered,  That  these  resolutions,  together  with  the  resolutions  of  the  coun- 
ty of  Suffolk,  be  published  in  the  newspapers. 

October  6,  1774. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  means  proper  to  be  used 
for  a  restoration  of  American  rights.  During  this  debate,  an  express  from 
Boston  arrived  with  a  letter  from  the  committee  of  correspondence,  dated 
the  29th  of  September,  which  was  laid  before  the  Congress. 

In  this  the  committee  of  correspondence  inform  the  Congress,  that  they 
"  expected  some  regard  would  have  been  paid  to  the  petitions  presented  to 
their  governor,  against  fortifying  their  town  in  such  a  manner  as  can  be  ac- 
counted for  only  upon  the  supposition,  that  the  town  and  country  are  to  be 
treated  by  the  soldiery  as  declared  enemies — that  the.  entrenchments  upon 
the  Neck  are  nearly  completed — that  cannon  are  mounted  at  the  entrance  of 
the  town — that  it  is  currently  reported,  that  fortifications  are  to  be  erected 
on  Copp's  hill,  Beacon  hill,  Fort  hill,  &c,  so  that  the  fortifications,  with  the 
ships  in  the  harbor  may  absolutely  command  every  avenue  to  the  town  both 
by  sea  and  land — that  a  number  of  cannon,  the  property  of  a  private  gentle- 
man, were  a  few  days  ago  seized  and  taken  from  his  wharf  by  order  of  the 
general — that  from  several  circumstances  mentioned  in  the  letter,  there  is 
reason  to  apprehend,  that  Boston  is  to  be  made  and  kept  a  garrisoned  town ; 
— that  from  all  they  can  hear  from  Britain,  administration  is  resolved  to  do 
all  in  their  power  to  force  them  to  a  submission — that  when  the  town  is  in- 
closed, it  is  apprehended  the  inhabitants  will  be  held  as  hostages  for  the  sub- 
mission of  the  country — they  apply  therefore  to  the  Congress  lor  advice  how 
to  act — that,  if  the  Congress  advise  to  quit  the  town,  they  obey — if  it  is 
judged  that  by  maintaining  their  ground  they  can  better  serve  the  public 
cause,  they  will  not  shrink  from  hardship  and  danger — finally,  that  as  the 
late  acts  of  parliament  have  made  it  impossible  that  there  should  be  a  due 
administration  of  justice,  and  all  law  therefore  must  be  suspended — that  as 
the  governor  has  by  proclamation  prevented  the  meeting  of  the  general 
court,  they  therefore  request  the  advice  of  the  Congress." 

October  7,  1774. 

The  Congress  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  letter  from  the  committee 
of  correspondence  in  Boston,  and  after  some  debate — 

Hi  solved,  Thai  a  committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  a  letier  to  his  excel- 
lency Gcnerul  Gage,  repr<  Benting  "thai  the  town  of  Boston  and  province  of 
■Massachusetts  Bay,  are  considered  by  all  America  as  suffering  in  the  com- 


JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS      729 

mon  cause,  for  their  noble  and  spirited  opp<  ritiontoi  of  pai  lia- 

i ■  i •  nt  calculated  ii>  deprive  ub  ofoui  most  Bacr<  >l  rigbta  and  prii 

Expressing  our  i cern,  that,  while  the  Congress  are  deliberating  on  the  most 

peaceable  means  for  rest ig  American  liberty,  and  thai  harraonj  and  in- 
tercourse, which  subsisted  between  ui  and  the  parent  k  i  i  >  l;  « 1  < « r  1 1  bo  i 
to  both,  lii-  excellency,  as  thej  are  informed,  is  raising  fortifications  round 

the  town  of  \'<-i therebj  exciting  well  grounded  jealousies  in  the  minds 

i>i  his  majesty's  faithful  subjects  therein,  that  he  means  to  cul  off  all  commu- 
nication between  them  ami  their  brethren  in  tin  country,  ami  reduce  them 
tn  a  state  of  submission  to  his  will,  and  that  the  soldiers  under  his  excellen- 
cy's command,  are  frequent!}  violating  privatt  property,  and  offering  various 
insula  to  the  p  ople,  which  musl  irritate  their  minds,  and  if  not  pul  s 
to,  involve  all  America  in  the  horrors  of  a  civil  vi  I  o  •  ntreal  bis  excellen- 

cy, from  the  assurance  we  have  <>f  the  |>eaceable  disposition  <'t'  th<-  inhabi- 
tants of  the  town  of  Boston  and  the  province  of  th<  Massachusetts  Bay,  t«> 
discontinue  bis  fortifications,  and  that  a  free  and  safe  communication  l»  n 

I  and  continued  between  the  town  of  Boston  and  the  country,  and  pre- 
vent all  injuries  on  the  part  of  the  troops,  until  his  majesty's  pleasure  shall 
be  known,  afler  the  measures  mm  adopting  shall  have  been  laid  Inline  him. 
Mr.  Lynch,  Mr.  S.  Idams,  and  Mr.  Pendleton,  are  appointed  a  committee 
to  draught  a  letter  agreeable  i"  the  foregoing  resolution. 

<  I IBB    - .    1771. 

The  Congrr--  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  letter  from  Boston,  and 
upon  motion, 

Resolved,  That  this  <  Congress  approve  die  opposition  of  the  inhabitants  of 
the  Massachusetts  Bay,  to  the  execution  of  the  late  acts  of  parliament;  and 
if  th«  -hall  be  attempted  to  be  carried  into  execution  b)  force,  in  such 

e,  all  America  ought  to  support  them  in  their  opposition. 

<  )<    i  OBXB     10,    177  1. 

The  Congress  resuming  the  consideration  of  the  letter  from  Boston; 
olved  unanimously,  'That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  body,  thai  the  removal 
of  the  people  "l*  Boston  into  the  country,  would  be,  not  onlj  extreme  I)  diffi- 
cull  in  the  execution,  but  bo  imports!)  1  in  its  consequences,  as  '<>  require  the 
utmosi  deliberation  before  it  is  adopted;  but  in  case  the  provincial  meeting 
of  thai  colon)  Bhould  judge  it  absolutely  n<  c<  ssary,  il  is  the  opinion  of  the 

Congress,  that  all  America  oughi  t"  contribute  towards  rec [tensing  them 

for  the  injur]  the)  ma)   thereb)   sustain ;  and  il  will  be  recoi ended  ac 

cordingly. 

Ri  mlved,  That  the  ( longress  n  commend  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  colon) 
busetts  Bay,  to  Bubrail  to  a  suspension  of  the  administration  ol 
when  it  cannot  be  procured  in  a  legal  and  pet ible  manner,  under 


730     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

the  rules  of  their  present  charter,  and  the  laws  of  the  colony  founded  there- 
on. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  every  person  and  persons  whomsoever,  who 
shall  take,  accept,  or  act  under  any  commission  or  authority,  in  any-wise  de- 
rived from  the  act  passed  in  the  last  session  of  parliament,  changing  the 
form  of  government,  and  violating  the  charter  of  the  province  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  ought  to  be  held  in  detestation  and  abhorrence  by  all  good  men, 
and  considered  as  the  wicked  tools  of  that  despotism,  which  is  preparing  to 
destroy  those  rights,  which  God,  nature,  and  compact,  have  given  to  America. 

The  committee  brought  in  a  draught  of  a  letter  to  General  Gage,  and 
the  same  being  read  and  amended,  was  ordered  to  be  copied,  and  to  be 
signed  by  the  president  in  behalf  of  the  Congress. 

October  11,  1774. 

A  copy  of  the  letter  to  General  Gage,  was  brought  into  Congress,  and 
agreeable  to  order,  signed  by  the  president,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Philadelphia,  October  10,  1774. 

Sir  : — The  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  have  informed  us,  the  rep- 
resentatives of  his  majesty's  faithful  subjects  in  all  the  colonies  from  Nova 
Scotia  to  Georgia,  that  the  fortifications  erecting  within  that  town,  the  fre- 
quent invasions  of  private  property,  and  the  repeated  insults  they  receive 
from  the  soldiery,  have  given  them  great  reason  to  suspect  a  plan  is  formed 
very  destructive  to  them,  and  tending  to  overthrow  the  liberties  of  America. 

Your  excellency  cannot  be  a  stranger  to  the  sentiments  of  America,  with 
respect  to  the  acts  of  parliament,  under  the  execution  of  which,  those  un- 
happy people  are  oppressed,  the  approbation  universally  expressed  of  their 
conduct,  and  the  determined  resolution  of  the  colonies,  for  the  preservation 
of  their  common  rights,  to  unite  in  their  opposition  to  those  acts. — hi  conse- 
quence of  these  sentiments,  they  have  appointed  us  the  guardians  of  their 
rights  and  liberties,  and  we  are  under  the  deepest  concern,  that  whilst  we 
are  pursuing  dutiful  and  peaceable  measures  to  procure  a  cordial  and  effectu- 
al reconciliation  between  Great  Britain  and  the  colonies,  your  excellency 
should  proceed  in  a  manner  that  bears  so  hostile  an  appearance,  and  which 
even  those  oppressive  acts  do  not  warrant. 

We  entreat  your  excellency  to  consider  what  a  tendency  this  conduct 
must  have  to  irritate  and  force  a  free  people,  hitherto  well  disposed  to 
peaceable  measures,  into  hostilities,  which  may  prevent  the  endeavors  of 
this  Congress  to  restore  a  good  understanding  with  our  parent  state,  and 
may  involve  us  in  the  horrors  of  a  civil  war. 

In  older  therefore  to  quiet  the  minds  and  remove  the  reasonable  jeal- 
ousies of  the  people,  that  they  may  not  he  driven  to  a  state  of  desperation, 
being  fully  persuaded  of  their  pacific  disposition  towards  the  king's  troops, 
could  they  he  assured  of  their  own  safely,  we  hope,  Sir,  you  will  discontin- 
ue the  fortifications  in  and  about  Boston,  prevent  any  further  invasions  of 


JOI  i;\  \l.  OF  THE  CONTINENT  IL  CONGRESS      731 

private  property,  restrain  tin-  irregularities  of  the  Boldit  i-.  and  give  ordi  ra 
that  the  communication  between  the  town  and  countrj  tnaj  l»-  open,  unmo- 
lesti  'I  and  I 

Signed  b)  order  and  in  behalf  of  the  General  I 

\'\.\  T<  »\    R A\l»i  'l.l'll.   P  ii<.1 

\  the  Congress  nave  riven  <  Sonera!  Gage  an  assurance  of  the  peaceable 
disposition  of  the  people  of  Boston  and  the  Massachust  tts  Baj  ; 

R  wived  unanimously,  Thai  i ln\  !»•  sdvised  >t ill  to  conducl  themselves 
peaceablj  towards  In-  excellency  General  Gage,  and  bis  majesty's  troops 
new  Btationed  in  the  town  ol    B  r  ss  i:hi  possiblj   Im-  com 

with  their  immediate  Bafety,  and  the  security  of  the  town;  j i \ < > "n ! 1 1 1 lt  and 
discountenancing  ever]  violation  of  his  majesty's  property,  or  an)   insult  to 
his  troops,  and  that  thej  \»  aceably  and  firmly  c  rsevere  in  the  line  thi 
now  conducting  themselvi  9,  on  the  defensive. 

Ordered,  Thai  a  copy  of  the  ton  going  resolve,  and  of  that  passed  on  Sat- 
urday, and  the  thr<  e  passed  yesterday,  1"'  mad< t,  and  thai  the  president 

The  following  i*  1 1  ■  •  -  answer  of  G  Gage  to  tho  I  tall 

B 
To  Ptijton  Randolph,  I 

B  wlo    with   Candor,  n  -land. 

People  would  be  led  t"  bclii  *•'.  from  jrour  letter  to  i 

I  tho   low  property  invaded,  I  iult  the   i 

a  the  town  and  countrj  ihul  u 
mr  from  tho  tro 
I 

ought  foi  N 

Ibi  eornpl  lint,  and  gi 

.  from  thi 

dii  r-.     The  coi a  town  and  •  ■ 

■till. 

',  and 
ml  in  them.    The  rei 
gun*  placed  there  liki  *         P    >ple  will  think  diflorenUjr,  whet 

i 
I  •  ie  pie  Mure  thai  i  with  the 

which,  from  wh  iipired,  I  hav< 

rea  than  myielf.     I  have  ondeavored  to  '"r,  if  I   could  eatabliah  tioa  !•> 

w:ik  upon,  and  ;lj   urged  ii  to  peopl 

ill  in  the  k i ; 1 1; ,  »  i,n  h  would  I"- 
Ij  the)  leek  t"  move  in  thoir  lupport. 
i 

•         piril  of  tli''  British  > 

Bui  I  ihould  hope  th  il 

i     rdenUy  « ish  that  the  common 

the i  count 
like  the  ■,  .  ■  the  affi  cUon  «  nicfa 

1    im.  Sir.  Miut  IDO  •  '<'• 

I  ll<  i\|  \-    i.  I 


732     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

inclose  them  in  a  letter  to  the  committee  of  correspondence  for  the  town  of 
Boston,  being  the  sentiments  of  the  Congress  on  the  matters  referred  to 
them  hy  the  committee,  in  their  letter  of  the  2iJth  of  September  last. 

Resolved  unanimously,  That  a  memorial  he  prepared  to  the  people  of  Brit- 
ish America,  stating  to  them  the  necessity  of  a  firm,  united,  and  invariable 
observation  of  the  measures  recommended  by  the  Congress,  as  they  tender 
the  invaluable  rights  and  liberties  derived  to  them  from  the  laws  and  consti- 
tution of  their  country. 

October  14,  1774. 

The  Congress  met  according  to  adjournment,  and  resuming  the  consider- 
ation of  the  subject  under  debate,  made  the  following  declaration  and  re- 
solves: 

Declaration  of  Rights. 

Whereas,  since  the  close  of  the  last  war,  the  British  parliament,  claiming 
a  power,  of  right,  to  bind  the  people  of  America  by  statutes  in  all  cases 
whatsoever,  hath  in  some  acts  expressly  imposed  taxes  on  them,  and  in  oth- 
ers, under  various  pretences,  but  in  fact  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  revenue, 
hath  imposed  rates  and  duties  payable  in  these  colonies,  established  a  board 
of  commissioners,  with  unconstitutional  powers,  and  extended  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  courts  of  admiralty,  not  only  for  collecting  the  said  duties,  but  for  the 
trial  of  causes  merely  arising  within  the  body  of  a  county: 

And  whereas,  in  consequence  of  other  statutes,  judges,  who  before  held 
only  estates  at  will  in  their  offices,  have  been  made  dependant  on  the  crown 
alone  for  their  salaries,  and  standing  armies  kept  in  times  of  peace :  And 
whereas,  it  has  lately  been  resolved  in  parliament,  that  by  force  of  a  statute, 
made  in  the  thirty-fifth  year  of  the  reign  of  king  Henry  the  eighth,  colonists 
may  be  transported  to  England,  and  tried  there  upon  accusations  for  trea- 
sons and  misprisions,  or  concealments  of  treasons  committed  in  the  colo- 
nies, and  by  a  late  statute,  such  trials  have  been  directed  in  cases  therein 
mentioned : 

And  whereas,  in  the  last  session  of  parliament,  three  statutes  were  made; 
one  entitled,  "an  act  to  discontinue  in  such  manner  and  for  such  time  as  are 
therein  mentioned,  the  landing  and  discharging,  lading,  or  shipping  of  goods, 
wares,  and  merchandize,  at  the  town,  and  within  the  harbor  of  Boston,  in  the 
province  of  Massachusetts  Bay  in  North  America;"  another  entitled,  "an 
act  for  the  better  regulating  the  government  of  the  province  of  Massachu- 
setts Hay  in  New  England  ;"  and  another  entitled,  "an  act  for  the  impartial 
administration  of  justice,  in  the  cases  of  persons  questioned  for  any  act  done 
by  them  in  the  execution  of  the  law,  or  for  the  suppression  of  riots  and  tu- 
mults, in  the  province  of  the  Massachusetts  Bay  in  New  England:"  And 
another  statute  was  then  made,  "for  making  inure  effectual  provision  for 
the  government  of  the  province  of  Quebec,  &c."  All  which  statutes  are 
impolitic,  unjust,  and  cruel,  as  well  as  unconstitutional,  and  most  dangerous 
and  destructive  of  American  right- : 


.I'M  k\  \i.  OF  THE  I  ONT1NENT  \l.  I  ONGR]  SS 

And  when  nblies  have  been  frequent!)  dissolved,  con  tran  to  the 

rights  of  i!it  people,  when  they  attempted  to  deliberate  on  ;  and 

'li  ii   dutiful,  humble,  loyal,  and  reasonable  petitions  in  tin-  crown 
dress,  have  been  repeated!)  treated  with  contempt,  bj  bis  maj<  minis- 

ten  of  state : 

The  good  people  of  the  several  colonies  of  N<       li  mpsbire,M  ■  chu- 
setts   Bay,   Rhode   Island  ami  Providence   Plantations,  Connecticut,  N 
York,  N(      J         ,  Pennsylvania,  N<        stle,  Kent,  and  Sussex  on  Delaware, 
Maryland,  Virginia,  North  Carolina,  and  South  Carolina,  justly  alarmed  .-it 

these  arbitrary  proceedings  of  parliament  and  administrati have  sen  rally 

elected,  constituted,  and  appointed  deputies  t"  meet  and  sit  in  gem  ral  con- 

b,  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  order  '<>  obtain  such  estsblishmi  i 
that  their  religion,  laws,  and  liberties,  ma}  not  be  subverted:     Whereupon, 
the  deputies  bo  appointed  being  now  assi  mbled,  in  a  full  and  fri  i  n  pn  bi  n- 
tation  of  these  colonies,  taking  into  theii  mosl  bi  >nsideration,the  best 

means  of  attaining  the  ends  aforesaid,  do  in  the  first  place,        I     gUabmen, 

their  ancestors,  in  lil  suallyd ),  for  effecting  and  vindic 

their  rights  and  liberties,  d<  clare, 

That  the  inhabitants  of  the  English  colonies  in  North  America,  bj  the 
immutable  laws  of  nature,  the  principles  of  the  English  constitution,  and  the 

•  ml  charters  or  compacts,  have  the  following  n^lit-  : 

/.'■  ;.  .V.  C  D.  1.  Thai  the)  are  entitled  to  life,  liberty,  and  propert)  : 
ami  the)  have  never  ceded  t"  an)  sovereign  power  whatever,  a  right  i"  ill-- 
pose  of  either  without  their  consent 

Resolved,  N.  C.  If.    •.'.  That  our  ancestors,  who  first  settled  these  coloi 
wire,  at  tin-  linn-  of  their  emigration  from  the  mother  country,  entitled  to  all 
i  In-  ri-lii-,  libertii  s,  ami  immunities  of  free  and  natural  born  subjects,  within 
tin-  realm  of  England. 

R  .V.  c.  l>.    :;.  Thai  b)  Buch  emigration  the)  b)  no  means  forfeit- 

«  d,  surrendered,  or  losl  an)  of  those  rights,  but  that  the)  were,  ami  their  de- 
scendants mm  an-,  entitled  t"  the  exercise  ami  enjoyment  of  all  such  of 
them,  as  their  local  anil  other  circumstances  i  liable  them  t « »  «  -    ami 

enjoy. 

/.'  olved,  I.  That  thi  foundation  of  English  hbert)  ami  of  all  free  gov- 
ernment, i-.  a  right  in  the  people  i"  participate  in  their  legislative  council : 
and  as  the  English  colonists  are  not  represented,  and  from  their  local  ami 
other  circumstances  cannot  properl)  be  represented  in  tin  British  parlia- 
ment, the)  an-  entitled  to  a  free  ami  exclusive  power  of  legislation  in  their 
Beveral  proi  incial  legislatures,  where  their  right  ■>!'  representation  can  a  lorn- 
In  preserved,  in  all  cases  <>t"  taxation  anil  internal  polity,  subject  onl)  to  the 
i  live  of  their  sovereign,  in  such  manner  as  bas  been  Inn  tofore  used 
accustomi  <\.  But  from  tin  nec<  ssit)  of  tin-  case,  ami  a  regard  to  tin-  mutu- 
al interests  of  both  countries,  we  ch<  erfull)  consent  to  tin1  operation  of  such 
art-  ofthe  British  parliament,  a-  air  ban  ined  t"  ti"-  regulati 

■  eternal  commerce,  lor  tin-  purpose  of  securing  tin-  commercial  sdvan- 
ofthe  whole  i  mpire  to  tin-  mother  c try,  ami  tin-  conuni  n  ial  l 


734     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

fits  of  its  respective  members  ;  excluding  every  idea  of  taxation  internal  or 
external,  for  raising  a  revenue  on  the  subjects  in  America  without  their  con- 
sent. 

Resolved,  N.  C.  D.  5.  That  the  respective  colonies  are  entitled  to  the 
common  law  of  England,  and  more  especially  to  the  great  and  inestima- 
ble privilege  of  being  tried  by  their  peers  of  the  vicinage,  according  to  the 
course  of  that  law. 

Resolved,  6.  That  they  are  entitled  to  the  benefit  of  such  of  the  English 
statutes,  as  existed  at  the  time  of  their  colonization  ;  and  which  they  have, 
by  experience,  respectively  found  to  be  applicable  to  their  several  local  and 
other  circumstances. 

Resolved,  N.  C.  D.  7.  That  these,  his  majesty's  colonies,  are  likewise 
entitled  to  all  the  immunities  and  privileges  granted  and  confirmed  to  them 
by  royal  charters,  or  secured  by  their  several  codes  of  provincial  laws. 

Resolved,  N.  C.  D.  8.  That  they  have  a  right  peaceably  to  assemble,  con- 
sider of  their  grievances,  and  petition  the  king ;  and  that  all  prosecutions, 
prohibitory  proclamations,  and  commitments  for  the  same,  are  illegal. 

Resolved,  JV.  C.  D.  9.  That  the  keeping  a  standing  army  in  these  colonies, 
in  time  of  peace,  without  the  consent  of  the  legislature  of  that  colony  in 
which  such  army  is  kept,  is  against  law. 

Resolved,  N.  C.  D.  10.  It  is  indispensably  necessary  to  good  government, 
and  rendered  essential  by  the  English  constitution,  that  the  constituent 
branches  of  the  legislature  be  independent  of  each  other;  that,  therefore, 
the  exercise  of  legislative  power  in  several  colonies,  by  a  council  appointed 
during  pleasure,  by  the  crown,  is  unconstitutional,  dangerous,  and  destruc- 
tive to  the  freedom  of  American  legislation. 

All  and  each  of  which,  the  aforesaid  deputies,  in  behalf  of  themselves  and 
their  constituents,  do  claim,  demand,  and  insist  on,  as  their  indubitable 
rights  and  liberties;  which  cannot  be  legally  taken  from  them,  altered,  or 
abridged  by  any  power  whatever,  without  their  own  consent,  by  their  repre- 
sentatives in  their  several  provincial  legislatures. 

In  the  course  of  our  inquiry,  we  find  many  infringements  and  violations  of 
the  foregoing  rights,  which,  from  an  ardent  desire  that  harmony  and  mutu- 
al intercourse  of  affection  and  interest  may  be  restored,  we  pass  over  tor  the 
present,  and  proceed  to  state  such  acts  and  measures  as  have  been  adopted 
since  the  last  war,  which  demonstrate  a  system  formed  to  enslave  America. 

Resolved,  .V.  C.  I).  That  the  following  acts  of  parliament  are  infringe- 
ments and  violations  of  the  rights  of  the  colonists;  and  that  the  repeal  of 
them  is  essentially  necessary,  in  order  to  restore  harmony  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  American  colonies,  viz.  : 

The  several  acts  of  1  Geo.  III.  ch.  15.  and  ch  34.-5  Geo.  111.  eh.  25.-6 
Geo.  III.  ch.  52.-7  Geo.  III.  ch.  41.  and  ch.  46.-8  Geo.  HI.  ch.  22.  which 
impose  duties  for  the  purpose  of  raising  a  revenue  in  America,  extend  the 
power  of  the  admiralty  courts  beyond  their  ancient  limits,  deprive  the 
American  subject  of  trial  1>\  jury,  authorize  the  judges,  certificate  to  indem- 
nify the  prosecutor  from  damages,  thai  he  might  otherwise  be  liable  to,  re- 


JOl  i:\  \i.  OF  THE  <  ONTINEfl  r  \i.  <  ONGRESS 

quiring  oppressive  securit)  from  a  claimanl  of  ships  and  u I-  seized,  be- 

fore  be  Bhall  be  allowed  u>  defend  In-  property, and  are  Bub  \ 

nan  rigbt& 

Also,  IS  <•       III  ch.  24.  entitled,  M  an  act  for  the  better  seem  maj- 

esty's dock-yards,  magazines,  ships,  ammunition,  and  stores,"  whicb  de- 
clares  a  new  offence  in  America,  and  deprives  the  American  subject  of  a 
constitutional  trial  bj  a  jurj  of  tin-  vicinage,  bj  authorizing  tin-  trial  of  anj 
person  charged  with  the  committing  an)  offence  described  in  the 
i>nt  of  tbe  realm,  to  l»-  indicted  and  tried  for  tin-  -aim-  in  any  Bhire  or  coun- 
ty \\  ithin  tlir  realm. 

Also,  the  three  acts  passed  in  the  last  b<  --ion  of  parliament,  for  - 1 > ■  j > j ■  i 1 1 ir 
tin-  port  and  blocking  up  tin:  harbor  of  Boston,  for  altering  tin 
government  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  that  whicb  i-  entitled,  u an  act  for 
the  better  administration  of  justice,  &c." 

Also,  tin1  art  pass*  'I  in  tin-  .-an  tablishing  the  Roman  <  Cath- 

olic religion  in  tin'  province  of  Quebec,  abolishing  the  equitable  system  of 
English  laws,  and  erecting  o  tyrannj  there,  to  tin'  great  danger,  from  so  t"- 
tal  :•  dissimilaritj  of  it  ligion,  law,  and  governmi  nt,  of  tL^  neighboring  Brit- 
i.-h  colonii  -.  bj  tin-  assistance  of  whose  blood  and  treasure  tin-  said  country 
was  conquered  from  I 'ranc<  , 

Also,  the  an  passed  in  the  same  session  for  tin-  better  providing  suitable 
quarters  for  officers  and  soldiers  in  bis  majesty's  service  in  North  America. 

Also,  that  tin-  keeping  a  stunding  arruj  in  several  "t'  these  colonies,  in 
linn  ofp<  1 1  •-.  without  tin1  consenl  of  the  legislature  of  that  colony  in  which 
such  arm]  is  ki  pt,  is  against  law. 

To  thes<    uia-  -  ami  measures   Americans  cannot  submit :  bul  in 

hopes  their  fellow  subjects  in  Greal  Britain  will,  on  a  revision  of  then 
Btore  us  t"  that  Btate,  in  which  both  countries  found  happiness  and  | 
ty,  we  have,  for  tin-  present,  onlj  resolved  to  pursue  tin-  following  p<  aceable 

3ures  :     I.  'I'"  enter  into  a  non-importation,  Don-consumption,  and 
exportation  agreement  or  association.    2.    I"  prepare  an  address  t"  tin-  p<  •  ■- 
pie  ol  l  -  Britain,  and  a  memorial  to  the  inhabitants  of  British  Ann  rica: 

And.".  To  prepare  a  loyal  address  to  bis  □  eeable  t"  resolui 

aln  nl_\  entered  into. 

« >•  ,.  20,  1774. 

The  association  being  copied,  was  read  and  Bignt  d  at  the  table,  and  ic 
follows : 

Won  I  p  irttdion  ( 'otx  nanL 

We,  bis  majesty's  most  loyal  subjects,  tbe  delegates  of  thi 
Dies  of  New    Hampshire,    Massachusetts   Bay,   Rhode   Islaud,  <  onuecticut, 
\m\  Vork,  New   Jersey,   Pennsylvania,  the  three  lower  count  v  w 

Castle,  Kent  and  Sussex,  on  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia,  Nord   '  -arolina, 
and  South  Carolina,  deputed  to  represent  them  in  a  Continental  C 


73G     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

held  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  on  the  5th  day  of  September,  1774,  avow- 
ing our  allegiance  to  his  majesty,  our  affection  and  regard  for  our  fellow- 
suhjects  in  Great  Britain  and  elsewhere,  affected  with  the  deepest  anxiety, 
and  most  alarming  apprehensions,  at  those  grievances  and  distresses,  with 
which  his  majesty's  American  suhjects  are  oppressed  ;  and  having  taken 
under  our  most  serious  deliberation,  the  state  of  the  whole  continent,  find, 
that  the  present  unhappy  situation  of  our  affairs  is  occasioned  by  a  ruinous 
system  of  colony  administration,  adopted  by  the  British  ministry  about  the 
year  1763,  evidently  calculated  for  enslaving  these  colonies,  and,  with  them, 
the  British  empire.  In  prosecution  of  which  system,  various  acts  of  parlia- 
ment have  been  passed,  for  raising  a  revenue  in  America,  for  depriving  the 
American  subjects,  in  many  instances,  of  the  constitutional  trial  by  jury,  ex- 
posing their  lives  to  danger,  by  directing  a  new  and  illegal  trial  beyond  the 
seas,  for  crimes  alleged  to  have  been  committed  in  America :  and  in  prose- 
cution of  the  same  system,  several  late,  cruel  and  oppressive  acts  have  been 
passed,  respecting  the  town  of  Boston  and  the  Massachusetts  Bay,  and  also 
an  act  for  extending  the  province  of  Quebec,  so  as  to  border  on  the  western 
frontiers  of  these  colonies,  establishing  an  arbitrary  government  therein, 
and  discouraging  the  settlement  of  British  subjects  in  that  wide  extended 
country;  thus,  by  the  influence  of  evil  principles  and  ancient  prejudices,  to 
dispose  the  inhabitants  to  act  with  hostility  against  the  free  Protestant  col- 
onies, whenever  a  wicked  ministry  shall  choose  to  direct  them. 

To  obtain  redress  of  these  grievances,  which  threaten  destruction  to  the 
lives,  liberty,  and  property  of  his  majesty's  subjects,  in  North  America,  we 
are  of  opinion,  that  a  non-importation,  nou -consumption,  and  non-exporta- 
tion agreement,  faithfully  adhered  to,  will  prove  the  most  speedy,  effectual, 
and  peaceable  measure:  and,  therefore,  we  do,  for  ourselves,  and  the  inhab- 
itants of  the  several  colonies,  whom  we  represent,  firmly  agree  and  associ- 
ate, under  the  sacred  ties  of  virtue,  honor,  and  love  of  our  country,  as  fol- 
lows : 

1.  That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  December  next,  we  will  not  im- 
port, into  British  America,  from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland,  any  goods,  wares 
or  merchandise  whatsoever,  or  from  any  other  place,  any  such  goods,  wares 
or  merchandise,  as  shall  have  been  exported  from  Great  Britain  or  Ireland  ; 
nor  will  we,  alter  that  day,  import  any  East  India  tea  from  any  part  of  the 
world;  nor  anj  molasses,  syrups,  paneles,  coffee,  or  pimento,  from  the  Brit- 
ish plantations  or  from  Dominica  ;  nor  wines  from  Madeira,  or  the  Western 
Islands;  nor  foreign  indigo. 

2.  We  will  neither  import  nor  purchase,  any  slave  imported  after  the  first 
day  of  December  next;  after  which  time,  we  will  wholly  discontinue  the 
slave  trade,  and  will  neither  be  concerned  in  it  ourselves  nor  will  we  hire 
our  vessels,  nor  sell  our  commodities  or  manufactures  to  those  who  are  con- 
cerned in  it. 

.'5.  As  a  non-consumption  agreement,  strictly  adhered  to,  will  be  an  effec- 
tual security  lor  the  observation  <>f  the  non-importation,  wo,  as  above,  sol- 
emnly agree  and  associati  ,  that  from  this  day,  we  will   not   purchase  or  use 


JOl  RNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  <  ONGRESS.     731 

any  tea,  imported  "ii  account  of  the  East  India  company,  <>r  anj  on  which  a 
duty  hath  been  or  Bball  be  paid;  and  from  and  after  the  iir>t  day  of  Uarch 
in  \t.  we  will  not  purchase  or  use  anj  Easl  India  tea  whatever ;  DorwUJ  we, 
i  or  shall  an)  |»  reon  for  or  under  us,  purchase  or  use  an)  of  those  _"<"l-, 
wares,  or  merchand  •  ed  not  t"  import,  which  w<-  shall  know, 

or  hav<  cause  to  Buspect,  were  imported  after  the  firsl  da)  of  December, 
except  Buch  as  come  under  the  rules  and  directions  of  the  tenth  article 
hereafter  mentioned. 

l.  The  earnest  desire  we  have  not  t"  injure  our  fellow  Bubjects  in  Great 
Britain,  Ireland,  or  the  West  Indies,  induces  us  i"  Buspeud  a  non-exporta- 
tion, until  the  tenth  da)  "f  Septemh  r,  1775;  t  which  time,  if  the  said  acts 
and  parts  of  acts  of  the  British  parliament,  hereinafter  mentioned,  are  not 
repealed,  we  will  not  direct!)  or  indirectly,  export  any  merchandise  or  com- 
modity whatsoever  to  Great  I  In  land,  or  the  Weal  Indies,  i  ccept  rice 
[>>  I lurope. 

.").  Such  as  are  merchants,  and  use  tin-  British  ami  Irish  trade,  will  give 
ord<  i  ion  a-  possible,  to  their  Factors,  agents,  ami  corn  spondenta,  in 

:.  ■  Britain  and  Ireland,  not  to  ship  anj  goods  to  them,  on  an)  preti 
whatsoever,  as  the)  cannot  1»-  received  in  America;  ami  if  an)  merchant, 
ling  in  Great  Britain  or  Ireland,  Bball,  di  recti)  or  indirectly,  ship  any 
goods,  wares  or  merchandise,  for  America,  in  order  to  break  tin-  -aid  non- 
importation agre<  ment,  or  in  an)  manner  contravene  the  same,  on  Buch  un- 
worth)  conduct  being  well  attested,  it  ought  to  In-  made  public  ;  ami,  on  the 
.-aim-  being  so  done,  we  will  not,  from  thenceforth,  have  an)  commercial 
connexion  \\  ith  such  merchant 

That  Bucb  as  an-  owners  of  vessels  will  give  positive  orders  to  their 
captains  or  masters,  not  t<>  receive  on  board  their  vess<  Is  an)  goods  prohib- 
ited by  tin-  said  non-importation  agreement,  on  pain  of  immediate  ili.Mnis- 
sion  from  their  Ben  ice 

7.  We  will  use  our  utmost  endeavors  to  improve  the  breed  of  sheep,  and 
increase  their  number  to  the  greatest  extent;  and  to  that  end,  we  will  kill 
them  as  seldom  as  ma)  be,  i  speciall)  those  "t"  the  most  profitable  kind;  m>r 
w  ill  we  export  an)  t<>  th<  West  Indies  or  elsew  Inn- ;  and  those  of  us,  \\  ho 
are  or  ma)  becom<  overstocked  with,  or  can  convenient!)  Bpare  an)  sheep, 
will  dispose  '»i  tin  in  t"  our  neighbors,  i  ~\*<  ciall)  t"  the  | er  sort,  "n  mod- 
erate terms. 

B.  H  •■  w  ill,  in  our  several  stations,  encourage  frugality,  economy,  and  in- 
dustry,  and  promote  agriculture,  arts,  and  the  manufactures  of  this  country, 

especiall)  that  of  wool  ;  and  will  discounteuance  and  disci -•  <  ver)  sp<  - 

rn  -  ..i'  extr  and  dissipation,  especial!)   all  bora  .  and  all 

kinds  of  gaming,  cock-fightiug,  cxliibiti  tows,  plays,  aud  other  •  \- 

ive  diversions  and  entertainments  ;  and  on  the  death  of  an)  relation  or 
friend,  none  of  us,  or  an)  of  our  families,  will  go  iuto  an)  further  mourning 
dress,  than  a  black  crape  or  ribbon  on  the  arm  or  bat,  lor  gentlemen,  and  ■ 
Mark  ribbon  or  necklace  for  ladies,  and  we  will  discontinue  the  l'imi 
glov( .-  and  its 

93 


7;38     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

9.  Such  as  are  venders  of  goods  or  merchandise  will  not  take  advantage 
of  the  scarcity  of  goods,  that  may  be  occasioned  by  this  association,  but 
will  sell  the  same  at  the  rates  we  have  been  respectively  accustomed  to  do 
for  twelve  months  last  past.  And  if  any  vender  of  goods  or  merchandise 
shall  sell  any  such  goods  on  higher  terms,  or  shall,  in  any  manner,  or  by 
any  device  whatsoever,  violate  or  depart  from  this  agreement,  no  person 
ought,  nor  will  any  of  us  deal  with  any  such  person,  or  his  or  her  factor  or 
agent,  at  any  time  thereafter,  for  any  commodity  whatever. 

10.  In  case  any  merchant,  trader,  or  other  person,  shall  import  any  goods 
or  merchandise,  after  the  first  day  of  December,  and  before  the  first  day  of 
February  next,  the  same  ought,  forthwith,  at  the  election  of  the  owner,  to  be 
either  re-shipped,  or  delivered  up  to  the  committee  of  the  county  or  town 
wherein  they  shall  be  imported,  to  be  stored  at  the  risk  of  the  importer,  un- 
til the  non-importation  agreement  shall  cease,  or  be  sold  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  committee  aforesaid  ;  and  in  the  last  mentioned  case,  the  owner 
or  owners  of  such  goods  shall  be  reimbursed  out  of  the  sales,  the  first  cost 
and  charges  ;  the  profit,  if  any,  to  be  applied  towards  relieving  and  employ- 
ing such  poor  inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston,  as  are  immediate  sufferers 
by  the  Boston  port-bill ;  and  a  particular  account  of  all  goods  so  returned, 
stored,  or  sold,  to  be  inserted  in  the  public  papers ;  and  if  any  goods  or 
merchandise  shall  be  imported  after  the  said  first  day  of  February,  the 
same  ought  forthwith  to  be  sent  back  again,  without  breaking  any  of  the 
packages  thereof. 

11.  That  a  committee  be  chosen  in  every  county,  city,  and  town,  by  those 
who  are  qualified  to  vote  for  representatives  in  the  legislature,  whose  busi- 
ness it  shall  be,  attentively  to  observe  the  conduct  of  all  persons  touching 
this  association  ;  and  when  it  shall  be  made  to  appear,  to  the  satisfaction  of 
a  majority  of  any  such  committee,  that  any  person  within  the  limits  of  their 
appointment,  has  violated  this  association,  that  such  majority  do,  forthwith, 
cause  the  truth  of  the  case  to  be  published  in  the  gazette ;  to  the  end,  that 
a!l  such  foes  to  the  rights  of  British  America  may  be  publicly  known,  and 
universally  contemned  as  the  enemies  of  American  liberty ;  and  thence- 
forth, we,  respectively,  will  break  off  all  dealings  with  him  or  her. 

12.  That  the  committees  of  correspondence,  in  the  respective  colonies,  do 
frequently  inspect  the  entries  of  their  custom-houses,  and  inform  eacli  oth- 
er, from  time  to  time,  of  the  true  state  thereof,  and  of  every  other  material 
circumstance  that  may  occur  relative  to  this  association. 

13.  That  all  manufactures  of  this  country  be  sold  at  reasonable  prices,  so 
that  no  undue  advantage  be  taken  of  a  future  scarcity  of  goods. 

14.  And  we  do  further  agree  and  resolve,  that  we  will  have  no  trade, 
commerce,  dealings,  or  intercourse  whatsoever,  with  any  colony  or  province, 
in  North  America,  which  shall  not.  accede  to,  or  which  shall  hereafter  vio- 
late this  association,  but  will  hold  them  as  unworthy  of  the  rights  of  free- 
men, and  as  inimical  to  the  liberties  of  their  country. 

And  we  do  solemnly  bind  ourselves  and  our  constituents,  under  the  ties 
aforesaid,  to  adhere  to  this  association,  until  such  parts  of  the  several  acts 


.mi  i:\  \l.  OF  Till:  CONTINENTA]    CONGRESS 

of  parliament  passed  sines  1 1  * » -  close  of  die  last  war,  as  imi  continue 

duties  "M  tea,  wine,  mol  igar,  pimento,  imli- 

l'",  foreign  paper,  glass,  and  painters1  colors,  imported  into  America,  and 
extend  the  powers  of  tin-  admiralty  courts  beyond  their  ancient  limits,  di 
prive  the  American  subjeel  of  trial  bj  jury,  authorize  the  judge's  certificate 
to  indemnify  the  prosecutor  from  damages  thai  be  might  othem  ise  l»-  liable 
to,  from  a  trial  bj  his  peers,  require  oppressive  securitj  from  a  claimant  of 
ships  or  goods  seized,  before  be  shall  be  allowed  to  defend  bis  property,  are 
repealed— and  until  thai  part  of  the  aetofthe  12th  (i.  3.  ch.  24,  entitled 
" an  act  for  the  better  securing  bis  majesty's  lock-yards,  magazines,  ships, 
ammunition  and  stores,"  bj  which  an)  peraons  charged  with  committing  anj 
ol  the  offences  therein  described,  in  America,  ma)  be  tried  in  an]  shire  or 
county  within  the  realm,  is  repealed — and  until  the  four  acts,  passed  the  but 
Bession  of  parliami  at,  viz. :  thai  for  stopping  the  port  and  blocking  up  the 
harbor  of  Boston— that  for  altering  the  charter  and  government  "t"  the  M  - 
sachusetts  Baj — and  that  which  is  entitled  u  an  act  for  the  better  adminis- 
tration of  justice,  vV'" — .nil  I  thai  ufor  extending  tin'  limits  of  Quebec,  fee." 
are  repealed.  And  we  recommend  it  to  the  provincial  conventions,  and  to 
the  committees  in  their  respective  colonies,  to  establish  Buch  further  regula- 
tions as  thej  ma)  think  proper,  for  carrying  into  execution  this  association. 
The  foregoing  association  being  determined  upon  l>\  the  Co  ivas 

ordered  to  be  subscribed  by  the  several  members  thereof;  and  thereupon, 
we  bav<  hereunto  sel '  respective  names  accordingly. 

In    (  !0NQR1  -    .    PhiLADZLFHI  v.    <  »>  TOB1  R     !  I. 

-  rned,     PEYTON   B  IN  DO  I  I'll    P       ■■<>!. 
New  Hampskin John  Si  li  i\  i\, 

\    \   I  II  AMI    I.     I'ol   SOM. 

V        huaetls  Bay    .  ..TnoMAS  CosHmo, 

SaMUEI      iOAMB, 

Jo  Ha  Adams, 

I.'":    1. 1   Tax  m    Paiwi 

Rhodi  Island Stephen  Hopkins, 

Samuei    Ward. 

'       imrtinil  .   .     I'.i.irn  Mir    l>\  i  R, 

II'"  i  i.    Sin  km  \  \. 

S i la  a  1 >  i  \  % » . 

Veu    )  ork  I-  \  \>    Low, 

Joan    \  i  bop, 

•  l"ll  \      .III, 

James   Duani 

W  1 1  1 1  \ m  l'i  ..I  i 


740     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

New  York Henry  Wisner, 

S.  Boerum, 
Philip  Livingston. 

New  Jersey James  Kinsey, 

William  Livingston, 
Stephen  Crane, 
Richard  Smith, 
John  He  Hart. 

Pennsylvania Joseph  Galloway, 

John  Dickinson, 
Charles  Humphreys, 
Thomas  Mifflin, 
Edward  Biddle, 
John  Morton, 
George  Ross. 

Neiv  Castle,  fyc Cesar  Rodney, 

Thomas  M'Kean, 
George  Read. 

Maryland Matthew  Tilghman, 

Thomas  Johnson, 
William  Paca, 
Samuel  Chase. 

Virginia Richard  Henry  Lee, 

George  Washington, 
P.  Henry,  Jr., 
Richard  Bland, 
Benjamin  Harrison, 
Edmund  Pendleton. 

North  Carolina William  Hooper, 

Joseph  Hewes, 
R.  Caswell. 

South  Carolina Henry  Middleton, 

Thomas  Lynch, 
Christopher  Gadsden, 
John  Rutledge, 
Edward  Rutledge. 

May  11,  1775. 

Mr.  Hancock  laid  before  the  Congress  a  letter  from  the  Provincial  Cou- 
gress  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  together  with  certain  resolutions  formed  by 
said  Congress,  and  a  copy  of  a  letter,  sent  by  said  Congress  to  their  agent 
in  England,  and  an  address  to  the  inhabitants  of  Great  Britain,  on  the  late 


.KM  i;\\l.  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS      741 

engagement  between  the  troops  under  Gen.  Gage,  and  the  inhabitai 

achuaetta  Baj  :  and  also  a  Dumber  of  depositions,  dulj  attest)  d,  rela- 
tive to  the  commenoemenl  "i'  said  hostilities,  all  which  were  read. 

Ordered,  That  the  se<  retarj  have  the  depositions  and  the  address  to  the 
inhabitants  of  Greal  Britain  published. 

Resolved,  .V.  ('.  l>.  Thai  the  Congress  will,  on  Monday  next,  resolve  itself 
into  u  committee  of  the  whole,  t<>  take  into  consideration  the  Btate  of  Amer- 
ica. 

Ordered, That  the  letter  from  the  Provincial  ('mull—  of  Massachusetts 
Bay,  be  referred  to  that  committee. 

.li  m    .',  1775. 

The  president  laid  before  the  Congress  a  letter  from  the  Provincial  Con- 
vention of  Massachusetts  Bay,  dated  Maj  16,  which  was  read,  setting  forth 
the  difficulties  thej  labor  under  for  want  of  a  regular  form  <>f  government, 
and  as  thej  and  the  other  colonii  s  arc  imu  compelled  t"  raise  an  armj  t" 
defend  themselves  from  the  butcheries  and  devastations  of  their  implacable 
enemies,  which  n  nd<  rs  it  still  mure  necessarj  to  have  a  regular  established 
government,  requesting  the  Congress  to  favor  them  with  ''explicit  advice 
respecting  the  taking  ■  i  j  •  and  exercising  the  powers  <>('  civil  government," 
and  declaring  their  readiness  to  "  submit  t"  such  a  general  plan  as  the  <  lon- 
gr<  bs  may  direct  for  tin  colonies,  or  make  it  their  great  studj  to  establish 
.-itch  a  form  hi'  government  there,  as  shall  not  onlj  promote  their  advan- 
tage, lmt  the  union  and  interest  of  all  America." 

Ordered,  To  he  on  the  table  for  farther  consideration. 

Duet.  Benjamin  (lunch  being  directed  bj  the  convention  of  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  to  confer  with  the  Congress  respecting  Bucb  matters,  as  maj  he 
ssarj   to  the  defence  of  that  colony,  and  particnlarl)  the  Btate  of  the 
arm]  therein, 

Ordered,  That  he  he  introduci  d. 

Aihr  hi  withdrew,  an  express  arriving  with  despatches  from  Massachu- 
setts Bay,  the  president  laid  before  the  Congress  letters  from  the  conven- 
tions of  that  colony,  and  ,\eu  Hampshire,  also  from  <«'"\.  Trumbull,  which 
w<  re  read. 

Jim    3,   \~~<  5. 

The  letter  from  the  convention  of  Massachusetts,  dated  the  liith  Mas,  be- 
ing again  read, 

Resolved,  Thai  a  committee  of  five  persons  lie  chosen  to  consider  the 
same,  and  report  what  in  their  opinion  is  the  proper  advice  to  he  given  to 
that  com ention. 

The  following  persons  were  chosen  b)  ballot,  t<>  compose  that  committee, 
\i/. :   Mr.  J.  Rutledge,  Mr.  Johnson,  Mr.  Jay,  Mr.  Wilson  and  Mr.  Lee. 


.h  m    7.    I  i 


<  .>. 


The  committee  appointed  to  prepare  advice  in  answer  to  the  letter  from 
•he  convention  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  brought  in  their  report,  which  was 
read,  and  ordered  to  lie  mi  the  table  for  considt  ration. 


742     JOURNAL  OF  THE  CONTINENTAL  CONGRESS. 

June   9,  1775. 

The  report  of  the  committee,  on  the  letter  from  the  convention  of  Massa- 
chusetts Bay,  being  again  read,  the  Congress  came  to  the  following  resolu- 
tion: 

Resolved,  That  no  obedience  being  due  to  the  act  of  parliament  for  alter- 
ino-  the  charter  of  the  colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  nor  to  a  governor,  or  a 
lieutenant  governor,  who  will  not  observe  the  directions  of,  but  endeavor  to 
subvert  that  charter,  the  governor  and  lieutenant  governor  of  that  colony 
are  to  be  considered  as  absent,  and  then  offices  vacant ;  and  as  there  is  no 
council  there,  and  the  inconveniences,  arising  from  the  suspension  of  the 
powers  of  government,  are  intolerable,  especially  at  a  time  when  Gen.  Gage 
hath  actually  levied  war,  and  is  carrying  on  hostilities,  against  his  majesty's 
peaceable  and  loyal  subjects  of  that  colony ;  that,  in  order  to  conform,  as 
near  as  may  be,  to  the  spirit  and  substance  of  the  charter,  it  be  recommend- 
ed to  the  provincial  convention,  to  write  letters  to  the  inhabitants  of  the 
several  places,  which  are  entitled  to  representation  in  assembly,  requesting 
them  to  choose  such  representatives,  and  that  the  assembly,  when  chosen, 
do  elect  councillors  ;  and  that  such  assembly,  or  council,  exercise  the  pow- 
ers of  government,  until  a  governor,  of  his  majesty's  appointment,  will  con- 
sent to  govern  the  colony  according  to  its  charter. 

Ordered,  That  the  president  transmit  a  copy  of  the  above  to  the  conven- 
tion of  Massachusetts  Bay. 

June  14,  1775. 

A  letter  from  the  convention  of  New  York,  dated  10th  instant,  respecting 
a  vessel  which  is  stopped  there,  on  suspicion  of  having  on  board  provisions 
for  the  army  and  navy  at  Boston,  was  read  and  referred  to  the  delegates  of 
Massachusetts  Bay,  Connecticut  and  New  York. 

June  27,  1775. 

A  letter  from  the  convention  of  Massachusetts  Bay,  received  by  express, 
was  laid  before  the  Congress,  and  read. 


M  I>c  ELLA  N  EOUS    PA  PE  RS. 


Gov.  G         r  odamatii  u. 

PbOI  19 i  in      Mi    SAl  in  -i   i  i  -     I'.w. 

By  ih   (   roernor. 
V    PROCLAMATION. 

IVuerj  \-,  a  Dumber  of  persons  unlaw  lulls  assembled  at  Cambridge,  in 
tin-  month  of  October  last,  calling  themselves  a  Provincial  <  'ongn  bs,  did,  in 
the  most  open  and  daring  terms,  assume  u>  themselves  the  powers  and  au- 
thority of  government,  independi  ni  of,  and  repugnani  i<>  bis  majesty's  goi 
ernment  legally  and  constitutional!)  established  within  this  province,  and 
tending  utterly  to  subvert  the  same;  and  did,  amongsi  other  unlawful  pro- 
ceedings, take  upon  themselvi  -  to  r<  solve  and  direct  a  new  and  unconstitu- 
tional regulation  of  the  militia,  in  high  derogation  of  his  majesty's  royal 
prerogative;  and  also  t>>  eleel  and  appoint  Eienr)  Gardner,  Esq.,  of  Stow, 

to  l»'  receiver  general,  in  the  roo f  Harrison  Gray,  Esq.,  then,  and  still, 

legall)  holding  and  executing  thai  «>iii<-'- :  and  also  to  order  and  direct  the 
mom  ys  granted  t<>  bis  majesty,  to  be  paid  into  the  hand-  of  the  said  Henr) 
<i  dm  >r,  and  m>i  to  the  -aid  Harrison  Gray,  Esq. :  and  further  earnestly  to 
recommend  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  province  to  oblige  and  compel  tin 
era!  constables  and  collectors  to  compl)  with  and  execute  the  said  direc- 
tions,   itrary  t « »  their  oaths,  and  against  the  plain  and  express  rules  and 

directions  of  the  law  ;  all  which  proceedings  bave  a  most  dangerous  tend* 
ency  to  ensnare  his  majesty's  subjects,  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  and 
draw  them  mt"  perjuries,  riots,  Bedition,  treason  and  rebellion: 

For  the  prevention  of  which  evils,  and  the  calamitous  consequei 
thereof,  1  bave  thought  it  mj  dutj  to  issue  this  proclamation,  berebj  i  arn<  stl) 
exhorting,  and  in  his  majesty's  name  strictlj  prohibiting  all  his  liege  sub- 
jects within  this  province,  from  complying,  in  an)  degree,  with  the  said  re- 
quisitions, recommendations,  directions,  or  resolves  of  the  afbn  said  unlaw- 
ful assembly,  as  the)  regard  bis  majesty's  highest  displeasure,  and  would 
avoid  the  pain-  and  penalties  of  the  law.  And  I  <li»  hereby  charge  and 
command  all  justices  of  the  peace,  sheriffs,  constables,  collectors,  and  other 
officers,  in  their  several  departments, to  be  vigilant  and  faithful  in  the  execu- 
tion and  discharge  of  their  dutj  in  their  respective  offii  letothe 


744  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

well-known  established  laws  of  the  land  ;  and  to  the  utmost  of  their  power, 
by  all  lawful  ways  and  means,  to  discountenance,  discourage  and  prevent  a 
compliance  with  such  dangerous  resolves  of  the  abovementioned,  or  any 
other  unlawful  assembly  whatever. 

Given  at  Boston,  this  10th  day  of  November,  in  the  fifteenth  year  of  the 
reign  of  his  majesty  George  the  third,  by  the  grace  of  God,  of  Great  Brit- 
ain, France  and  Ireland,  king,  defender  of  the  faith,  &c,  Anno  Domini, 
1774. 


THOMAS  GAGE. 


By  his  Excellency's  command, 

Thomas  Flucker,  Secretary. 


God  save  the  King. 


The  Committee  of  New  York  to  the  Provincial  Congress. 

New  York,  April  19,  1775. 

Gentlemen: — The  following  very  interesting  accounts  were  this  day  re- 
ceived by  the  snow  General  Johnson,  Capt.  Dean,  in  thirty-one  days  from 
England.  The  writer  is  a  person  of  undoubted  veracity,  and  has  the  best 
means  of  intelligence,  who  may  be  depended  on,  having  for  these  twelve 
months  past  always  furnished  the  most  certain  advices  of  the  ministry's  de- 
signs, &c.  In  consideration  of  which,  and  the  present  posture  of  affairs  in 
America  in  general,  but  more  particularly  on  account  of  the  situation  of 
your  province,  and  the  consequences  to  which  it  is  more  immediately  liable, 
it  is  thought  an  indispensable  duty  to  give  you  this  late  advice.  It  is  un- 
feignedly  wished  that  you  may  improve  it  to  your  own  safety,  as  well  as  to 
the  advantage  of  the  whole  continent. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect, 

Your  obedient  servants, 

HENRY  REMSEN,  Deputy  Chairman. 
To  the  Hon.  Provincial  Congress. 


Extract  of  Letters,  Sfc. 

London,  February  24,   177.">. 

Providence  seems  to  have  placed  me  here,  in  order  to  give  you  the  earli- 
est intelligence  of  the  most  interesting  affairs,  relative  to  the  colonies. 

To  my  great  astonishment,  I  have  now  before  me  an  act  for  blocking  up 
the  other  colonics;  and  another  called  the  black  act,  to  prevent  the  fishe- 
ries. The  whole  nation  seems  to  be  deeply  ailected  at  such  an  enormous 
crime,  which   is  supposed  to  be  done  at  the  request  of  the  king  and  his 


MISCELLANEOI  8  P  VPERS. 


,  i  > 


creatures.    God  forbid,  that  you  should  be  intimidated  ai  thi*  iniquitous  law, 
which  is  calculated  t"  rum  wnal  was  a  mutual  benefil  t<>  \ < •  1 1  ;,mi  ua,    This 
must  convince  you  what  _\"u  are   to  expect,  if  you  nibmit  t"   I  i 
ahocking  set  of  meu  thai  England  can  produee.     \><u  now   see  their  hu- 
manity.     Rouse  up  then  with  a  just  indignation,  and  -•    _\>>ur  mili- 

tia.    Watch  your  governor  and  council.    The  nev  ilj  it  to  be  com- 

posed of  such  creatures  as  will  give  up  the  |  -  rights,  and  join  in  the 

most  horrid  plot  against  them.     Wu.it  a  melaneholj   reflection,  that  the 
riches  and  trade  <>f  a  great  nation  Bbould  be  abuw  <l  and  turned  t«>  tin 
Btruction  of  themselves  and  the  colonii 

In  short,  the  king  is  determined  to  l><-  as  absolute  as  th  I  • 
with  tin'  most  obstinate  bead  and  bad  heart,  bas  si  t  bimself  against  the  peo- 
ple, whom  be  «ill  not  see,  keeping  bimself  retired  from  hi>  subjects,  in 
pride  and  ignorance.  II'  bas  discarded  men  of  veracitj  from  all  places  of 
profit  and  honor,  and  filled  their  offices  with  a  set  of  the  most  abandoned 
villains  mi  earth.  These  are  they  who  advised  bim  to  break  1 » i  —  oath  with 
the  people,  for  which  the)  are  despised  bj  tin-  cation.  If  you  I • » •  I « 1  out 
a  few  months,  England  will  rise  and  il"  you  justice,  as  well  as  relieve 
themselves  from  those  accursed  t_\  rants,  who  want  to  corrupt  you,  and  deprive 
Mm  of  both  liberty  and  property. 

There  are  two  hundred  and  eighty-five  members  "t"  parliament,  who  are 
all  paid  with  the  people's  monej  ti>\<>tr  whatever  Lord  North  proposes, and 
he  has  his  lesson  from  eight  more,  who  compose  a  «•! ul >.  that  meets  in  tin- 
niu~t  private  manner,  in  the  night,  at  Mrs.  Keens,  near  the  palace,  where 
they  have  a  box,  which  contains  the  papers  that  pass  between  his  majesty 
and  them.  The  king  overlooks  their  schemes  and  corrects  them,  as  well  as 
giv<  -  ord<  rs  bow  tu  proceed  for  the  future.  Hutchinson  is  consulted,  and 
tn  their  shame,  Governor  Colden,  Penn,  and  Martin,  who  bave  written  such 
letters  to  Lord  Dartmouth,  that  the  king  has  appointed  them  to  meet  ai  N 
York,  in  order  t"  join  with  your  other  l\  ing  spirits  in  betraj  ing  the  • 
To  complete  which  villany,  Lord  North  bas  made  a  motion  in  parliament,  as 
if  he  intended  to  promote  peace  with  the  colonies;  but  it  i>  t<>  dec 

them,  and  the  | pie  "!'  England  too.     It  is  intend)  d  to   I  iiury 

advice  of  the  Congress,  which  does  credit  t"  British  America  ! 

Set  tin;  press  immediately  to  work,  and  publish  to  orld  the  wicked 

n-  of  Hi'  king  ami   bis  councillors;   that  you  despise  thoir  slavish 
Bchemcs,  and  are  determined  to  preserve  your  laws  and  religion. 

Encourage  the  brave  people  ol   M  thj  of  their 

noble  ancesti 

I  have  the  pleasure  to  assure  you,  thai  die  noble  lords  with  whom  I  have 
conversed,  all  join  you  in  contempt  of  the  junto  here.     Y<>n  an  I  t>> 

let  the  colonics  know  that  there  is  a  deep  plot  formed  to  divide  them, 
ive  the  people  im<i  a  compliance,     lint  tell  them  that  you  want 
their  trade  nor  protection  ai  the  expense  of  your  liberty. 

\  mi  will  see,  l>>  the  pajiers,  the  treatmeni  Lord  Chatham's  plau  mei  with. 
Those  lords,  who  advised  the  king  to  declare  you  r<  ;,    inted 

Ml 


746  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

Messrs.  Hancock,  Adams,  &c,  &c,  have  gone  so  far  as  to  say  that  Chatham 
shall  fall  a  sacrifice  to  their  designs,  &c. 

I  know  there  is  public  virtue  among  you.  I  know  your  fondness  for  En- 
gland will  not  let  you  believe  the  wicked  designs  that  are  meditating  against 
you ;  but  I  do  now,  in  the  presence  of  God,  warn  you  that  the  king  has  no 
good  intentions  towards  you,  but  what  you  oblige  him,  by  your  own  wisdom 
and  virtue,  to  have.  Take  care  of  yourselves,  and  act  as  the  wise  and 
brave  have  done  in  all  ages  when  oppressed  by  tyrants.  Resist  unto  blood, 
all  who  attempt  to  betray  you. 

The  parliament  have  registered  Colden's  and  Peun's  letters  ;  look  to  them, 
and  see  for  yourselves.  Believe  the  court  your  worst  enemies.  Pe  much 
ou  your  guard. 

Yesterday,  Doct.  Fothergill  and  Mr.  Karclay  were  so  pressed  in  spirit, 
that  they  went  to  Lord  North,  and  told  him  that  the  bill  for  prohibiting  the 
fishery,  was  so  horrid  and  inhuman  an  act,  that  the  nation  would  rise  and 
oppose  it:  and  that  if  it  did  pass  into  a  law,  it  would  be  a  scandal  to  hu- 
manity, and  perhaps  occasion  a  revolt.  They  plead  two  hours  with  him, 
but  to  no  purpose. 

The  bill  is  to  be  read  a  third  time  on  Tuesday;  so  that  in  five  days  this 
horrid  bill  passes  into  a  law,  without  any  further  consideration.  Oh, 
America  !     Oh,  England ! 

The  ministry,  in  order  to  quiet  the  mob,  ordered  an  inflammatory  pam- 
phlet to  be  burnt  at  Guildhall,  which  drew  off  the  people,  whilst  the  bill 
passed  in  parliament. 

A  report  is  sent  into  the  city  that  the  transports  are  stopped.  This  is  to 
quiet  the  merchants.  But  the  officers  are  gone  dowu  in  private  coaches,  ot 
other  people,  and  America  is  to  be  divided  and  driven  into  compliance,  be- 
fore England  is  apprised  of  it. 

Lord  North  has  just  given  out  that  he  will  resign,  and  at  the  same  time 
says  that  he  fears  nothing  from  the  people,  unless  it  be  the  breaking  of  his 
coach  doors,  or  some  such  trifle,  and  no  resistance  of  importance  from  the 
city,  only  a  clamor,  which  he  has  often  experienced.  He  expects  that  this 
manoeuvre  will  quiet  the  people  on  both  sides  of  the  water. 

Goods  are  shipped  in  the  transports  with  the  officers'  baggage,  marked 
Rex,  and  under  the  protection  of  the  king's  troops,  who  are  to  land  them, 
and  protect  the  trade. 

North  Carolina  is  to  be  a  store  house,  it  is  said.  Support  the  committee, 
aud  watch  the  officers  of  the  custom.-,  &c.  Your  friends  are  afraid  that 
you  will  be  surprised  into  compliance.  The  offers  of  peace  were  only  to 
raise  the  stocks,  which  had  fallen.  They  an;  now  four  per  cent,  higher  ou 
account  of  the  report. 

The  council  sat  up  all  night,  in  older  to  find  out  ways  and  means  to  con- 
quer Virginia,  and  procure'  tobacco.  Great  offers  will  be  made  to  those 
who  will  raise  it,  ^cc. 

Men  of  large  fortunes  are  afraid  to  oppose  government,  least  the  bank 
should  fail,  which  is  said  to  be  in  danger. 


MISCELL  \M.«  n  -  P  iPERg  :  \; 

The  inti  rest  "t  thi  ot  paid. 

Many  of  the  people  are  your  -i  heart]  friends,  bul  I 

t  eneni)      I'.,  i    t  deceived  bj  hia  low  cunning ;  act  wii  d  the. 

wicked  plol  will  br<  ok  on  tin  .Ml  to  d<  a. 

The  king  in  in- 
t"  send  off  his  \><<\,  nil  bit  of  pnp<  r  lit  cl  rouw 

four  of  the  ablest  lawyera  are  constantly  with  him,  whose  In. 
advise  and  search  for  precedent  bead,  and  tfunow   u 

nil  the  parliament 

Two   millions   have  been  squandered  in  I      irruption,      i 

crown  has  nothing  to  fear  but  the  hunger  <'t"  the  |- 

\  Bteady  odhen  nc<  to  the  pro<  i 

and  America. 

B  ware  of  Gov.  I*  mi,  who  hai  ide  him  l  plj  wid 

designs  of  the  court. 

Bend  ilii>  to  B  iston  immi  dinti  ly.     Mr.  Hancock's  lands  ai  dj  iIim- 

iliil  among  the  'i!li< 

I    "\  Dartmouth  is  your  bitter  enemy,  and  determined  to  destroj  the  lib- 
f  America. 

All  the  n  i-'-  n  i>li  that  von  may  attend  t"  the  ad\  ice  of  the  < 'ongi  • 

Uarcb    I,   17  7 

P  rt  of  the  troops  now  ordered  for  embarkation  here  and  Ireland 
I.  ml  zvous  ni  New  York,  to  make  it  a  place  of  arms,  securing  the  d 
of  ili.it  province,  from  die  general  alliance  in  lb<  lom  and 

en  diing  that  is  dear  to  man ;  and  to  prevent  the  communication  betw 
\         iiu,  Maryland,  and  the  othi  New  Eng  land  : 

when  Gen.  Gage,  \\ith  Buch  assistance  as  be  maj  get  from  V  «  Vork, 
Bubdue  i  onies  by  a  garrison  and  place  of  arms,  with  ti- 

nt' Quebec,  t"  rule  "itli  a  rod  of  iron  all  die  \ 

\\  ithout  the  concurren  New  ^  ork,  thh  bcIh  me  can  never  be  i 

into  execution,  of  which  every  genUeman  n  of  knowledge  in 

kingdom  is  fully  convinced  ;  thei  on  your  virtue,  in 

depends,  whedier  America  shall  be  free,  or  be  reduced  to  the  most  i.1 
and  oppressive  servitude,  worse  than  that  of  Egyptian  bondage,  in  which 
you  must  inevitablj  be  involved,  if  you  lend  your  aid  to  your  bi 

ren  in  the  other  colonii 

I  have  to  inform  you  thai  the  bill  for  preventing  the  four  colonies  and 
provinces  of  New    England  from  fishing,  getting  any   proviatoi  the 

other  col  ryingon  anj   commerce  whatever  to  ihe 

world,  except  (o  <;  tain,  Ireland,  or  the  B  Weal   ! 

finally  pa  House  of  Commous  to-morrow,  and 

of  ii<  xi  July.    \  "ii  may  also  depend,  thai  in  a  few  d  I  be 

brought  in  to  prohibit  anj  of  the  oil  on  any  t 

.  >ver  with  each  other,  or  <<>  any  other  part  of  the  world,  except  t    G 


748  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

Britain,  Ireland,  or  the  British  West  Indies,  which  will  probably  take  place 
in  July  also :  therefore,  you  will  act  accordingly,  and  let  this  be  publicly 
known. 


London,  March  1st,  1775. 

The  measures  of  the  ministry  will,  I  hope,  do  more  towards  uniting  the 
colonies,  than  any  efforts  of  America  itself.  You  will  easily  perceive  their 
wicked  intentions  to  divide,  as  well  as  their  designs  after  that  hoped  for  di- 
vision. They  have  high  hopes  of  success,  from  the  last  accounts  from  New 
York.  I  trust  the  people  of  that  province  will  soon  displace  those  rascally 
and  treacherous  tories  in  your  assembly,  who  dare  thus  negatively  encour- 
age the  system  of  despotism  now  adopted  for  your  government.  The  wis- 
dom of  the  Congress,  and  the  firmness  of  the  people,  give  the  strongest  as- 
surances of  future  conduct  Several  names  are  made  use  of  here  as  author- 
ities to  warrant  the  defection  of  America.  Pray  print  this  short  hint  for  the 
observation  of  the  honest  men  among  you.  I  need  not  endeavor  to  expose 
the  baseness  or  folly  of  the  present  men  in  office,  for  they  take  care  to  do  it 
themselves. 


The  foregoing  were  at  first,  intended  only  to  be  communicated  to  the  in- 
habitants of  Massachusetts  Bay,  but  on  more  consideration,  it  was  judged 
best  to  inform  those  of  Connecticut  also,  leaving  them  to  forward  the  ac- 
count to  Concord  with  the  utmost  despatch. 


Joseph  Hawley  to  Thomas  Ciishing. 

Northampton,  Feb.  22,  1775. 

Dear  Sir: — Since  I  left  Cambridge,  I  have  had  many  thoughts  on  the 
state  of  this  province,  and  the  continent ;  and  suffer  me  to  say,  Sir,  that  the 
tune  is  in  fact  arrived,  when  we  are  to  drop  all  chimerical  plans,  and  in  our 
contemplations  thoroughly  to  think  down  and  pervade  every  step  that  is  pro- 
posed for  practice  ;  to  judge  of  its  practicability,  and,  as  far  as  possible,  to 
view  all  its  consequences.  With  this  conviction,  I  have  been  most  seriously 
contemplating  the  commission  and  most  important  trust  of  our  committee  of 
safety,  and  especially  that  branch  of  it  which  relates  to  their  mustering  the 
minute  men  and  others  of  the  militia,  when  they  shall  judge  that  the  late 
acts  of  parliament,  VIZ.!  the  regulation  act,  and  the  murder  act,  are  attempt- 
ed to  be  carried  into  execution  by  force.  A  most  critical,  most  important, 
most  arduous  trust  this.  Here  let  me  observe,  that  the  soldiers,  when  thus 
mustered  by  the  said  committee,  who  have  this  power  devolved  on  them  by 
the  representative  body  of  the  province,  will  suppose  it  is  their  duty  to  fight; 
they  therefore,  will  only  deliberate  how  to  fight  to  advantage.  They  will  not 
consider  the  question,  whether  or  not  the  time  is  that  they  ought  to  fight; 


MISCELLANEOl  S  P  IPERS.  :  10 

tlit\  will  suppose  tli.it  the  coi  have  devolved 

question  upon  this  province,  and  1 1  i r 1 1  tl.i-  | 

commit  safety,  aud  that  the  committee,  bj 

They  will  judge,  that  if  tfiej   Bhould  decline  when  d 

for  that  intent,  thi  ir  1  ouor  and  i  /ill  he  in 

therefore,  will  prol  t  all  events,  fall  on.  m- 

menced ;    wl  .  will,  thenceforward,  •  I  In- 

in'  I,  until  tin-  I  in 

w  liicli  we  must  have  ti 

onies,  or  we  must  sink  uuder  them.     Buffer  n  it  "ill 

not  be  the  height  of  presumption 

assun  ■  cm  itj  of  such  i  d  coutiuui  'I 

lutelj  i  y,  than  uli.it  i-  il  in  u  resolutii 

ami  they  consisting  of  I  nns  and  expn  t  th<  t  d 

certain  urnl  precise  meaning?    The  w  il  in  die  resolution i 

..ii  need,  ore,  in  my  opinion,  by 
loo  .i  :  ••  when  l  shall  I"-  attempt!  ii  I 

lion  bj  the  word  .1  of  ti.' 

nies,  to  wit :  "all  America  ought  to  Bupport  diem  in  such  o| 
that  they  will  actui  port  them,  but  a  m  that  it  would  be 

i.  isonable  and  just  that  such  support  should  lx    afforded.     I 
■   '.  nsive  and  d<  tensive  of  sulhVn  nt  pn  cision  to  maki 

tual  aid  of  the  other  colonics  in  a  war  with  Great  I  bj 

w  horn  was  thi  or  t  is,  madi        W  as  it  b) 

di  I  spi  ciidly  authoi  izi  'I  at  d  instructed  to  n 

sort?     Who  knows  whether  the  n  lavowd 

declaration?    Moreover,  it  ought  to  be  well  <  to  all  die 

other  colonics  except        I  onuccticut  and  Ulu  rid,  what  situation  t!    j 

are  in  to  fulfil  an  i  •  •  nt  of  this  sort,  in 

post  .1  to  '  •  me  into  it.     Do'nt  we  .-'Il  say, that  diis  provi 
sist,  and  pa)  an  ormj  suffich  nt  to  ufibrd  i 

without  a  legislature  which  the  people  will  checrfullj   submit  to!     I- 
tbat  precisely  the  case  with  all  tin  two  al* 

.   Lcepti  d?    11  I  i"  do  I 

every  one  of  them,  in  ordi  i  to  levy,  subsist,  and  pa)  their  i 
of  an  army,  as  we  havi        [     y,  would  not  the  succ  ss  of 
Bort  be  mon   precarious  in  c  m  than  in  this  | 

pie  cannot  be  suppot  thoroughl)   to  nppivhcnd  ti •■ 

as  ours  maj  be  BUp|K>s<  d  to  do        \ ■■•  they  o|  ■!  with  the 

new   measures  as  we  are  5     Will  not  their  govern  t  and  I 

embarrass  ever)  attempt  of  the  kind  as  much  W 

n-  many  friends  ti»  government  to  assist  Can  it 

therefore,  be  much  short  of  madness  and  infatuation  in  on  a 

Bcene  of  this  sort  in  the  present  rtat  May,  is  it 

therefore,  that  actual  hostilities  mual  be  suspt  od<  d,  il  , 


750  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

tinent,  by  their  representatives,  shall,  in  the  most  explicit  manner,  in  fact 
say,  that  the  moment  is  actually  arrived  when  the  scene  shall  open  ?  No 
one,  1  presume,  will  say,  that  it  will  he  sound  policy  for  us  to  enter  on  hos- 
tilities with  only  some  prospects  of  such  donations  from  the  other  colonies 
to  support  the  war  as  have  been  made  and  are  making  for  the  support  of  the 
poor  of  Boston.  Does  it  not  infinitely  import  us,  to  admit  these  and  many 
more  considerations  into  our  minds  before  we  enter  upon  lasting,  most  im- 
portant hostilities  ?  When  once  the  hlow  is  struck  it  must  be  followed,  and  we 
must  conquer,  or  all  is  lost  forever,  if  we  are  not  supported,  perseveringly 
supported,  by  divers  other  colonies,  can  we  expect  any  thing  else,  than,  in  a 
short  time,  to  fall  a  prey  to  our  enemies?  May  God,  make  us  consider  it. 
Should  large  numbers  of  men  come  voluntary  into  the  province  service,  unless 
they  should  have  been  regularly  raised  and  proper  provision  made  for  their 
subsistence,  and  magazines  of  ammunition  provided  by  the  colony  from 
whence  they  come,  will  they  do  any  more  than  just  look  on  us.  turn  about, 
and  hasten  home  as  fast  as  they  came  ?  In  order,  therefore,  for  the  necessary 
establishment  of  auxiliary  troops,  as  I  said  before,  must  not  the  other  colonies 
assume  new  forms  of  government  as  well  as  we?  Is  it  to  be  supposed  that 
all  this  can  be  done  suddenly  ?  We  know,  that  according  to  the  present 
respective  constitutions,  nothing  of  the  sort  above  mentioned,  to  wit :  the 
levying,  subsisting,  and  paying  of  troops,  can  be  done  in  a  governmental 
way.  When  we  shall  have  once  made  the  hostile  attack,  we  are,  thencefor- 
ward, to  look  for  nothing  but  fire  and  sword,  until  we  have  conquered  or 
are  ourselves  vanquished.  Therefore,  if  we,  by  order  of  our  committee  of 
safety,  should  begin  the  attack,  and  so  bring  on  hostilities  before  the  general 
express  consent  of  the  colonies  that  hostilities  are  altogether  unavoidable, 
and  that  the  time  to  commence  them  is  absolutely  arrived,  and  that  we  are 
actually  ready,  I  conceive  that  there  will  be  infinite  hazard  that  the  other 
governments  will  say,  that  we  have  unnecessarily  and  madly  plunged  into 
war,  and  therefore,  must  get  out  of  the  scrape  as  we  can,  and  we  shall  have 
no  other  aid  from  them,  only  some  warm  people  who  will  resort  to  us  in  a 
fit  of  zeal,  and  soon  return  home  again  as  fast  as  they  came,  without  afford- 
ing us  any  real  service,  but  will  leave  us  in  a  worse  state  than  we  should 
have  been  if  they  had  never  come.  I  know  your  concern  will  be,  that  if  we 
proceed  in  this  deliberate  way,  the  spirit  of  our  people  will  evaporate  and 
be  lost.  But  let  me  assure  you,  that  there  is  no  danger  of  that.  If  I  can 
make  any  judgment,  all  the  danger  is,  on  the  other  hand,  that  our  people  will 
rashly  and  headily  rush  into  hostilities  before  they  can  be  upheld  and  sup- 
ported:  tluy  wiil  consequently  fail  of  success:  the  tide  will  then  turn:  a 
very  low  ebb  will  succeed  the  high  tide  of  Hood:  they  will  then  give  all  up: 
and  the  good  cause  will  be  lost  forever. 

I  beg  of  you,  therefore,  as  you  love  your  country,  to  \\?e  your  utmost  in- 
fluence with  our  committee  of  safety,  that  our  people  be  not  mustered,  and 
that  hostilities  be  not  commenced,  until  we  have  the  express,  categorical  de- 
cision of  the  continent,  thai  the  time  is  absolutely  come  that  hostilities  ought 


KIIS4  ELLANE01  9  PAPJ  751 

to  begin,  ami  that  they  will  support  ue  in  continuing  ibem.     A-  to  the 
courts,  we  must  eral  i <l  then 

witnesses, &c.,  going  into  th<  in,  !■_.  .mil  nieuus, tliut  1  haveuoi  time 

now  to  explain.     A  sharp  eye  must  I"-   kepi   <>n  them,  that   \\.    may    fully 
know  iln'  bu(  llie  attempts  to  estal  lish  the  i 

spects  ii,.'  courts     Si  .  I  think  it  of  much  importance  i"  >l"  this  ■!  re- 

gard your  "\u  Ti:i  ami  your  usefuhu  ss  in  your  couutr)  you  should  most  at- 
tentively watch  all  the  Btepsaud  pro<  the  couri  no 
ton.  [fthey  get  u  grand  jury,  then  the)  will  probably  obtain  indictments  of 
high  treason,  and  indictments  will  not  I  ed  without  and  re- 
spect to  arrests  ami  commitments,  couvictions,  hangings,  drawings,  ami 
quortei  ings.     What  your  •  buuce  w  ill  be  I  m  ud  not  till  you. 

I  am,  Sir.  with  most  sincere  regard, 

\  our  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

JOSEPH  !i  W\  LEY. 
.  Thomas  Cusldng. 


Inhabitants  of  Montreal  to  tiu  Commiltct       -    ety. 

Moa  i  ki  vi ,  Aikii.  :-,  1;  75k 

Gentlemen  : — We  have  received  your  letter  of  the  21st  <>f  l\  bruary,  by 
Mr  Brown,  and  see  clearly  the  great  injustice  thai  has  been  done  you.  W< 
deeply  feel  the  sorrows  and  afflictions  of  our  suffering  brethren  ;  and  sin- 
cerely wish  it  was  in  our  power  to  afford  you  effectuul  relief;  but  alas!  \\»- 
are  more  the  objects  <>t  pity  and  compassion  than  yourselvi  s,  who  are  now 
Buffering  under  the  heavy  baud  of  power;  deprived,  as  we  are,  of  the  com- 
mon right  of  the  miserable,  t"  complain.  You  have  numbers,  th,  and 
a  common  cause  to  support  you  in  your  opposition  :  we  arc  still  more  divi- 
ded In  re,  by  our  interests,  than  by  our  religion,  language,  ami  mam;' 
The  apprehension  of  evils  t'»  come  upou  us,  in  a  Bhort  time,  from  tin-  unlim- 
ited power  of  iln-  governor,  strikes  all  opposition  dead  :  indeed,  fev»  in  this 
colony  dare  vent  their  griefs;  Inn  groan  in  silence,  ami  dream  of  Uttres  dt 

W, confiscations, and  imprisonments;  offering  up  their  fervent  prayers  to 
the  throne  of  grace,  to  prosper  your  righteous  cause,  which  alone  will  fi 
II--  from  those  jealous  fears  ami  apprehensions  that  rob  us  of  our  i" 

In  .i  word,  were  thi  British  inhabitants  of  this  widel)  extended  province, 
united  in  their  s  mtiments,  we  hive  neither  numbers  nor  wealth  sufficient  t" 
iln  you  any  essential  service.     We  must,  therefore,  cast  ourselves  ii 

arms  ■>■'  our  -i  iter  colonies,  rely  ing  upon  tin-  w  isd< \ igor,  ami  firm 

the  general  Continental  Congress  for  our  protection,  hoping  they  will  enter- 
t  mi  no  animosity  or  resentment  again  cause  we  cannot  join  them  in 

the  ensuing  general  Congress,  which,  were  we  i"  attempt,  tin-  Canadiai 
would  join  with  iln-  government  to  frustrate. 


752  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

You  will  please  to  bear  in  mind,  that  not  only  those  who  hold  the  helm  of 
government,  but  also,  all  those  who  make  wealth  or  ambition  the  chief  objects 
of  their  pursuit,  are  professedly  your  enemies  ;  and  would  be  glad  to  reduce 
you  to  the  same  abject  state,  with  themselves:  nevertheless,  the  bulk  of  the 
people,  both  English  and  Canadians,  are  of  quite  contrary  sentiments  ;  and 
wish  well  to  your  cause ;  but  dare  not  stir  a  finger  to  help  you  ;  being  of  no 
more  estimation  in  the  political  machine,  tban  the  sailors  are,  in  shaping  the 
course  or  working  the  ship  in  which  they  sail.  They  may  mutter  and 
swear,  but  must  obey:  however,  should  government  handle  them  too  rough- 
ly, and  arbitrarily  attempt  to  force  them  upon  dangerous  and  disagreeable 
service,  to  which  they  have  already  shewn  an  irreconcilable  aversion,  they 
may,  perhaps,  dearly  repent  it. 

The  case  is  quite  different  with  their  noblesse,  or  gentry.  The  pre-emi- 
nence given  to  their  religion,  together  with  a  participation  of  honors  and  of- 
fices in  common  with  the  English,  not  only  flatters  their  natural  pride  and 
vanity,  but  is  regarded  by  them,  as  a  mark  of  distinction  and  merit,  that  lays 
open  their  way  to  fortune.  Of  liberty,  or  law,  they  have  not  the  least  no- 
tion. 

As  to  the  savages  that  dwell  round  about  us,  doubtless  there  are  some  to 
be  found  among  them,  who,  tor  the  sake  of  plunder,  would  murder,  burn, 
and  destroy;  but  we  conceive  that  their  chiefs  know  their  own  interests 
better,  than  to  interfere  as  a  nation,  in  this  family  quarrel :  for  let  which 
side  will,  prevail,  they  are  sure,  in  that  case,  to  be  the  victims. 

We  desire  to  know,  whether  English  delegates  would  be  accepted  under 
the  above  named  limitations;  namely,  without  entering  into  the  general  as- 
sociation for  the  non-importation  of  goods  from  Great  Britain,  or  the  non- 
exportation  of  the  produce  of  this  colony,  and  the  Indian  countries  above  : 
and  beg  to  be  informed  in  what  manner  we  can  be  serviceable  to  your  cause, 
without  bringing  down  ruin  upon  our  own  heads. 

It  may  not  be  amiss  just  to  hint,  that  the  idea  the  Canadians  seem  to  have 
of  this  colony,  at  present  is,  that  it  is  to  be  a  French  government,  holding 
under  the  crown  of  Great  Britain  ;  from  which  they  mean  to  exclude  every 
Englishman,  save  the  governor  and  lieutenant  governor. 

We  heartil)  wish  our  abilities  to  serve  you  were  equal  to  our  wills,  and 
pray  Heaven  to  prosper  your  generous  purpose;  and  are,  with  the  utmost 
consideration  and  feeling  for  your  distresses, 

Gentlemen,  your  most  obedient, 

And  very  humble  servants,  and  fellow  sufferers, 

THOMAS  WALKER, 
JOHN  WELLES, 
JAMES  PRICE, 
WILLIAM  HAYWOOD. 

I'.  S.     It  is  "ur  earnesl  request, that  this  letter  may  not  be  uow  published, 

tur  liar  "I  had  consequences  to  the  subscriber*. 


V1ISCELLANEOI  s  PAPERS 
M   .  Bouxbrin  tu  tlu.  Commit' 

D0R4  in  -  in,.  Ji    .1     1.    17  i 

Gentlemen:    -Mr.   Bowdoin  has  just  d  the  enclosed  deposition, 

and  being  in  a  ver)  me  t>>  inform  you,  that  for  some  time 

past,  the  Falkland,  sloop  of  war,  commanded  by  Caj      I  been 

cruising  about  tbe  i  ■  land-  called  -  lb  islaii  \ 

tliat  the  -  tvc,  divi  i  ai  med  nil  n  on  tin        I 

islands,  w  Im  have  abused  i   ■ 

taken  aw  of  1  -  ma)  more  lulls  a] 

by  tl  on. 

li  is  humbly  apprehendt  d,  if  about  one  hundred  armed  men  w        |     per- 
I)  posted  on  the  said  islands,  the)  would  force  t<  I  tbe 

inhabitants,  and  protect  tbeii  ittle  and  sheep,  which  are  \<  r)  con- 

siderable, and  which  have,  hitherto,  •  ■  ir,  furnished  dh 

this  colony  with  fut  sheep  and  cattli  rticularl)   with  a 

e  quantit)  of  wool  for  our  home  manuti 

I  beg  l<  ave  to  make  th  tation,  that  you  may  take  such  n 

as  your  wisdom  shall  dictate;  and  um,  mos  :tfully,  in  Mr.  Bowd 

behalf,  who  is  part  owner  of  one  of  said  blonds, 

i .  otlemen,  your  most  obedit  nt  humble  m  rvant, 

ELIZABETH  r,u\\  DOIN. 

Tu  the  honorabk  '  'ilj. 


\\w  si,  n 


Elh        •    i,  Lnnholder,  In  ing  on  i  tumonl) 

called  Nausbuu,  and  near  to  Tarpolin  (  -tiiiith  th,  that  some 

tunc  about  tlie  5th  of  May,  the  sloop  of  war  called  1 1 » « -   Falkland,  command- 
ed by  ( 'aj>i.  Liu;  .  and  as  i  ome 
to  aucbor,  the  captain  cume  on  shore  with  bis  Im;:'             .  all  armed,  and 
came  to  the  house,  and  said  unto  the  deponent,  "you  i 
upon  w  1               told  liim  ii  \                                i    an)   I 
men  come  on  Bhoro  armed  ;  and  the  womi                                    to  where  be 
knew  not;  upon  which,  Cuj      I                                   ill  llicm  in,  for  h< 
uot  i            •  hurt  an)  bod)    -upon  which  pi                             famil)  i 

'  Led  mo  to  walk  with  him  ;    which  be 

complied  with ;  ami  in  th 

.   I  had,  and  add  d,  to  tell  him  right,  for  if  I  did  not,  I 

bo  iml :   upon  which,  I  .       I  I.    i.  I  told 

me,  '  oui  m,  if  1  sold  an)  of  tin  m, 


754  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

force  :  upon  which,  1  told  him,  if  he  were  here  when  they  were  fit  for  mar- 
ket, he  might  have  them,  paying  the  price  I  used  to  have.  Soon  after,  he 
went  to  Rhode  Island,  and  returned  hack  in  a  few  days ;  after  which,  he 
used  to  pass  and  repass  the  island  almost  every  day,  mostly  in  company 
with  the  doctor  of  the  ship,  leaving  down  the  fence  repeatedly,  which  let 
the  cattle  often  mix  together,  which  I  told  the  doctor  was  a  great  damage  : 
the  doctor's  answer  was,  "then  you  may  put  it  up  yourselves,  for  I  will 
not;"  and  he  often  talked  in  an  ahusive,  insulting  manner,  that  he,  the  doc- 
tor, would  soon  take  what  he  wanted,  without  any  pay. 

On  the  2Gth  instant,  a  sloop  came  into  the  cove,  with  about  twenty  pas- 
sengers, men,  women,  and  children,  in  great  distress  for  provisions,  and 
made  application  to  me  for  supplies.  Capt.  Linzey  knowing  that,  his  boat 
having  boarded  her,  sent  his  boat  on  shore,  and  forbade  my  letting  them 
have  any.  Then  I  advised  them  to  apply  to  Capt.  Linzey,  and  see  if  they 
could  not  prevail  upon  him  to  let  them  have  some ;  accordingly  they  went ; 
afterwards,  the  captain  of  the  sloop  told  me,  that  he  absolutely  refused  them, 
and  said,  "  damn  the  dog  that  would  let  them  have  any!  and  if  they  were  not 
gone  immediately,  he  would  sink  them :"  upon  which,  they  set  sail  immedi- 
ately without  any  supplies.  And  further,  the  deponent  declareth,  that  the 
doctor  came  on  shore,  and  said,  that  the  captain's  orders  were,  that  1  should 
go  with  him,  the  said  doctor,  and  destroy  all  the  boats  belonging  to  the 
island.  I  told  him  I  could  not  go  upon  such  business  as  that;  he  said  he 
would  send  me  on  board  the  ship  if  1  did  not  go ;  upon  which,  I  found  1 
must  comply,  and  accordingly  went  with  him,  and  saw  him,  the  doctor, 
stave  three  boats. 

On  the  29th,  about  eight  o'clock,  in  the  evening,  he,  the  said  doctor,  came 
on  shore,  and  told  me  he  had  come  for  my  sheep,  upon  which,  I  told  him  they 
were  out  in  the  pasture,  and  I  could  not  get  them  into  the  pen  it  being  dark, 
but  would  fetch  them  in  as  early  in  the  morning  as  he  pleased;  the  answer 
from  the  doctor  was,  "  damn  you  !  what  did  you  turn  them  out  for  ?"  the 
reason,  I  told  him,  was,  that  they  had  got  out  their  own  sheep,  and  did  not 
say  any  thing  about  when  they  should  want  mine,  and  I  thought  it  best  the 
sheep  should  be  let  out  to  feed;  upon  which,  the  said  doctor  said  to  me, 
"damn  you!  go  on  board  the  ship  and  I'll  sec;  what  they  were  turned  out 
for;"  I  told  him,  1  would  not,  but  would  go  and  try  to  get  the  sheep  up  ;  he 
said  "  well,  damn  you  !  make  haste  !"  and  s\\  ung  his  sword  over  my  head, — 
but  upon  trial  J  found  it  so  dark,  I  could  not  get  them  in  ;  and,  on  my  return, 
was  informed  that  he,  the  doctor,  had  sent  on  board  for  more  help  to  carry 
me  and  my  brother  on  board  the  ship;  upon  which,  with  the  abuses  and 
threats  I  had  received  before,  I  thought  it  time  to  make  my  escape,  which  I 
did,  to  tin:  main  land,  and  begged  the  assistance  of  the  people,  who  readily 
came  to  my  assistance.  When  I  returned,  which  was  about  three  o'clock, 
in  the  morning,  some  of  nay  family  told  me,  they  had  been  on  shore,  armed, 
and  taken  all  my  calves,  being  Beven  in  number;  two  of  the  poorest 
and  smallest,  they  sent  on  shore  in  the  morning;  the  others,  with  four 
sheep  they  had    some    days   before,    they    carried  off  without  paying  any 


MISCELLANEOl  S  V  IPERS. 


tliiiiLr  for  them      I  do  further  d  the  abuses  and  threats  1  received, 

from  (.'apt.  Liuzej  and  the  doct<  d  of  mj  moving  off  the 

island,  leaving  mj  ii  I  And  I  declare,  that  I  never  refused  CapL  Lin- 

•  •r  an)  other  person  l»  I  hip  of  \-  rtainraent  in  my 

bouse,  or  a  suppl)  "i  pi  that  1  had  "ii  my  farm,  and  could  Bpare. 

I   iirther  declare,  that  on  i  I  of  the  529th  instant,  the  afon       I 

e  mi  Bhoi  e  and  d<  mandi  d  in)  gun,  w  itli 
sword  in  hand,  which  she  di  livered  t'»  him,  and  I  ha  seen  it  Bince, 

though  -  the  onl)  wea]  on  ofd<  (<  nee  that  I  had  on  the  isl 

The  value  of  the  sheep,  calves,  and  gun,  which  t  i  from  me,  and 

the  i..  horsi  and  well,  are  as  follow,  viz. 

Four  sheep,          .            .            .            .            .            .  .            S  16    0 

Three  calves,  four  months  old,         .            .           .            .  ..'{<;    <> 

I    ur  quarters  of  veal,  sixt)  pounds,  sold,           .           .  .          'J    b    U 
<  me  u  in  i  taken  out  of  mj  house  b)  the  doctor  of  the  -lii|>.  • 

value,    .           .            ■            .            •            •           •  .300 

Riding  mj  horse  and  use  of  mj  well,          .           .            .  ..SOU 

£15    0'    0 

1 .1.1.-11  \  Nl  I'.. 
I! M, n-  i  \i:i.i  .  ss.  y\  \\   31,   177 

Sworn  i".  before 

THOM  i8  SMITH,  Justict  qfV*    P 


t  'uin 

Suffolk, 

Essex, 

Middlesex, 

Hampshire,    . 

Plymouth, 

Barnstable, 

Bristol, 

>  <>ik, 

Duki  s, 

Nantucket, 

Worcester, 

Cumberland, . 

Lincoln, 

Berkshire, 


PI  LA.TIOS    OF 

M  \-.Mi  Ill  SETTS,    177' 

m 

Blacks. 

7 

27,419 

. 

• 

28,11  I 

50,! 

. 

. 

1,049 

5 1 .'  152 

40,119 

. 

• 

702 

10,821 

34,315 

. 

. 

245 

34,560 

:  06 

. 

. 

i-; 

•.: 

15,344 

. 

• 

171 

15,515 

26,1 

• 

• 

••7  ..'11 

17. 

. 

. 

241 

17,834 

■  l  BOO 

-• 

. 

. 

2,881 

■1.1 1 -J 

. 

. 

133 

!.:.i:. 

16,331 

. 

• 

132 

16,' 

!    ,'IU 

• 

• 

1 1  a 

14,072 

1  -. 

• 

• 

35 

I- 

1-  ■■■ 

• 

• 

216 

i- :   S 

343,845 


5,249 


349, 


756  MISCELLANEOUS  PAPERS. 

Warlike  Stores  in  Massachusetts,  1774. 

Returns  of  Avarlike  stores  were  received  from  almost  all  the  towns  of  the 
several  counties  of  Massachusetts  and  Maine,  except  Dukes  and  Nantucket, 
April  14,  1775.     The  aggregate  was  as  follows: 

Fire-arms,            .......  21,549 

Pounds  of  powder,    .......  17,444 

Pounds  of  lead  balls,       ......  22,191 

Number  of  flints,       .......  144,699 

Number  of  bayonets,       ......  10,108 

Number  of  pouches,              ......  11,979 

Aggregate  of  the  Town  Stocks. 

Fire-arms,  ........        68 

Barrels  of  powder,     .......  357 

Pounds  of  lead  balls,       ......  66,781 

Number  of  flints,       .......      100,531 


A  N    A  < '  T 


;  \  i.   COl   RT   OF   M  CHI  SETT  - 

■  i 

THIS    I 

jr  !   , 


Wii  this  oppressed  colon]   has,  for  man)  months  past,  been 

prived  of  the  free  exercise  of  its  usual   powers  of  government,  which  lia.* 
ioned  the  i » 1 1 1 •  1  i < -  business  thereof  t<>  be  conducted  b)  Con- 
.  and  as  manj  matters  of  thi  -t  importance  for  the  recover) 

ami  preservation  of  thai  liberty,  which  God,  nature,  and  compact  have  given 
to  this  |n.''i|il<-,  have  been  resolved,  done,  and  transacted,  b)  Provincial  Con- 
gresses, some  of  which  have  noi  yei  had  their  full  effect :  and  whereas,  the 
legalit)  of  such  resolves,  doings,  and  transactions,  may  hereafter  be  called 
in  question,  and  ma)  occasion  much  litigation,  unless  confirmed  and  estab- 
lished in  some  known  constitutional  manner: 

Be  it  therefore  enacted,  b)  the  council  and  bouse  of  repn  sentatives  of 
colony,  in  -'inT.ilcc.1111  assembled,  and  li_\  the  authority  of  the  same,  that 
all  and  ever)    of]  the  resolvi  3,  and  tram  of  the  several  Pro- 

vincial Congi  -     ilony,  from  and  after  the  fourth  da)  of  ( 

oni  diousand  Beven  bundn  d  and  seventy-four,  to  the  twentieth  da)  of  July, 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seventy-five,  be,  and  t Ii«-\  hereb)  ore  con- 
firmed and  established,  as  lawful  and  valid,  t<>  all  intents,  constructions, 
purposes  whatsoever,  as  fully  and  effectually,  as  if  the  Bam<   i 
and  transactions,  had  been  done  b)  an)  general  court  <>;■  assembl)  of  this 
colony. 

\nd  be  ii  further  enacted,  b)  the  autiiorit)  afbn  said,  tha 
per  on  or  p       •       hall  be  sued,  I"  fore  an)  Btip<  nor  court  of 

judicature,  court  i  ze,  and  general  gaol  delivery,  or  before  an)  in 

. -cunt  of  common  pleas,  or  an)  c t  of  general   ->  the  pea 

befoi  ingle  magistrate,  for  an)  thing  done  in  obedience  to,  <  r  in  com 

l>lianc(  ^n  it !  i  any  oft  I  ic  re  solv<   t  doings,  recommendations,  or  oUier  proc 


758  ACT  OF  THE  GENERAL  COURT. 

ings  of  said  Congresses,  such  person  or  persons  shall  and  may  give  this 
act,  and  the  record  of*  the  resolves,  doings,  and  transactions  of  the  several 
Provincial  Congresses  aforesaid,  in  evidence,  under  the  general  issue,  and 
the  same  thus  given  in  evidence,  shall  avail  to  all  intents  and  purposes,  as  if 
the  same  were  specially  pleaded :  any  law,  usage,  or  custom,  to  the  contra- 
ry notwithstanding. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  by  the  authority  aforesaid,  that  the  records  of 
the  resolves,  doings,  and  transactions  of  the  several  Provincial  Congresses 
aforesaid,  be  immediately  lodged,  and  forever  hereafter  kept  in  the  secreta- 
ry's office  of  this  colony,  and  that  the  secretary  shall  copy  and  authenticate 
all  such  records  of  said  resolves,  doings  and  transactions,  as  shall  be  de- 
manded of  him  to  be  used  in  any  of  the  courts  aforesaid,  which  copies,  so 
authenticated,  shall  be  received  as  full  evidence,  in  said  courts,  of  all  such 
resolves,  doings,  and  transactions. 


J  N  1)  E  X . 


\    the  lable  of  content  ibis  volume,  the  in 

io  ii  where  the  nami 


i.  John,  ■   Joshua, 

\     igton,  II.  Ml.   145, 

\  -  ,l<>    111.  II  I. 

\  •     ■         ■  <  louri,  coufirming  do- 

; 
\  \  .   i ' 

II  1 677 ;  J. inn's.  675  ■.  Jol 

19,  i  i 

.   John    61  .1        . 

. ;  Joseph  M  N 

61,  71 

512 

Atljul 

\ 

Aikin,  B<        nin,  I  141.163, 

l 
\        J 
\ 

Alford,  15 
\      i,   Benjamin,  5"    .    I 

712    715,  716,  ".  i; : 
Thorn  is,  713 
\  J 

Ames,  I'-  nj  i 
\ 

Ami. 

Ammunii      . 

I .' : 

\ 

An.-'      \  J  170. 

\  R< 

Di 
Armorers,  159,  210 

540,  642,  648,  549,  551,  I 


Armstrong    I . 

\  111,114,120-9,135, 1 

ii  I 

■ 

See  A  ■  ■  ! 

I  •  VKlitia, 

< I  T 

710,  711.  717. 

; 

Artifi 

\ 

Arundel,  12,  Bl,   190,  215, 

\       urnham,  II. 

\ 

Ashfield,  10,  II 
\  I 

'. 

A". iv  Masters,  I'm. 
rne,  J 
Ion,  Eliak 
Alhol,  li.  .  ..  177, 
64  I. 

'.  in. 
. 

1 1     ■      I . 

I  ;   John, 
J  \.  is,  9, 610:  J 

i 

J  i; 

,450,471 

I  ■ 

.'  H . 
.1  J 

I  I 

!' 


760 


INDEX. 


Badlam,  Ezra,  399,  576. 

Bailey,  Nathaniel,  7,  77,  87,  140, 173,  233, 

273,  280,  286,  290,  355,  375,  383,  413, 
455,463,466,471. 

Baker,  John,  53G ;  Joseph,  G38 ;  Remem- 
ber, 718  ;  Samuel,  14,  82,  1G0,  212,  238,  , 
240,277,291,  292,  298,  300,  320,  4G0, 
463,  480.  484,  493,  628,  G29. 

Baldwin,  Jedutlian,  13,  50.  628,  651 ;  Jon- 
athan, 14,  82,  277;  Loammi,  302,  G09  ; 
Samuel.  14. 

Ball,  Epaphrus,  698. 

Ballard,  Joseph,  9;  William  Hudson,  567, 
577. 

Baltimore,  380,  381. 

Bancroft,  David,  276,  479,  647,  648,  649; 
Edmund,  79,  275,  454,  610  ;  Thaddeus, 
675. 

Baptists,  G5,  67. 

Bar,  Aaron,  578. 

Barber,  John,  591;  Nathaniel.  304,  381, 
402,  405,  430.  4G0,  47G,  487,  49G,  573, 
581;  Nathaniel,  Jr.  572;  William,  490, 
494,  495,  678  ;  Mr.  138,  527. 

Barclay,  Mr.  716  ;  Capt.  281. 

Barker,  David,  655;  Josiah,  141. 

Barlow,  Jesse,  434  ;  Nathan,  275. 

Barnard,  Isaac,  638  ;  John,  203,  402,  403; 
Samuel.  Jr.  10. 

Barnes,  Edward,  9,  19,  20,  67,  610. 

Barns,  Asa,  445;  Henry,  325. 

Barnstable,  12,80,278,458. 

Barnstable  County,  12,  23.  62.  72,  80,  141, 
150,  278,  411,  412,  158,  459,  479,  755. 

Barracks,  332,  566,  569. 

Barre,  14.    Sec  Hutchinson. 

Barrel!,  Joseph,  442. 

Barrett,  James.  9,  16,  61,  78, 109,  146,  148, 
203,  209,  211,  225,  228,  232,  255,271, 
283,  286,  290,  299,  334,  363,  404,  407, 
513,515,517,  513,  547,  549,  673,  674; 
John,  672,  673;  Nathan,  286,  672,  673, 
679  ;  Samuel,  553,  672,  673. 

Barron,  Oliver,  679. 

Bartlett,  Josiah,  161. 

Bass,  Jonathan,  535. 

Basselt,  Elisha,  12,81,278. 

Batchelder,  Joseph,  277  ;  Josiah,  8,  28, 29, 
I  I,  73,  94,  106,  113,  140,  153,  160,  163, 
168,  183,  [92,   196,  210,  212,  232,  237, 

274,  281,  292,  299,  3d.;,  308,  326,  . 
362,364,  375,  383,    105,    110,  411,  413, 
116,  154,  463,   167,   171,  480,    181,    183. 

Bateman,  John,  671. 

s,  Barnabas,  I  .'  I  ;  Joseph,  587 
Baylev,  Adam,  421  ;  David,  610;  Luther, 

L'l";   Lt.  Col. 
Baylies,  William,  12,  81.  83,  1 11, 157,159, 

161,  163,  173,  178,  191,  278  290. 
Bayonets,  97,  103,  756.    See  Fire  Arms. 
Beal,  Benjamin,  370;  Manwaring,  135. 
Beamis,  David,  610. 
Beard,  Aaron,  610. 
Beating  Orders,  1 16. 
Becket,  15,  83,  159. 
Becket,  .Mr.  296. 
Bedford,  9,  7!',  176,  158,678. 
Beetle,  Col.  17  1. 
Belcher,  Samson,  609. 
Belcherlown,  11,  80,  177,  276,  .;  37,   130, 

158. 
Belfast,  15,  377. 


Bell,  Daniel,  432;  Joseph,  679;  Thomas. 
80. 

Bellingham,  8,  77,  176,  273,  337,  352,  457. 

Beman,  William,  551. 

Bemis,  Samuel,  691. 

Benjamin's  River,  377. 

Bennett,  Joseph,  142. 

Benson,  Benoni,  628  ;  Robert,  711. 

Bent,  Peter,  9,  78,  183,  190,  231,  261,  274, 
374,  147,479. 

Berkley.  12.  81,  177,  279,  458  ,626. 

Berkshire  County,  10,  15,  23,  62,72,  83,  96, 
141,  150,  177,  204,  276,  296,  459,  652-5, 
719.  755. 

Bernard,  Mr.  397,  402  ;  Col.  683. 

Bernardston,  10,  80,  177,  337,  458. 

Berry,  Col.  333. 

Berwick,  12,  81,  279,  313,  411,  436,  458. 

Bethank.  William,  537. 

Beverly,  8,  78,  274,  364,  411,  412,  457,615, 
679. 

Biddeford,  12,  81,  158,  279,  411,  430,  453. 

Biddle,  Edward,  740. 

Bigelow,  Jacob,  9,  52,  275,  355,  393,  404, 
450,484.  i:;7.  189,  610  ;  Joshua,  13,  628, 
643,  647,  651 ;  Timothy,  13,  34,  72,  82, 
140,  150,  513,  515,  516,  521,  529.628. 
629.  631.  635,  638,  640,  641,  647,  648J 
649,650;  William,  14,  82,  89,  99,  102, 
144. 

Billerica,  9,  78,  1 13, 131,  132, 133, 134. 176. 
274  352  457  573.  679. 

Bills  of  Credit,  186,  187,  246,  255,  256,257, 
282, 297, 299, 300, 301 ,  320,  333,  334,  383, 
386. 396, 410,  414,  415,  416, 422, 424, 434, 
437, 44 1 ,  443,  4C0, 462, 464, 467. 471,  473, 
484,  583,  588. 

Bishop.  Samuel,  239  ;  William,  500. 

Bissell,  Isaac,  484.  590. 

Blacksmiths,  463,  639. 

Blaisdel,  Jonathan,  548. 

Blanchard,  John,  399;  Samuel,  449  ;  Tim- 
othy, 679. 

Bland,  Richard,  740. 

Blandlbrd,  10,  80,  177,  275,  337,  351,  458. 

Blankets,  114,  211,  355,  357,  358,  380,  1 11, 
462. 

Bleeker,  Henry,  718  ;  John  N.  711. 

Bliss,  John,  10,29,  79,  94,  117,   136,  149, 

180.  199,  203,  204,  206,  221,  225.  228, 

231,  236,  210,  247,  251,   275,  291,  294, 

.  310,313,  315,  324,  326,  342,  319, 

.111.   115.   147,    152.    153,   161,  163, 

470,    171.   172,  583. 

Bl<   Igel,  Nathan,  691  ;  Samuel.  609. 

Boats.   47  542,   oM.     See    Wlude 

I 'mats. 

Bodwell,  John,  78.  615. 

Boerum,  S.  710. 

Bog<  rt.  Henry  I.  711. 

Boice  and  Clark.  88,  94. 

Boice,  .1  imes,  7.  549,  604;  John.  228.  229. 

Boies,  William,  275. 

Boh. ml  14,82,  102,  177.256,277,336,351, 

'.    \. 
Bond,   Elijah,  610;    Henry,    II;    Joshua, 
I:  Nathaniel,  5555  Col.  239, 581, J 
William.  :i:o. 
Bonney,  Benjamin, 
Boolbbay,  15.  158,  135,  159. 
Borden,  William,  610. 
Borland.  John,  Ml.  538.  548,  519,551,  567. 


INDEX. 


701 


1  i 

106    ir.    129   I    i 
171,173,181 

150 
i  il 

British   \  I 

731 

Ann'.      ■ 

P 

1  III. 

in.    ;,      • 

Rem  ■■•  J  of  1 

I,  142,  143    163    i 

:i  J 

B        i  I  Pott,  4  G 

1 1       mF       B 
1 1  .1  61,1 

I  '■  I  J 

B  w  doinhnm,  15,        4 

rs,   Jerathmiel,  1  !  I 

Bowai  in    :  I 

Boyd,  \\ 

Boyiiion,  Jami  N       iniel,  610. 

Brackell,  Thomas,  -'l  l 

r.r..  ...  r,  l.  157,  615. 

Bradford,  Gamaliel,  Jr.  I11!  j    l 

W    liam,  19. 
Bradisb,  I  14;  John,  628  ;  Mr. 

:il. 
I '. 
B  .    D 

,1111.  136,  HI 

••I. 

Branch,  J  I  -'. 

Brand    G    i 

i :  J 

Brent.  Mr 

i  Chaunee)  B 

Jo ha 

i;  Samuel, 

104,  146. 

B         ..II.. Inn 

itri.i-.-.  i;i. ,-,,.•/. ,.  ■•.  .■    6i   no, 41 l  118, 

I  610,  61 1.  614;  James,  Jr. 

■I  ,  John,  .1 
'I 
Bridgewater,   II,  80,  1 

i;i 
B  i   ■  I ;  Sei 

i  i         ii". 

i  ■  ' .  j  i  •       1 1 

Brim6eld,  10, 

I..: 
Bristol,  15,  IT      II.  816.  i 
Bristol  Count}    I 

i  in.  lao,  i",  ii 

i       ih  Plantations 

96 


G 

I  n 

B  ' 

B  l  I  ' 

- 
\ 

I  i 

1 
J 

J  I 

.1  u    • 

i 

i 

I  M    • 

169 :    N 

I      I 

\\  "•  II. 

l 
l?r..»         -  I      U 

liam 
BroM  'l 

113, 

ltr\  .in' .  J pli 

i: 
Buckman,  I 

II  l 

J 
Bullard,  J 
M 

B  i   i    ,    8t(      ■■■ 
Bunker's  II 

\\ 
B 

Bun     l 
i :  J 

Burrill,  I 
i 

1  Josepl 

r 

Bum         Sal 

n 

||yar<l    I: 

C...I.I 

I 

.  .1  I 


i&2 


INDEX. 


Caleff,  John,  417.  419. 

Calleuder,  John,  397. 

Cambridge,  8,  19,  20,  48,  73,  74,  77,  78, 
108,  116,  135,  146,  117,  171,  173,  210, 
220,  222,  223,  256,  260,  27  V,  305,  322, 
335,  367,  398,  413,  445,  4-51,  452,  457, 
474,  490,  505,  508,  510,  512,  513,  520, 
541,  542,  515,  547,  551,  561,  566,  678, 
703. 

Campbell,  Alexander,  13,  435,  623;  Dun- 
can, 638  ;  George,  14;  Robert,  405,  407, 
410,  419,  420  ;  William,  212,  214,  215. 

Canaan,  232,  235. 

Canada,  24,  27,  59,  227,  265,  267,  268,  269, 
416,  414,471..  659.703 

Canadians,  74.  100,  217  227,  269,  270,  307, 
308,  321,  335,  372,  394,  707,  715,  716, 
717,718,721,751,752. 

Cannon,  163,  234,  506,  507,  503,511,  512. 

Canteens,  509. 

Cape  Ann,  423. 

Cape  Cod,  522. 

Cape  Elizabeth,  14,  83,  215,  216,  279,  413, 
459,  656. 

Cape  Porpoise,  12. 

Capen,  Josiah,  427,  461,  610. 

Cargill,  James,  215. 

Canton,  Gov.  372,  709. 

Carpenter,  ElMia,  575;  Thomas,  12,  81, 
85,  141,  278,  378,  410,  411,  451,  471. 

Carpenters'  Tools,  510. 

Carter,  John,  557. 

Cartridges,  510. 

Casco  Bay,  139,  436. 

Castle  William,  260. 

Caswell,  R.  740. 

Census  of  Massachusetts,  61,  755. 

Chadburn,  Benjamin,  36,  37,  40,  436. 

Chadwick,  John,  276,  333. 

Chamberlain,  Aaron,  679  ;  Nathaniel,  679. 

Champlain,  Lake,  265,  270,  287,  717,  721, 
722,  723,  725. 

Chandler,  Gardiner,  637,  638,  642;  John, 
635,  638;  John,  667;  John,  Jr.  637; 
John,  Jr.  667;  Col.  41,  50;  Joseph,  672, 
673;  Nathaniel,  638  ;   Rufus,  638. 

Chapin.  Edward,  275. 

Chaplain,  Ebenezer,  628,  631, 635,636,  651. 

Chaplains,  Army,  236,  247,  230,  281,  284, 
290,525. 

to  Congress,  22,  49,  84,   109,  158, 

184,  187,  189,291,293. 

CbarlemoDt,  10,  II,  80,  177,  337,  458,  619. 

Charles  River,  451,  452,  540. 

Charlestown,  8.  62,  74,  78,  106,  108,  116, 
135,  146,  147,  173,  256,  271,  320,  322, 
333,  358,  409,  456,  505,  506,  507,  509, 
513,  512.  51.;.  593,  678. 

•  Poor  of,  53,  54,  55,  59,  362,  423, 


427.  430,  431,  441,  443,  444,  474,  479, 
485,  490,  499,  654. 

Charle.-towu,  N.  II  484. 

Charlton.  1.3.  82,  177.  256.  277,  313,  314, 
336,  351,  I-".'.  431,458,  628,  61.'.. 

Chase,  Samuel,  7  In 

Chaiham,  I  !,8I,  278,  158, 

Chnuneey,  Charles,  1 2.  i. J.  81,  1 11. 

Cheekley.  John    132 

Cheever,  David,  8,  20,  ■  >:>.  12.  56.  60,78, 
I  15,  157.  179,  183,  184,  I':;.  '11,  223, 
221.  240,  271,  281,  352,  358,  363,  391, 
403,   431,  416,  451,    177,  505-13,  515, 


557,  571,  593,  610;  Ezekiel,  405,  432; 
Joseph,  401. 
Chelmsford,  9,  73,  176,  256,  274,  352.  457, 

679. 
Chelsea,  7,  8,77,  273,  442,  457,  522,  523, 

533,  538,  541.  545,  557,  561. 
Cheney.  Thomas,  14. 
Chester^  10. 

Chesterfield,  11,  80,  177,  276,337,453. 
Child,  John,  14, 82.277,628;  Timothy, 449. 

Chilmark,  13,81,279,458. 

Church,  Benjamin,  7,  17,25,35,41,50,52, 
55,59,65.77.87-9,  117,  132,  150  201, 
203,  208,  220.  229,  232,  236,  238,  240-1, 
273,  353,  357-8.  361-2,  390,  398,  400, 
444,  4-16-7,  455,  460-1,  471,  479,  481, 
483,  485,  489,  493,  505-6,  509-12,534, 
538,  511,  513,  548,  550,  553,  596,  605, 
661,741  ;  Moses,  223. 

Clafliu,  Ebenezer,  284. 

Clap,  Daniel,  13,  642;  Ebenezer,  218; 
Kleazer,  12. 

Clark,  John,  14,  82;  Joseph,  432;  Mat- 
thew, 472,  512,  516,  551,  590;  Peter, 
432;  Seth,  7;  William,  83,  610. 

Cleaves,  Nathaniel,  679. 

Clergy,  56,  60,  280-1,  283-4,  290,  479. 

Clerk"  of  Committee  of  Salety,  505,  508, 
536. 

to  President  of  Congress,  542. 

Cleveland,  Ebenezer,  310. 

Cloihing  for  the  Army,  357-8,  436,  444, 
456-7.  467,  469,  478," 593. 

Cohh,  David,  12,  62,  141,  627;  Elisha, 
278,318,479;  Samuel,  141. 

Cobum,  I'eter,  79 

Codman,  John,  610  ;  Richard,  436,  655. 

Coffee,  57. 

Coffin,  Josiah,  141  ;  Peter,  8,  62,  78,  88, 
212.  274,  333,  343,  374,  404,  410-11,  413, 
416-17,423,615. 

Cogswell,  Jonathan,  Jr.  615;  Thomas, 
°48 

Colias'set,  7,  77,  273,  457,  486,  540,  559-60. 

Colburn,  Ephraim,6l0;  Peter,  610. 

Colden,  Gov.  745-6. 

Cole,  Andrew,  12  ;  Eliphalet,  576  ;  Wil- 
liam, 575. 

Collins,  William,  277. 

Colraine,  10,  1 1,  80,  177,  276,  337,  458. 

Colson,  Ebenezer,  535 

Combs,  Woolcombers',  64. 

Comie,  Joseph.  679. 

Commissaries,  97,  165,  207,  242.  361-2. 
410,417,432  4,416,448,  450,  471,  506, 
510,  521.  525,  527,  532,  512.  .Ml,  546, 
513-9,  557. 

Commissions  for  Officer-.  163.  171-.-).  212. 
377,  387,  395,  397.  125.  127.  115 

Committees  ol  Correspondence,  53,  69.  72, 
87,  105-7,  lio.  II  I, 

Committees  fiom  other  Colonies,  308,  310, 
.'.i::.  325. 

Conant,  Daniel,  679. 

Concord.  9,  15.78.  103-9.  116-7,  176,  274, 
107,  I2(..  157.  507-9,  511,  513-17,  522, 
529,519.609,679 

British  Troops  at.  118.  151-5,  173, 

208-9,211,220.  [43,524,685. 

Congress,  ( 'ontinental, 

—  Delegates  to,  19.53.55,57,61,74, 

86-7,  95-6,  229,  231,  522,  735,  739-40. 


i.M)i:x 


763 


I 

:   i. 

P 

:  14. 

i  i 

-  s< 

n 

174 
Journal  of,  151, 1 

!:•  .88, 


1 


1  in,  Benjamin, 

Connect irul,  Colonj  .  I1 

Hi.,   . 
Correspondence  with   136,149 

I       l-i   i'-i    . 

"I.  119,  . 
707,  709-10. 

D. 

H  levies  i 


I 


-  .mil  Collectors,  19  ! 
II  -II.  506-7 

1  Joun,  Samuel,  ''.7'.'  ;  Rev. 

-    nuel,  571  j  Lt  Got    i'  I' 
1  l.-c.  Joseph, 

1  :-.■.  Dorotbj  ,  551: 

William, 
I  I  lenjamin,  61 

uel,  536  ;    Ret      I'     •     184,    181    594  : 

William,  J 
1  i 

C  -  111 

-7;  Co 
;  Theophilus,  I 
c  (Japl 

'        l>    Committee       I  0,    1 10—1.    IGI-j. 

168-9    l 

<  County  <  inventions,  601-660. 
County  I;  Ml. 

Council,  Constitul al,  K),  50- 1. 

of  \\  . 

I  n      See  M  itdamus. 

< '...in  of  Inquiry,  -'<-. 
•  '..mi,.  Execulit  e,  30,  11. 
Courts  hi"  Juatii  e.  61  :  I  I.  616,   I 

il-.\  751 
Courts,  Martial,  196-8. 
< '..^ in. mi.  \..,i-< Consumption,  I 

<  'owden,  rbomas, 
<'..T    Lieut 

Craft,  Abtter,  E38  :  Ebem      - 

I  I.  Iward,  814,    106,   190,  500,  515, 

I  \  146,  148, 

Cr Stephen,  7K>,  Thomas.  ' 

134,  ill.  1 18,  163.  :n  B4,  347, 

I,   HI.  VI...   154,  466,   188,  190, 

i  rhomai    iOO. 

<  'r..  I      ib,  -'i  i. 

Cr..  \ 

( 'rnukir    John,   I  I  I. 

I'm-  |i 

I  I  i 

145,  16*,  61  i 


J 

wi  Point,  . 

•7. 

Cu.KM.nl,     M 

I  II.        •     .1  ■ 

.  j  '   ;  .  Jonathan,  821. 

See  B        '  ' 
( 'in  i        J  ■ ;  Nathaniel, 

ill 
Curtis,  Caleb,  .1 

Mr.  6  •:  ;Ni  -  610. 

Cn-li  :  r,  Benj  I  7,  40, 

l.i         :.-•"..    I  I  :  J 

.1     ....  Jr.  621  ;  J..--  |ili.   II 
118    130    l  . 

l        iel.   124,  621  j   Nathan, 

II  ■  116,  144,150 

Jin- I  .1  ;  Seth, 

rhomas,  7.  .'.7.  10 

i    -  101, 

105-7,   150,   170,  'IM  '■.  538, 

i  .  \\ 

Cuiu-r.    Ebenezer,  William, 

Cult,  Edward,  12,    !3,  81,   I 

300-1,  350,  107,  HI.  111. 
I1     ret,   Daniel,  575j  James,  07  j  ■,  S 

uel, 

1 1  ggelt,  JuImi-  '-'■  :;1'  ,5°- 

I  >     on,  Tristram,  78,  ''.Ij. 

I I  l  i  William, 

I1      brlh,  Joseph,  610j  Samuel,  36,  613; 

Timothy,  549,  610 
Danielsou,  Timothy,  1" 
117.    I  .7.   I  II.   I 

; 

Danv.  7,274,  105,  157,615,1  i 

Darling,  William.  22.  I 
Dartmouth,  I-'.  81,  177.  183,  B9, 
13,   11.'.    134,    . 

Dartmouth,  Lord,  525.6  0-4,  745,  7  17. 
\  ::.  140-1,  ' 

I'U.  121,  461. 
D      sandCoverh 
Davis,  D,i |,  |j.  72,  80,  B5, 

i  ii,  150,  198,  Jix'..  -'7.:.  .;i7.  .;.;:.  hi  •. 

Edward,  -'7'..  31  I.  391  j  Hepsibelh,! 

I  J. .mi.  190,    I'.1 1-.".;  Joseph, 

;  Joshua,  187-8,  193  ;  Stephen,  '•!"  . 

Thomas,  ,lr  677  l  II . 
Dawes,  William,  507. 
I ..  -  Mr    174. 

I  declaration  of  Rights,  50,  56,  782-5. 

540,601 
Deer  Island.  844,249    SI     155 
l>  •    •',.■1.1.  1(1.7'...  I" 
Deland,  Benjamin,  Jr.  679. 
I  taming .  David 
Dench,  «i  Ibert,  E84  ;  Rogei         10. 

I  tenbam,  Daniel,  7'.*. 

Denny,  Thomas,  I  16 

I I  ^.  Richard,  Jr   36-7,  10,  62,  154,  189, 
i  ■  .    ;  ;  615. 

Deserters,  390 

Devon      Rid  ird,  8,   1^.  7.'..  28-9,  "' 


764 


INDEX. 


52,  55,  60,  78,  89,  94,  106-8,  114,  133, 
140-1,  145.  147, 191,  238,  240-1,  274,  362, 
498,  505-16,  526,  538,  561-2,  566-7,  581, 
583,  587,  590,  594-5,  610-11. 

Dexter,  John,  9,  78,  163,  169,  208,  228, 
326,  520,  610;  John.  9,  78.  163,  169,  208, 
228,  326,  520,  610  ;  Samuel,  7, 16,  23.  36, 
37,  50-1,77, 109,165, 168, 178-9, 1S3, 187, 
197,  248,  255,  257,  273,  286,  299,  305, 
308,  321,324,  414,  416.  137.414. 

Dickerson.  John,  10,  79,  275,  392,  427,  430, 
431,  584. 

Dickjnsou,  John,  740;  Israel,  713;  Na- 
thaniel, Jr.  10,  79, 162,  276. 

Dighton,  12,81,278,458,626. 

Dike,  Mr  553. 

Dinsmore,  David,  217,  227. 

Ditson,  Thomas,  113,  131-4. 

Dix.  Jonas,  79,  86,  148,  150,  152,  156,  158, 
161,172,174,  178,  183,  185,  196,  198-9, 
202,  204,  208,  212,  221-3,  229,  234,  247, 
248,  675,  678. 

Doane,  Joseph,  12,  278. 

Dodge,  George,  362-3  ;  Jacob,  615  ;  Rich- 
ard, 244  ;  William,  679;  Mr.  647. 

Dolliber,  William,  615. 

Donaldson,  Col.  558,  563,  574. 

Donations.     See  Boston.     Charlestown. 

Donnell,  Thomas,  475. 

Doolittle,  Ephraim,  14,  19,  20,  25,  27,  51, 
248,  270,  558,  585,  628,  631,  641. 

Doorkeepers  to  Congress,  16,  22,  108,  281, 
485. 

Dorchester,  135,  457,  509,  540-1,  568-9. 

Delegates,  7,  74,  77,  108,  116,  146, 

147,  273. 

Dorr,  Joseph,  13.  637. 

Douglas,  14,  82;  177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 
459,  628,  643. 

Douglas,  Robert,  610. 

Dow,  Nathan,  244;  Reuben,  401. 

Dracut,  9,  79,  176,  256,  275,  337,  352,  458. 

Draper,  William,  670. 

Draper's  Newspaper,  650. 

Drew,  William,  621. 

Drury,  Luke,  559,  561,  567,  628,  631,  642. 

Doane,  James,  739. 

Dudley,  14,  82,  177,  277,  336,  351,429,  459, 
643. 

Duels,  123. 

Duer,  Ebenezer,  601 ;  Judge,  722-3. 

Dukes  County,  13,  23,  62.  72,  81,  141,  279, 
395,411,458-9,479,755  6. 

Dunbar,  Major,  52:;. 

Duiikinson,  John.  306. 

Dunn,  Samuel,  655. 

Dunning,  Andrew,  655  ;  Benjamin,  200. 

Dunsmore,  William,  13,  82,  168,  178,  203, 
276,  628,  642.  648-9. 

Dunstable,  9,  79,  177,  275,  337,  352,  458. 

Duraut,  Edward,  9,  78,  148,  240,  449,  610; 
Isaac.  667. 

Durfee,  Thomas,  r>l,  81,  273,  282,  312,368, 
112,  III.  155,  160,479. 

Durham,  Nicholas,  500. 

Duxbury,  11,80,  10.J-I.  278,  101,458,513, 
621. 

Dwight,  Josiali,  276  ;  Nathaniel,  276  ;  Sim- 
eon,  82,   88.   I  1 1 -J.   156,    159,    160,   I  ::l 
191.  193-4.  198.   '--I.  277,  281,  290. 
299,  305,  317,  326-7,  333-4,  355,  405, 422, 
111,461,467. 


Dyer,  Eliphalet,  739  ;  Jeduthan,  655. 

Eager,  Nalium,  11. 

East  Hoosork,  177,  459. 

East  India  Goods,  101-2,  736-7. 

Easterbrooks,  Jedediah,  432. 

Easlham,  12,  81,  278,280,  282,  285-6,  289, 

458. 
Easton,  12,  81,  177,  278,  458.  626. 
Easton,  James,  233,  235,  295.  297,  466  8, 

501,  696-8,  704,  712,  719,  722. 
Eaton,  Henry,  615  ;  John,  535. 
Edesand  Gill.  28,  145. 
Edes,  Peter,  610;  Mr.  349,  397,  405. 
Edgarton,  13,  81,  279,  363,  458. 
Edgecombe,  11.  15. 
Edson,  Josiah,  36,  61,  113. 
Edwards,   Benjamin,   301,  305  ;    Michael, 

493;     Pierpont,    707;     Solomon,    584; 

Timothy,  276,  281,  290,  295,  298,   304, 

318,  326,  332,348,353,362,453,718,719. 
Eells,  Robert,  621. 
Egamagon  Reach,  319,  355. 
Egremont,  15,  83,  177,  276,  459. 
Elder,  John,  584. 
Election  Sermon,  218,  221,  280,  362,364, 

387,  393. 
Electrical  Points,  431,  583 
Elizabeth  Islands,  394  5,  413,  418,  753. 
Ellis.  Abncr,  7,  77,  137,  140,  255,  273,  306, 

333,  405,  434,  444,  450,  479,  584  ;  Enoch, 

8,  77,  273,  35S,  474,  489. 
Ely,   Benjamin,   10,  275,    341,    352,  462, 

583-5. 
Emerson,  Bulkley,  223  ;  Joseph,  4.35;  Rev. 

William,  16,  109,  146,  286,  293,  299,  300. 
Engineers,  152-3,  157. 
England      See  Great  Britain 
Enlisting  Orders,  411-12,  419,  426,  525. 
Ensigns,  377. 

Erving,  John,  36-7, 40  ;  John,  Jr.  36, 61, 113. 
Essex  County,  8,  23,  62,  77,  140.  159-60, 

256,  274,  411,  412,  436,  452,  457,  459, 

471,479,615  618,755. 
Essex  Gazette,  4,  72. 
Esles,  Richard,  587. 
Estabrook,  Benjamin,  691. 
Europe,  Intelligence  from,  170. 
Eustis,  William,  571. 
Evans,  Barnabas,  481. 
Everett,  Israel,  679. 
Ewing,  Joseph,  655. 
Exeter,  N.  H.  260. 
Exports  of  Massachusetts,  61,  111. 
Exportation  of  Provisions,  323,  333,  727. 
Express  Riders,  557. 
Fabynn,  Joshua,  655. 
Fairbanks,    Ephraim,  14;    Thomas,  276, 

318,355,358,  121. 
Fairfield,  Benjamin,  8,  73,  274,  -1-15,  615. 
Fales,  David.  136. 
Falmouth.   (Cumberland    County.)    14,  83, 

190,  215,  217.  222-3,237,  279,  402,413, 

436,459. 
Falmouth.    (Barnstable    County,)     12,    81, 

222-3,  278,458,531. 
Farley,  John,  216  ;   Michael,  8,  25,  36,62, 

1  I,  78,  95,  109,  110,  157.  173    183,  185, 

187,  503,  229,  235-6,  274,282.  292,294-5, 

305,  313,  322,  325,  340,  360,  369,  375, 

384,  386,  390,  405. 41 1 ,  419,420.427, 411, 

445,  460,  486,  193,  499,  615  ;  Nathaniel, 

615. 


INDEX. 


"  t  ;.~> 


Farm  <   N  >;88. 

Farrar,  Samuel,  10  I  10. 
I         ■ ,  Jonathan,  6 
I  10. 

Fast,    Day   ..i  101        144 

51. 
Paulkuer,  Pranri  i   9,  610. 
l-'.is ,  Aaron,  \  J  "  l  ; 

lj  Joaiah  I 

Fellow     J 

Felt,  Joshua,  • 

Fenno,  Ephraim,  I  15  ■,  John, 

l  J 

I         .ii. Ifii.  John,  -  '      171  ;    Mr 

I  ;  Tboi 
Field,  D  M 

Fire  Arms,  34,  fi  I,  1 1"    I    I 

T.  US,    U9,   144,  510, 

I         I       ..rum...!.. i   341  II 3 

I         -  107,  il";  K.  i     I     il       649, 

651 
Ii  143, 

151 

374  00,    115 

423-5,  160,  179,  501,  508,  61  I. 
Fisherii  I      16-7. 

I    ....  .1  isiah,  610  j   Mr.  588  :  Samuel,  8. 

I  l ". •  i ij 1. 1 

Fitchburg,  14.  I 

.  I] 
I  Samuel,  561. 

I 
I 

I      cher,  A     ph,  610. 
Flint,  Henry,  286;    John,  ClOj  Jonathan, 

610. 
Flints,  756. 
Florida,  313 
Flour,  354,  380-1 
I        I,  M  739 

Flucker,  Thomas,  36,  61     II  •,    131,   177, 

;n 

Flynt,  William, 
I  l. 

I     •      J 

Folger,  Timothy,  I II  :  C         ;    i 
Folsom,  Nathaniel,  II  I 
I         I    ipt.  .'<  16. 
Fort  Edward, 

Fort  George,  i  1,711. 

I      ler,    kmos,    £76  ;    Benjamin, 
■  ,  Isaac, 

164  10;  J  imes  0  ;  Jede- 
diah.  13,  17                   ,41  62,  82, 

i     In     II.      136     I  I".   180    -■  ' 
211,21 

165  1 1   ..i  0;  Joseph,  II,  171, 

16-"  :  Nathan- 
iel, l    i.i.        u  ail,  515. 

Fothergill.  I»r 

l  I  dmund,  I 

I       I 

I        J     ■ 
160,  171, 

I         ■  (I    Hi 

Framingbam,  '.',  7::.   176.  216,   106,  -71. 


I  Lady,  236,  238-40,  54 

II. i 
I        klin,  Benjamin  1      .  188. 

Frankl  u  <  '•  unti  .  1U. 
i     .  r  12,  81 

117,130,131    141,14      151 

l 

III,  II ! 
John,   190,   194  5  \    N 

141,  150,  1         ii.   184, 

■ 
0-1  i   Samuel, 
Jr 
Freetown,  IS  1,1 

I    •  m  i,.  Thomas    l" 
I  Bay,  471 ,  4 

l  ll  <      r\  .  1 19. 

I        I,  Elisha, 
I       i,   Ephraim,  8         G 

Samui 
Frothingham,  John,  85 1.  610 
l        J  .  05    II  l     118,   134,  5I.">, 

i.  Jow  pb,  370, 

I  Peter.l  17. 

Fuller,  Abrahi 9,  78,  1 19 

I,   17.'-.;.  499,  686;  Archi  l    . 

;   ; 

137,139,14 

II  0,1  i.l 

220    . 

I,  305,  31  140,  342, 

106,  in.  n.;.  ii  i. 

ll.;.   117.  122,  131,  450.  171  J.   171 

15 ;  E]  hraim, 

Fulton  James, 

Furnass,  Robert,  I 

i .      >den,  ( Ibristopher,  7 10, 

G     e,  Thomas.  5,  13,  l        1-1,31 
l" ..   116,   129,    I  11     159,    l  34,    l 

I7n  I.  I7.i.  I  I,  191-4, 

.  346,    1 1  H.  519, 

■ 

711. 
7  17. 
A. Mr >s  lo,  17.  12,  104 

Proclamations  "i.  3,   I .  ■'•  10-1, 


13-4. 
I     .i|i-  of.     See  British  Army. 


1  ■        lorough,  15,  83,  159. 
<  iallowa^ .  Joseph,  7 10. 
Gardner,  Grafton,  I  II  ;    Henry, 

15  61    I  101, 

106,  10  I    113-1  ill.'    I  15  6    l 

n  l.  184  5,  191,  193,  1 

454,    166,   171,  4  06-7,  612-13, 

610-1 1,743;  1  J        bun, 

615 :  Samui  .  I  I 

:.  II,  12,  19,  51,  I 
94,    106,    II 
3*  i.  511,  61  i  15 

II. 

Gardnerslon,  15  169. 

1  ■  \      ibam,  6"  I 

Gates,  II.  .•■■i.i. il.,  I  ...    II.  ....  ...   i  :. 

Gaj .  Elisba,  .'>7j. 


,66 


INDEX. 


General  Court,  3-5,  13,  44,  116,  159,  163, 

190,  192.  359,  369,  397. 
General  Officers,  33,*35,  65,  90,  102,  160, 

175,  233,  253,  335,'  379,  467,  472-3,  726. 
Georges,  John,  449. 

Georgetown,  15,  83,  139,  214,  217-18,  222, 
j    223,279,436,459. 
Georgia,  313. 
Gerrish,  Jacob,  244,  291-2.  295  ;  Joseph,  8, 

78,   84.    110,    152-3,   161-2,  169-70,  174, 

183,  190  1,201,212,  221,  228,  231,  274, 

280.  282,  290,  297,  505,  320,  322,  332, 
340,  352-3,  368,  375,  386,  389.  391 .  397, 
401-2,410  11,413,470,  473,  528,  563-4, 
615;  Samuel,  244,  292-3,  529,  £52,  579, 
615;  William,  12,  52,  62,  67.  178,  248, 
270. 

Gerry,  Elbridge,  8,  17.  23,  25,  29,  36,  38, 
40,  45,  50.  78,  84,  91,  101,  105-7,  109, 
117,  136-7,  147  50,  159-62,  169-70,  174  5, 
183,  190-2,  206-8,  212.  216,  220,  232, 
2.39-40,  246,  253,  27  1,  294, 308,  322,  352, 
369-70,  372,  391,  411,  452,  48 1-3,  486, 
498,  500-1,  5r8-13,  515-16,  550,  615,  618, 
661  ;  Samuel  Russell,  4^2. 

Gelchell,  John.  135. 

Gibhs,  Jacob,  610. 

Gilbert,  Joseph,  631,  647  ;  Col.  130,  133. 

Gill,  10. 

Gill  and  Edes.  28,  145. 

Gill,  John,  484/491,  195,  555.  592  ;  Moses 
14;  25  6.  35,  48.  82,  93,  102.  105-7,  116 
149,  152,  161.  169.  174-5,  179,  183,  185 
187,  193,  199,  212.  221.  228,  277.  280 
393,  400,  445-6,  454.  461,  476,  479,  489 
491,  500-1,  505-13.  515,  628. 

Oilman,  Andrew,  385,391-4. 

Glasher,  Benjamin,  435. 

Glass,  64. 

Gleason,  Phinehas,  609. 

Glidden,  Charles,  195-6. 

Gloucester,  8,  62,  78,  274,  377,411-12,442, 
457,561,615. 

Glover,  John,  314,  327,  338-9,  341,  368, 
377,  524,  562-3,  581,  584;  Jonathan, 274, 

281,  293,  300,  305,  311,  348,  374,  379, 
446,  449,  451-2,  463,  486,  488-9. 

Goddard,  John,  7,  512,  549;  Robert,  637. 

Goldsborough,  405,  435, 

Goldlhwaite,  Ebenezer,  679;    Capt.   217, 

226,  377. 
Goodale,  Abel.  11. 
Goodman,  Noah,  10,  79,  141,  159-60,  163, 

182,  275,  349.  355,  370,  375,  378,   383, 

399,  404,  410.  413,  120-1,  421  5.  428. 
Goodrich.  William,  299,  311,  313,  355. 
Goodrid^o,  Charles,  111;    David,   II,  82, 

111,   173,  301,    100.    Id.;,  528j    Samuel, 

615;   William.  11415,  118. 
Goodwin,  Edward,  251 ;  Ichabod,  Jr.  81, 

IH,  150,  158,  174,  220,  279,  297,  310, 

374-5,   373,   392,  399,  400-1,   411,   413, 

418,  421-2,  431,  436,  441,  444-5,  686; 

William,  542. 
Gordon,  William.  189,  218,  291,  393,  416, 

500,  5,!!),  560,  594. 
Gorham,  15,  83,  160,279,  459.  655. 
Gorham,  Nathaniel,  8,    17,  20,  52,  62,78, 

89,91,  108,  1 1  I,  251,  676 ;  William,  655. 
Goss,  John,  401. 
Gould.    Edward   Thornton,   675-6;    John, 

274,293,374,467,615. 


Goulding,  John,  14. 

Government,  Form  of,  207-8,  219,  230, 
319,  357-9,  365,  727,  741-2. 

Grafton,  14,  82,  177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 
459,559,561,  643. 

Graham,  Doct.  418.  121. 

Granby,  10,  79,  177,  275,  336,  351,  430, 
458 

Graimis,  John,  394-5. 

Granville,  10,  11,  80,  177,  275,  337.  351, 
458 

Graves,  Abner,  326.  332,  572  ;  Oliver,  10; 
Perez.  79;  Samuel,  346,  522. 

Gray,  Allen.  461;  Alexander,  496;  Ellis, 
ail,  343;  Harrison,  19.  36,  38,  45.  61, 
113,  620,  647,  743;  John,  301,  401,  621  ; 
John,  655. 

Great  Harrington,  15,  83,  177,  222-3,  276, 
459. 

Great  Britain,  153-4.  419,  427,  463,  523, 
735,  737,  741.741  8. 

Grenton.  John   Jr.  173,  529. 

Gicele,  Mrs.  655. 

Greene,  Benjamin,  82;  Daniel,  422,  480, 
481.  500;  Isaac,  667;  Joseph,  36;  Na- 
liiim,82;  William,  610. 

Green  Mountain  Boys,  726. 

Greene,  General,  461,467,  473.  475,  482. 

Greenfield,  10,  79,  177.  275,  337,  351,  453. 

Greenlaw,  Alexander,  349,  350 

Greenleaf,  Benjamin,  36.  40,  238  241-2, 
155,  198.  555  6  ;  Jonathan,  8.  25.  35,  37, 
38,62,78,84,91,93,111.137,  148.  160, 
163,  168-9,  173,  183,  185.  229,  236,  274, 
280-1.  294.  298,  300.  308-9.  325,  403, 
410-12,  418,  422.  431 .  442,  445,  449,  564, 
615;  Joseph.  224;  William,  224. 

Greenough,  Simon.  223 

Greenwich.  U,  80,  177,  276,  337,  458. 

Greenwood,  Mary,  485. 

Gridlev,  Richard.  157,  212,  300,  304,  315, 
334,  373-4,  378,  445,  520,  546,  550,  561, 
569,  590;  Samuel.  397;  Scarborough, 
373,  520,  569  ;  William,  254. 

Grievances,  43  4,  49,  50,  oG,  58,  344. 

Grimer,  William,  667. 

Groton,  9,  79,  176,  256,  275,  337,  352,  457, 
515-18. 

Grout,  Jonathan,  82,  86,  140,  163,  171,  192, 
255,  277,  291,  298-9,  313,  326,  332-3,347, 
375,  427,  430-1,  -134,  441,  445-6,  418, 
455,  460,  4*53,  4(56-8,  479,  623. 

Guild,  Nathaniel,  604. 

<  iuillam,  Benjamin,  595. 

Guileau,  Ephraim,  83. 

Gunlocks,  (S3. 

Gunpowder,     See  Powder.    Ammunition. 

(inns.     See  Fire-arms. 

Gunn,  Moses.  10,  129,  275,  349,  360,  484. 

Guryev,  Zachariah.  491,  194 

Hadley,  10,  79,  177,  275,  336,  351,  429, 
158.' 

Hadley,  Samuel,  679;  Thomas,  679. 

I  lai;ar,  Micah,  668. 

Hale.  John,  79,  160,  233,  251,  275,  281, 
290,  318,  326,  .'.38,  382;  Jonathan,  284; 
Jonathan,  Jr.  10;  Joseph,  57  1,  615  ;  Mo- 
ses, I  I. 

Ilalilax,  11.80,  177,278,458,621. 

Hall.  Benjamin,  9,  26,  38,  62,  79,  83-9, 
168,  212,  275,  375,  399,  417,  471,  17  1, 
505-8,562;  Ezekiel,  239;  Jeremiah,  80, 


INDIA. 


:..: 


in  i 

651        M  173      II 

\l 

■  l 
II      .ii.  Joseph,  160,  U 
II 

M        veil,  Beuj  -l '. 

Hamilton,  John 
II  i  Joshua 

N 
II  (Joum      i" 

I  n.  160,  11  '1-2, 

ll  i     inly,  10 

ll  .i         .    :     i  i    i 

l  l". 
153,  1  1. 1 

II 

ll  \  I 

II  -  141. 

H  177,271 

ll  i  l". 

Si 
Harp*  i  ■ 

II  ;  Daniel, 

J,f.  .1  J  'bin. 

J    1 1  ii.i.i.  .ir  679 :  Le\  i.  6     ;  Mo- 
tes, Ji    667;    M ,  3d    I ~  ;    Rohcrl, 

-  imuel,    610  ;    Thaddeus,    I 
Thomas, 

Harris,  Franr  610;    Robert,   9 ; 

\\ 

1 1         "ii.  Benjamin,  7  0. 

II. in.  John  U 

II  ,  151.  196,  198. 

Hariwell,  Joseph,  610  ;  Josiah,  61  '. 

Harvard  Colli 
510,530    ••! 

1 1  i  r  \  bv,  Josiah,   I  19 

II   rwich    I  ■ 

II   i    ird,  ll.  82,   177, 

Haskell,  Francis,  M4;   Robert,  364, 
Haskins,  William,  5 16. 

1 1  i-    tig  -I  J  75;     Jona- 

than.     .'I.    174, 

I;    S 281,     ! 

Steward  521,  i73  .  W  liter,  149. 
II  N     ■  Seth,  11. 

Hatfield.  10  79   17/    ." 
II  iven,   Davi  I    610  :    Elias,   679  ;    John, 
I     J  Ii). 

Haverhill,  1.78,13 

;  .:     i  , 

Hawley   10. 

II  ,J        >h,  10. 1  ■ :    10,  15, 

101,  106    III.   174, 
■  311  i 

I  I    100,  l  'l    ll       i ::     134,  4  11, 
■ 
Haw       J  14 

ll 

II  iv.  James,  610. 
II  lyden,  Samuel, 

Haynes,  Joseph,  •'•.  615:  Joshua,  Jr. 
J      .  .  ■  i      Samui     . 


ii-h.u\ .    1 1  .    Dan  el,  ir 

J ph     l  ■  ■   1 16, 

; 

.,i     11 ..  564    62      631,  63      ■  •■ 


II    rward,  Jam         I      1 

171  .  Ph  neh  is,  1 1 
Haywood    \\ 
i;    ., 
ii      ,.  lo 

ll        ...  Thomas,  Jr.  I 
II    ufa    Wi.liam   7.   16    17,  1 

II- 
■i 
ll  i  IlOj    Daniel, 

II.  in 

1 1  en  lerson,  Hugh,  I- J. 

I  leodrii  k   J..-. 

I  |i  in i«-k .  l-i 

II  .  .     M    ■•■  n  I'    ■  ek   7m 

1 1    ishaw,   I)  mirl,  I '  iniel,  ir 

J 

; 

\\'  widi  mi.'  i'h! 

101 
H        k.  Capi    161, 
Hewes   J       ph,  7 10. 
Hey  wood,  John,  610;  Pbinehns,  62     631  ; 

'    ipl   .'-17. 
Hieks    I  581     Jonathan,  309, 315- 

317,  105  ;  John,  I 
1 1  _  g  nsnn,  Stephen,  . 
H  Ulreih,  William 
Hill,   Eliph  .I.  i   .1  ihn,    136  ■.    R 

528  550,  610;  Thomas   610 
II  nekley,  Aaron,    136,  R       u      341, 

343 
II 

II  i  10.715  711 

Hinsdale,  Sunn.  I.  7:'.  275, 
Hitchcock,  Gad,  I 
II  lar,  John,  671. 1         0       r,610 
11      in,  Israel 

Vi  hemiah,  610;  Samuel,  ll  I. 
ll  i:  JIT. 

Hodgkins,  I'll 
1 1      rook,   Luki  N      nan,   1.'.  6 

III. 
Holden.  II.  82,    11 

643 
Holden,    Ibner,  14;  Asa, (10;  Benjamin, 

It;  William,  205,  G05. 
Hog,  Capl    81 
1 1":.'  Ulaud,  5  lo. 
ll    land,  in. 

Hollislon, '.».  79,  176.  "  158. 

Holman,  Jonathan,  848,  628 
II s,  John      ...  .  W    :  im,     I,  I   0,  1  II. 

173 

i  105,     12, 

151,    l.l.    160,    ;  l  .  Wil- 

li nil   .i      iun,l  15. 
Holien,  Samuel,  8,   16,   17 

105,    106,   ISd.    140,    l  i         185, 

I    ii-       !     ■ 

10,   841,   644,   :~.\. 
321, 

I  Ii..  . ii-. .  John 

II  .  \  well,  Zeruhahel  I 

Hooper,   Robert,  36;   Stephen,  34S,  380, 
381 ;  Thomas,  621  j  William,  7 10. 


768 


INDEX. 


Hopkins,  Daniel,  274,  281,  332,  334,  362, 
3(54,  381,  382,  403,  411,  417,  418,  420, 
447,  4(50,  468;  Joseph,  254;  Mark,  141  ; 
Mr.  652;  Stephen,  133,  162,  163,  165, 
166,  167,  169,739 

Hopkinton,  9,  79,  176,  201,  202,  236,  240, 
275,  284,  286,  293,  306,  337,  352,  457. 

Hornsniiths,  6  k 

Horses,  495,  496,  570,  573, 576,  595,  597. 

Hosiery,  Domestic,  64. 

Hospitals,  355,  357,  360,  361,  375,  378, 
387,406,436,437,571,578. 

Hosrner,  Abner,  678  :  John,  667;  Stephen, 
672,  673;  William,  671,  672. 

Houghton,  Ezra,  637  638. 

Hovey,  John,  81,  206,  216,  279,  313,  411  ; 
Joseph,  615. 

How,  Edward,  252,  551,  553;  Ezekiel, 
609  ;  I.habod,  83,  228  ;   Doct.  566,  567. 

Howard,  James,  141  ;  Lemuel,  425. 

Howe,  Cyprian,  575;  Jonas,  82,  159; 
Samuel,'  11,  80.  94,  178,  187,  201. 

Howett,  Joseph,  490. 

Hubbard,  Israel,  10,  275,  390  ;  Jonas,  214  ; 
Philip,  298. 

Hubbardston,  14,  82,  177,  277,  336,  351, 
429,  459,  643. 

Hubbart,  Mr.  161. 

Hull,  7,  8,  77,  457,  483,  485,  436. 

Humphrey,  James,  535. 

Humphreys,  Charles,  740. 

Hunt,  Ebenezer,  Jr.  619,  621  ;  Jeremiah, 
16,  146,  John,  360,  387;  Joseph,  449; 
William,  487,  593. 

Huse,  John,  436. 

Hussey,  James,  610;  Stephen,  141,150. 

Hutchinson,  13,  82, 177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 
431,643. 

Hutchinson,  Foster,  36,  61,113;  George, 
675;  Thomas,  13,  224,  225,  232,  249, 
306.  445,  527,  532,  560,  585,  745  ;  Thom- 
as, Jr.  36. 

Hyde,  Caleb,  141,276. 

Ilsey,  Enoch,  655. 

Impost  Master,  236,  250,  260. 

Imports,  61,  66, 11 1. 

Impressment,  150,  558. 

Inches,  Henderson,  526. 

Indians,  151,  218,  307,  383.548;  Canadi- 
an, 707,  715,  716,  725,  752  ;  Cagnawau- 
ga,  372;  Falmouth,  477;  Mohawk,  116, 
118,  119;  Penobscot,  217,  225,226,228, 
356,  360,  362, 369, 370, 371 ,  372, 331 ,  332, 
386,  391,  392,  477,  480,  552;  Six  Na- 
tions, 311,  322,  335;  St.  Francois.  394  ; 
Siockbridge,  1 14,  1 15,  226,  311,  312, 453. 

Indigo,  57. 

Ingalls,  James,  8,  274,  431. 

Inglis,  Moses,  621 . 

Ingraham,  Duncan,  221,  664,  671,  672,  673, 
674,  675,  677  ;  John,  591. 

Innkeepers,  555,  til'.). 

Inspection,  Committees  of,  58. 

Intercepted  Letters,  298,  682,  683,  68  k 

Ipswich,  8,  78,  222,  223,  27  k  411,  412,  '157, 
615. 

Ireland,  373. 

Ireland,  Thomas,  567. 

Iron,  63,  573. 

Irving,  Thomas,  414. 

Islands,  5  15,  554. 

Jackson,  Giles,  15,  276. 


Jacobs,  Henry,  678. 

Jamaica  Fish,  362,  363,  382,  421,  449. 

Jaquith,  Benjamin,  610. 

Jay,  Joim,  739,  741. 

Jenkins,  Thomas,  546. 

Jennison,  Samuel,  14,  82,  221,  228,  623, 
631,  635,  638,  639  ;  William,  82. 

Jericho,  4.59. 

Jewett,  Abel,  9,  79,  275;  Dummer,  274, 
280,  285,  292,  305,  310,  332,  334,  368, 
382,  445,  451,  452,  453,  461,  484,  495. 

Johnson,  Edward,  274,  313,  317,  411,  446, 
467,  487;  Guy,  322,  335;  Josiah,  221, 
274,  290,  341,  410,  423,  445,  4(50,  474, 
493,  663,  665,  666,  668,  669,  670,  671, 
676;  Doct.  532;  Samuel,  180  ;  Thomas, 
740,  741. 

Johnston,  Selh.  595. 

Jones,  David,  11,278,  282,  291,  341,  355, 
368.  445,  447,  449,  460,  621 ,  622  ;  Ebene- 
zer, 80,  129;  Ephraim,523;  Ichabod,395, 
396,  399  ;  Isaac,  649,  650  ;  Joseph,  575  ; 
Josiah,  309,  315,  316,  317,  405  ;  Nathan- 
iel, 655,  656  ;  Stephen,  396  ;  Thomas, 
672,  673. 

Jordan,  Clement,  655  ;   Rushworlh,  436. 

Journal  of  Congress,  H4. 

Judges  of  the  Court  of  Inquiry,  262,  263. 

Justice,  Administration  of,  262,  729.  See 
Courts 

Justices,  602,  612. 

Keith,  Zephaniah,  12,  28,  29,  72. 

Kellog.;,  Russell,  79  ;  Samuel,  83,  276. 

Kendall,  Edward,  610;  Ezra,  275,  374; 
Paul,  494. 

Kennebeck,  300. 

Kennebunk,  222,  223. 

Kennebunk  Port,  12. 

Kettell,  James,  610. 

Keyes,  Dauforth,  248. 

Kimball,  George,  14;  Nathaniel,  223. 

King,  Benjamin,  12,  81,  279,  479;  Henry, 
13,  82,  276,  350,  421,  628,  631. 

Kingman,  Samuel,  535. 

Kingsbury,  Eleazer,  8,  77,  160,  252,  679. 

Kingston,  11,80,  103,  104,  278,  401,  4.58, 
513,621. 

Kinnym,  Mr.  679. 

Kinsey.  James,  740. 

Kirkland,  Rev  Mr.  116,  118. 

Kirkwood,  James,  343,  374,  378,  386. 

Kitterv,  12,  81,  279,  291,  411,  458. 

Kittredge,  Francis, 374;  Isaac,  286;  Thom- 
as. 149;  John,  572;  Doct.  549. 

Knight,  Enos,  615. 

Knowles,  Amos,  278,  280. 

Knox,  William,  275. 

Kollock,  Lemuel,  7,  77, 159,  178,  192,  234, 
236,  238,  251,  254,  261,  273,  317,  327, 
353,  358,  430,  431,  434,  436,  445,  452, 
453,  467,  479,  480,  484,  490,  493,  495, 
499,  583. 

Lake  George,  269,  270,  288,  709,  711,  712, 
717,721. 

Lammans,  James,  546. 

Lammon,  Moses,  484. 

Lancaster,  13,  82,  177,  256,  276,  336,  351, 
429,  431 ,  458,  516,  517,  518,  628,  643. 

Lane,  Ebenezer,  12,575;  Job,  678;  John, 
225,  22(5,  228,  356,  360,  362,  370,  371 , 
378,  381,  382,  385,  386,  391,  394,  477, 
480,  484,  552. 


INDEX. 


769 


Lanesborougli.  15,     1, 148,  IT/ 
I  io,  Rev.  S 


■  •  •  I  :  Timoih  i 


1 1 1 .   j  1 1 .    .'  i  I 

II.:.    161 
Lao  pr,  711. 

I  P 

I. ;n-  \ 

Laurie,  <  'apt, 
I  ■      \ 

I 

I.  184 

-- 
I  -     won,  12,  : 

\i  1,113. 

1  •      I  MO,  III. 

J 

•'"I"  15;  J        than, 

:    .Mr.    I 
i.     ...  I  lenr)  ,740,741  ;  W  illiam, 

:  I       las,  14,25 

ster,  13,  82,  1* 

I  J.  51  i.  516,    »17, 
643. 
I         ul,  Jonathan,  9  ;  Capt. 
I 
I.  -  ,.  14,82,  177, 

I lard,  Dm.  ■  il,   113;    Eliphalet, 

l  l  7,  40  j  Zephauiah, 

l  .  Samuel 

!        Dwell,  El  sha,  561 

Leverett,  10,11,  177.  276,  . 

I        s,  .1   h      15,  62,    III.    184,   I  --.    215, 

I  -  :7l.  157. 

Battle  of,   I  18,   150,   154,    155,    160, 

l  -:    194,    196,    SOI,   209     211,  2 
14    345,    152,  519, 
-694. 
I        len,  1". 
I  Spiril 

Light  House<,  251,  III.  142,  154. 
I 

I  .-In.    10,   i 

Lincoln.  Countj  of,  15,  111.  150, 

214  1,412,413 

I        .in.  Benjamin,  1. 6,  7.  15,   16,  3o,  77. 
84,  150,  198,  199,    I      520,  £45,  246, 
l,  370,  375,      II    394,   101, 
III.   I. vi.    III.    117.    !  183,   104, 

i— 513,515,51  Isaac,  7, 

Liuzey,  <  !apt    134,  753,  754,  - 
I 

Little,  Barnabas,  II       I,  163      . 1  .   M 

; 

615. 
Littlefield,  James,  132. 
Lull. -imi.  9,  79,    r 

157, 
I         Stock,  645. 
I        jston,  Petei  \    B  373  708,711,  " 

Philip,  740;  U       im    740. 
I  ink .  Benjamin,  667  ;  Reuben, ' 
Locke,  James,  610  j    Jonathan,  '.'.  610; 

Capt.  31 1. 

97 


J 

15, 27, 141 

Lou  i.  ni,  in.  , 

I 
I       (fellow,    J 

I  ■ .    \    •  .ii. 

I  D 

I  I  I"  .1      ■    in,  Jr. 

1  J 

..im.  J.l. 
II.   19,  52, 
I        ;        173,  11      i 
:li 

:  i.l 

.    .. 
I 

i. ii.  '.  15. 
I  i  j  J         615;  Major   849. 

-    inn.  I.  II 
Luckus,  K  chard 
I      How,  10,    0    I  l-'-8. 

Lundy,  Mi .  726 
Lunenburg,  14,82,171    -        277,  306,  336, 

351,  I  J:'.  159,  197,  628,  643 
I. v.n .in.  Elias,  10,  .13. 

Lvnch,  Thomas,  729,  7  In. 
Lynn,  135,   274,   111.    H2, 

Lyon,  Ja  i  !'>l. 

I  liaddeus,  646,  6  l  ' 
M  1,30 

105,  111.  II...  135,  154,  \&9 
M    :  ler,  >i  I. 
Madeira  Win. 
Maine,  135,  154. 
Major  G  10,324 

; 

ibigwaduce. 
M    .        .   -    Public,  93,  IJ7,  131     -I  ;.  -J83. 
Makepeace   ( iiT-linm,  1  1 
Maiden,  9, 7::    135,  274,  520, 

545. 
\|     -...> 
Manchester,  8,  i    ,11   ,274,  313,   ill.   LIS, 

157,  561 .  615 
M     damus  ( '.  17,  50, 

111.  112,  113,  116, 
640 
Mandell,   Paul,  II.  190,   201,  -'I-', 

Mann  n-.  R  i  hard,  17.  91,  113,  615 
Mansfield,  12,  81,  1  " 

iel,  615;  Joh  102,  270,  304, 

■  594,  615 
Manufactures,  62,   <■■'•.  64,  65, 

inn.  103,604 
Marble,  John,  610. 

Mi.rlil.-li.-a. I.  8  '  ,171, 

13.  411.  177, 

524,531,362,573,  594,615, 
M      h,  Jonath 

Marcy,  Jedediah,  638 ;  Mr.  113  :  Wi 

M   i    iorou«rh,  9  176     111 

318, 
Marr,  James,  - 
Marshall,  Ebenezer,  610 
Marshfield,  11,80,!  ■    I  158,621. 


770 


INDEX. 


Martin,  Josiah,  545  ;  Governor,  745. 

Maryland,  733,  740,  747. 

Massachusetts  Bay,  17,  23,  31,  265,  263, 

269,  727,  733,  739,  755. 
Address  to  Inhabitants,  69,  72,  91, 

255. 
Massachusetts  Spv,  4.  62.  131,  172,  173. 
Mason,  David,  373,  520.  569;  John,  13,  82, 

628,  688  ;  Tliaddeus,  221,  676  ;  Thomas, 

362. 
Masters,  Andrew.  615. 
Matrosses,  200,  220,  516,  550. 
Matthews,   Isaac,  703  3    Jabez,  217,  227, 

425,431,436. 
Maxwell,  Hugh,  11. 
May,  Ezra,  80. 

Mayhew,  Joseph,  13,  62,  72,  111,  144,  150. 
Maynard,  Ilezekiah,  610;  John,  609;  Ste- 
phen, 14.  82,  277,  290,  350, 628. 
McClary,  Major,  366. 
McCobb,  Samuel,  83,  192,  197,  206,215, 

220,  279,  324,  576. 
McCoy,  Capt.  715,  716. 
McDaniel,  Timothy,  141,  655,  656. 
McDougal,  Alexander,  695. 
McGee,  Thomas,  11. 
Mcintosh,  William,  273. 
McKinster,  Capt.  400,  401. 
McKisson,  John,  711. 
McLane,  Capt.  560. 
McLean,  Hugh,  228,  229. 
McLellan,  Joseph,  215. 
Meacham,  Ebenezer,  11. 
Mead,  Levi,  669;  Matthew,  688. 
Meads,  Abner,  668. 
Medfield,  7,  77,  256,  273,  352,  457. 
Med  lord,  9,  79,  275,  457,  493,  525,  528 

543,  545,  547,  574,  679. 
Medical  Commissary,  446,  448,  450,  530 

545. 
Medical  Stores,  323,  489,  506,  509,  512 

517,545. 
Medicines,  321,  323,  489,  597. 
Medumcook,  459. 

Medway,  8,  77,  176, 256,  273, 337,  352, 457 
Mellen,  Daniel,  610;  James,  9;  Thomas 

9,  610. 
Meliicant,  Mr.  551,552. 
Melviu,  Ephraim,672,  673. 
Mendon,  13,  82,  177,  256,  276,  336,  351 

429,  451,436, 458,516,  517,518,  628,  643 
Menotomv,  515,  571. 
Menotomv  River,  542. 
Mensh,  J."  5 16. 
Merriam,    Benjamin,   688  ;    Nathan,   610 

Silas,  615. 
Mcrril,  Abijah,  166,  4G7  ;  John,  83. 
Merrill,  Isaac,  8,  78  ;  Winthrop,  615. 
Metcalf,  Stephen,  77. 
Methuen,  8,  78.  271.  157,615. 
Middleborough,  11,  80,  256,  278,  337,  352, 

158,  621. 
Middlesex  County,  8,  23,  62,  78,  1 10,  176, 

256,  274,  337,  352.  353,  4-57,  459,  479, 
649,609-61  t,727,  755. 
Middleton,  8, 78, 274,  157,615. 
Middleton,  Henry   1  in. 
Mifflin,  Thomas,  725,  7  Hi. 
Midiil,  Nathaniel,  8,  78,  271,386,  416.  117. 

1 1 1 5 . 
Militia,  94,  93,  99,  109,  136,  im.   193,  512, 
56!  1,  571. 


Militia  Arms  and   Equipments,  34,  48,71, 

99,  103,  209.  210. 

• Discipline,  34,  48,  71,  103,  146. 

Call. 11-  out,  90,  112,  202,  21!  ,  241, 

490,  510,  572,  748. 

Organization,  33,  34,  47,  152,  243, 


414,  520,  522. 

■  Officers,  33,  47,  72,  90,   167,  168, 


377,414,521,377. 
Military  Exercise,  34,  41,  48,  50,  67,71,74. 
Miles,  Charles,  679. 
Miller,  Charles,  542;  Jacob,  584;  James, 

678  ;  John, 6 M. 
Mills,  Amos,  679;  Benjamin,  80,  191,  192, 

197,  201  ;  Elisha,  679. 
Mills  &  Hicks'  Newspaper.  650. 
Milton,  7,  77,  94,   135,  273,  322,  445,  457, 

510,585,601 
Ministers,   158,  250,  281,  283,  284.     See 

Clergi/men. 
Minot,  Jonathan,  610;  Timothy,  Jr.  549, 

674 
Minute  Men,  137,  140      See  Militia. 
Mitchel,  David,  279,  655,  656;  Jonathan, 

655. 
Mitchell,  Edward,   11,  80,  141,  247,   278, 

313,  321,  358,  412,  423,  431,  434,  436, 

444.  415.  463,  465,  466,  469,  483,  511, 

512,514,621;  Nathan,  621. 
Mohawk  Indians,  116,118,  119. 
Moheakounuck  Indians,  31 1.312. 
Molasses,  57,  417,  485,  487,  736. 
Molleneaux,  William,  432. 
Moncrief,  Lieut.  726. 
Moneys,  Public,  19,  38,  39,  45,  46,  65,  G6, 

113,11 4,  146      See  Bills  of  Crtdit. 
Monitors,  84,  150,  165,  233,  Sol. 
Monson,  10,  11,  80, 177,  275,  337,  351,  430, 

458. 
Montague,  10,  80,  177,275,  337,  351,  430, 

458. 
Montgomery,  10. 
Montreal,  51,  59,  372,  751. 
Moor,  Matthew,  500. 
Moore,  John,  610;  Willard,  644,  646,  647, 

650;  Major,  366. 
More,  Francis,  403,  410. 
Mortis,  Edward,  223. 
Morse,  Moses,  276. 
Mortars,  507,  508.     See  Ordnance. 
Morton,    Briant,  83,   279,   300,   350,   352, 

374,  501,  655;  John,  740;  Thomas,  444, 

415,449. 
Moseley,  John,  10,  79,  141,  172,  199,  201, 

204,  206,  275,  488,  495,  499. 
Mosman,  James,  9. 
Mothskin,  Jehoekakin,  115. 
Molt,  Edward,  233,  696,  697,  698,  712. 
Moulton,  Thomas,  655. 
Mourning  Apparel,  737. 
Mowat.  Henry,  217,  218,  219,  237,  397,402. 
Mulliken,  Lydia,  178,693;  Nathaniel,  567, 

667. 
Munroe,  Benjamin,  671,  672;  Ebnezer,  Jr. 

679;   James.  573,  595;   Jedediah,  679; 

John.  Jr.  668,  669;  Marretl,  693  ;  Rob- 
ert, 679;  Timothy,  679;  William,  693, 

694;  William,  3d'.  668. 
Murray.   Daniel,  463,  465;   John,  36,  61, 
113,639,640;  Rev.  John,  129,  139,  141. 

1 17,  119, 150, 158,  160,  162  169, 170,  172, 

178.  203,  431  ;  Samuel,  166. 


1NDKX. 


771 


Murrayfield,  10,  ll.  80,  177,:..;:. 
Mustei    Masters,   I  0,    191,  197,  1 

204,  20  1,245,24  I,  260 
Muzzy,  A  •      I  .'.'  j    John, 

.  \\  illiam,  -'77. 
Natl« 

Nantucket,  13.     See  Sherburne. 
Nantucket  County,   13,  81,   III.   150, 

158    159 
ticket  Island,  313,31  I.  147,  170 
N     :  igaugus,  II  5,  1 18,  135. 
N  ish    L)a  lie),  10;  Stephen,   II  J. 
Nason,  Robert,  I   I 
Mai  158. 

N  mshan  Island, 
Vn  al  Stores,  5 16. 
Nazro,  \..ih  in  el. 
Neat,  Thorn  i  .  I .'.'i.  131. 
Needham,  8,  77,  !  »40,679. 

Nelson,  Nathaniel,  - 
Ni     lit,  Lieut  Col.  I  12,  I  13. 
New  Boston,  159 
N    ■   Bi  linlree,  I  I,  82,  127,  J77.  336,  351, 

129,  131,  159,643 

V  «     ii  t,    III,   H2,  157, 

615. 
Newburvport,  8,78,  I  18,  158  I,  256, 

17,   ill.    il_\   157,  520, 
615 
\         islle,   I  5,  8  I,  216,  159  ;  Province  of. 

D  :  tware,)  ',->•.  740. 
Newell,  Andrew,   132,  552;  Timothy,  132. 
Newfoundland,  313,  170. 
New  ( floucestei .  15! '.  655. 
Newhall,  <  '.'Mi  649,  650  ;  Mr.  515. 
New  Hampsh  re,   135,   136,   137,  138,  148, 
I  19,  161,  162,22-1  -1       0   .    i 

I,  I,  30  I,  307, 

I,   H1'    III.   147,   160, 
11 1.  521,522,  706,  739,  741, 
New  Jersey,  707,  733,  7  10. 

V  m  Marlborough,  I  J,  83,  177.  I 
Newport,  169,  170. 

New  Providence,  I II.  1 12. 

New  Salem,  10,  11,  80,  177,  576    337,  351, 

130,  15  :. 

Newspapers,  II  I,  H5,  II  I,  171.  196,6    I 

N  iwton,  9,  78    135,  51 1,  157,  540 

\    i  Jfork,  Cily,  726  ;    Province  of,    161, 

171.  216,  258,  2 

695, 

705,  708,  711,  7:.;,  724,  i 

739.  7lo.  711.717 
Nichols,  Israel,  11.:::.  234, 

364,  31  l.    120,  421,  4 

l  13,  184;  Join.,  071';  Thomas,  252,  511, 

Nicholson,  Col    -    I 
Nimham,  Abraham,  1 16 
\  ire 
Nixon,  Col.  John,  294,  295,  - 

Noble,  James,  161,  188,  190,  191,  193 

718. 
Noddle's  Islai 
Non-Consumption, 25,  .'7.  10  6,57, 

08.' 
Non-Imporiaii  I,  G53, 

659 
Norfolk  County,  7  .  I 
Norridgewc 
Norris,  Edward,  - 


North,  Joseph,  83  Lord, 

'.  16. 
North  Carolina,  733,  7  in.  746. 
N     ih  Yarmouth,  I.  lid 

\     luamplon,  10,  79,  177,  :,  351, 

Nonhborough,  14,  82    177, 

129    131    ■    ■ 
Northbri  I      I 

Norlhfielcl",  10,  II.  80,    I   9,   177, 

151,  H7,  l  0 
Norton,  12,  81. 11  I  56. 

b,   141,  S  -    muel, 

Norwi  h,  11. 

Mod      '  .      See  fl         f  C 

i  Scotia,  313,  105, 
M  oyes,  D 

Numbei  Four,  I"-1 
Nurse,  William, 
Nutting,  John 
N         ElUha  i  Josi  ph,   3d 

:    \  nh  in,  -  51  :  Stephen    12.62    III. 
i 
112,  I  :..  I  11. 
( lakes,  Syl\  anus, 
I  I     ham,  14,     -'.   177, 
131,  158,  643. 

-.  I   9,  II  l,  I    ,  501 
Obrian,   Jeremiah,  I.    135;    John, 

III.  115. 
0  124,127,128, 

I  l.;.   150,   160,   16  I,    167,   l         II       199, 

21  l.   532    233,  242,  i 

II  I.  II...  167,  17:  1,541,581 
< Irowu  oilu-t  i-.  166,  i    I, 

Oil,  63,  251, 

Oliver,  Amir.-'.        .  Daniel       7;  Lt.G 
P  61,    113,  i: 

57o  ;  Thorn  ■  :  ;  \\  illiam,  401. 

t  (range,  10. 

!.  95,  110,  171. 

Si<  30,   171,   - 

719,  720. 

Store  l>. 

Organ,  Thomas,  i  »97. 

Orne,   Izor,  8,  19,    0 

61,1  153, 

160,  I.  274,   21 

341,  540, 

545  i  615; 

J  1, 348, 615 

id,  Samuel,  Jr    7:;.  108,  III.  113,  117, 
i    »,  136, 140 
Oswald,  Capt.  701. 
Otis,  J  imes,  36,  37,  l"  ;  Joseph, 

I,  303,  305,  317,  326,  ! 
333,  338,  341  111, 

Oxford,  13,82,  177.  ,351,  129, 

131,  158,628,643. 
d  Cnu  itj    l  ! 
Paca,  W  i!  am,  740. 
Paddock,  Major,  511. 
Padleford,  Mr.  651 
Page,  William 

161,  I;  w  illiam,  Jr.   ll 
Paine,  Robert  Treat,  I  -'.  19  I 


772 


INDEX 


86,  95,  96.  97. 101 ,  105, 109,  170, 185, 278, 
739;  Rev  Mr  649;  Samuel,  212,  214, 
639,  641 ;  Timothy,  36,  637,  638  ;  Wil- 
liam, 634. 

Palfrey,  Mr.  419,  420 

Palmer,  10,  11,  80,  177,  276,  337,  351,  430, 
453. 

Palmer,  George.  711;  Joseph,  7,  19,  20, 
25,  27, 28, 29. 3.3. 40, 52,  61 .1.2.  77. 84, 89, 
95,  101,106,  107.  144,  149,  152,  191,  '  , 
210,  241,  246,  273,  281,  293,  3.50.  332, 
362,433,434.  160,  L86,  490,  498,  505  8, 
512-15,  526.  527,  5211,  530,  538,  540.  5  15, 
550,  551,  555,  556,  568.  573,  575,  583, 
601,604,605;  Jo-eph  Pierce,  332,  530, 
5.36,  596  ;  Thomas,  36. 

Paneles,  57,  736. 

Paper,  64,  94,  228,  369,  549,  651. 

Pardra,  John,  500. 

Park,  Samuel,  284,  610. 

Parker,  Andrew.  628;  Asa.  678;  Daniel, 
449;  Ebenezer,  667;  John.  664,  665, 
667,  668,  670;  John,  300;  Jonas.  668; 
Jonas,  679  ;  Jonathan,  679  ;  Joseph.  610; 
Joshua,  578;  Oliver,  578;  Timothy,  14, 
82,  187,  231.  277,  292,  300,  303,  332, 337, 
366,  378,  382,  393.  401,  405,  417,  416, 
451,452.  462,  484,  4S9. 

Paikhurst.  Joel,  275;  Nathaniel,  668. 

Parks.  Elisha,  10,79,  275,  305,  317,  321, 
355,  356,  358,  374;  Isaac,  671. 

Parliament,  Arts  of,  58,  602,  603,  610,  fill, 
612,616,  619,  623,  626,  630,  652,  729, 
732,  734,  735,  736,  739. 

Parry,  Edward,  203,  214,  386,  397,  402; 
Mr.  332,  375. 

Parsons,  Isaac,  655,656;  Samuel  H.  239  ; 
Solomon,  615  ;  Solomon,  Jr.  530;  Tim- 
othy, 436  ;   Capt.  209.  680,  681. 

Partridge,  George,  11,  62,  80,  85,  160,  173, 
178,  185,  191,  193,  195,  199,  201,  203, 
278,  283,  286,  291,  298,  300,  309,  315, 
325,  326,  337,  340,  399,  403,  404,  411, 
416,  417,  419,  420,  445,  446,  452,  453, 
456,  479,  621,  622. 

Partridgefield,  15,  83,  459. 

Pass  to  and  from  Boston,  175,  197,  529. 

Patch,  Samuel,  375,  574;  John,  3d.  615. 

Patten,  Nathaniel.  254. 

Patterson,  John.  15.  29,  83,  94,  96,  98,  99, 
106,  114,  115,  116,  118,  141,  150,  204, 
270,  296,  361,  400,  401,  558,  563,  564, 
582 

Paulet  River,  717. 

Paxion,  13.82.  177,277.313,314,336,351, 
429,  131,  458,  628,643. 

Paxion,  Charles,  316. 

Peck,  John.  221. 

Peddlers,  101,  102. 

Pierce,  Benjamin,  679;  Nathan,  672;  Sol- 
omon, 668,  679 

Pelham,  10,  80,  177,  337,  351.  430,  458. 

Pembroke,  11.80,  lO.i.  101,  J78.   i.V;,  621. 
Pendleton,  Edward,  72  I.  740. 
Penn,  Governor.  745,  746,  747. 
Pennsylvania,  733, 7 10. 
Penniman,  James.  535. 
Penobscot,  371,377.435. 

Indians,  217,  356.  360,  362,  369, 

371,392,477.  180,  I"  I,  552. 
Pepperell,  9.  79,  176,  275,  337,  352,  457. 
Pepperell,  William,  36,  61,  113. 


Pepperelborough,  12,  81,  458. 
Perham,  Lemuel,  610  ;  Samuel,  9. 
Perkins,  Ephraim,  309;  Richard,    11,  62, 

80,  133,  136,  156,  192,212,215,210,261, 

306. 
Peilev,  Asa,  78,  212,  274,  283,  342,  360, 

363,  411,  416,  467,  479,  615;  Thomas, 

615. 
Perry,  Abel,  610;  Abner,  9,  79,  275,  358, 

471,  493;  Daniel,  273;  Ephraim,  335; 

Jacob,  575;  Mr.  139. 
Percy,  Earl,  178,662,681. 
Persontown,  83,  459. 
Peru,  15. 

Peters,  Rev.  Samuel,  21,  22. 
Petersham,  14.  82.  177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 

459,  628,  643. 
Pettingil,  Benjamin.  273. 
Petty  Chapmen,  101,  102. 
Phelps,  Elijah.  703  ;  Elisha,  281,  290,  293, 

310.  315,  406.  719  ;  Noah,  696,  698. 
Philadelphia,  463 
Phillips,  Biidget,378,  387;  Samuel, 36, 37, 

40,  274, 288,  296,  297,  332,  334,  366,370, 

381,  382,   399,  401,  418,  420,  427,  441, 

467,  479,  481,  483,  486,  490,  493,  495, 

498,  500;  William,  36 
Phinnev.  Edmund,  355,  356,  358,  368,  375, 

378,  "379,  383,  386,  390,  413,  554,  564, 

565,  655 
Phipps,  Aaron,  610;  Col.  548. 
Pickering,  John,  Jr.  8,   19,  20,  25,  52,  56, 

65,66,67,77,84,93.95,105.208,211,274, 

297,  308,  326,  333,  361,  362,  370,  373, 

374,  375,  376,  377,  391,  392,  397,  404, 

411,  437,  442,  445,  446',  476,  481,  486, 

615,  618;    Capt.   Timothy,  67,  74,  285, 

615. 
Pierce,  Abijah,   10,  610;    Benjamin,  610  ; 

Isaac,  572;  Josiah,  10,201. 
Pigeon,  John,  9,  48,  52,  67,  89,  238,  240, 

241,  242,  361,  362,  410,  417,  505,  606, 

507.  509-16,  518,  520,  576,  577. 
PilKbury,  Caleb,  274,  361,  615. 
Pimento,  57,  736. 
Pitts,  James,  36,  40  ;  John,  77,  84,  89,  102, 

105,  140,  221,  224,  228,  232,  273,  280, 

308,  370,  444,  447,  456. 
Pittsfield,  15,  83,  177,459,491. 
Pittston,  15. 
Pitcaim,  Maj.  680,  681. 
Plimpton,  Thomas,  9,  78,   274,   317,  347, 

318,  380,  381,  423.  450,  480.  516.  609. 
Plymouth,   11,  80,  103.  104,223,278,400, 

40 1 ,  402,  423,  433,  442,  458,  513,  560, 

621. 
County,  7,  23,  62,  72,  141,  150,  177, 

337,  352.  353,  376,  411,  412,  458,  459, 

479  621-5  "55. 
Plympton,  11,  80,  278,  458,  621,  622. 
Pollard,  Solomon.  610. 
Pollv,  William,  679. 
Pomeroy,  Seth.   10.  19,  20,22,29,35,51, 

52,  59,  67,  72,  79,  90,  94,  117,  130,  139, 

141,  111,  150. 
Pond.  Joseph.  178. 
Pool,  Samuel^  573;  Mark,  340. 
Poor,  Thomas,  309. 
Poor.     See  Boston.  Charlestown. 
Population  of  Massachusetts,  61,  755. 
Port  Bill,  52,  54,  59,  95. 
Porter,  Elisha,  141, 191,  275,  292,  299,  300 


INDEX. 


— » 


804,  305,  309,  31  I 

400,    104,   182,   186,   W9,  493,   195,   198, 

546,648,564  ;  Tyler,615;  Capt.  WO,  101. 

Porl uli.  Nil  122. 

I  ■  ,  212,  223,  171,  172. 

Posl  Masters  171,  592. 

Post  Offict  -.    ■ 

i  rs,  2( ■;;.   209,  219,  220,  221, 

2 :  i  5 18. 

Pole,  Caj  i    T.i. 
Poller,  William,  167. 

Powell,  J<  remiah,  36,  .'.7.    10,  6685   Wil- 
liam. :  19, 5(  6. 
Pownal,  Fori, 
Pownalsborough,    15,  83,  210,  211,  21G, 

279  399    135 
I  I,  90, 

217,    'I::,   219,   237,  355,  I 
6,    177.   180,  501,  5 
I;  John,  226. 
PrescuU,  Abel,  Jr.  679:  James,  9,   19,  20, 
,37,    l  I,    19,  62,  79,  B6,  II  5,  109, 

139,   1  in.   150,  255,   270,   r  91, 

303,  503    31:     33  I,  340, 
.).  401,    104,    111.    H8    515, 

576,  610,  61  I  ;   John,  628  ;  Oliver,  610, 

(ill  ;  William,  9,375,6       581        L 587, 

610. 
i         lents  of  Congress,  16,  83,  I  19,   150, 

174,  17;:.  ;;.;.  366,357,494. 
Preston,  Edward,  604. 
Pi  ice,  James,  752  ;  .Mr.  707. 
Prince,  (a  negro,)  61 
Princeton,    1  I.  82.    177.   177  ..:.">!.  129. 

459,587,628,643. 
Pris.  ners,  166,  172,  235,300,301,  303,306, 

315,  316,   189,   1-90,    1-91,   193,    195,    197, 

499,  500,  5  10,  532,  595  I       .    American, 

184,  189,  232,  104,  108 
Proclamations  for  Fast,  384,  390,392. 

Governor  Gage's,  3,  1.  5  330,331. 

of  Provincial  Congress, 344. 

Procter,  .Mr.  381. 

Prospect  Hill.  433,575. 

Providence.  166,  169,  222. 

Provincelowo,  12,  8  I 

Province  Monej  s,  65,  66. 

Provisions,    HO,    111,    H8,    169,  505,  610, 

516,  570,583. 
Prout,  Eben<  zer,  321,  3 
Putnam,  Aaron,  149;  Edward,  13;  Enoch, 
i  ;  Henry,  679;  G<  n.  Israel,  191,  182, 

561   581,  68"  ■:  James, 639, 640 3  Nathan, 

679;  lYHrv.  679. 
Pynchon,  Charles,  10;  George,   10;  Wil- 
liam. ,lr   79 
Quartet    Master   General,  530,   532,   534, 

5  1  ■' ; . 
Quebec.  51, 59,  98,99,  100,  227,  313,710, 

725, 
Quincy,  Edmund,  132,585;  Col.  220,560; 

.Mr.  1  17  ;  Norton,  35,  36,  88,  89. 
Rag  1,94. 

Ramsdi  II,  Abednego,  679  ;  Joseph,  621. 
Ri     I,  Isa  tc,  106,  164  .  Thomas,  610. 
Randolph,  Peyton,  7.;i .  7.'.'.' 
Rawson,   Abner,  277  ;  David,  7.  77.  111. 

236  ;  Edward,  13,  82,  1 10,  1 1'.'.  168,  17'.'. 

198,   19  I,    »1,   203,   208,  228,  229,  234, 

WJ,  62  ..  <  ■  5,  637.638. 
Raymond,  JohnV>79. 


Raynl  am   12.81    171  626. 

i:,      .1,  hu,  11. 

Read,  George  678;  Gi  nrge,  740  ;  J.  bn,9f 

7'.'.  '.I";    I  I as.  300;    William,   II  1, 

670,  671,1  72  f»74 
Reading   '.'.  7:; 
Receivi  1  G<  n<  ral,  36, 

HU,   113,  185,  181 

-    ■    Gardner, 
II-  a-  a. 
Reci  '  II. 

Keen.  I 

I  615. 

\  •  1  In  I.  678  ;    David.    135;    Is 
694  ;   .  ,11;    J.—,, 1  248, 

586,  J  Jt 

.  \\  ill  am,  Jr 
I:  337,348  l,  148,461, 

470, 
Rehobolh,  12,81,  177,  278,  337, 

Rem  ngion,  John. 

Representation  ol   Colony,  40,   198,  208, 

Representative  359,  642. 

I  nrs  126,  591,  649. 

Revere,  Paul.  244 

390,  399,    104,    I  'I.    137,   111. 

I7J.  17.;. 
I!.  \  nolds,  Nathaniel  621 
Rhode  Island.  135,  136,  137,  149    151 

30!:.  7,    H6,   H  530,  537, 

.  726,  739,  749. 
Rhodes,  JaiiM 

K  1  •  .  Stephen,  1  I.  277,  6  !8  ;  Thomas, 436. 
I:  -    ..ion.!.  15,  83    177.  276,  159. 
Richmond,   Ezra,    27 

..  326,  333,  340,  347,   123,   130, 
.  134,  III,  I  Hi,   149,   165;  Nathaniel, 

Richardson,   David,    575;    Edward,   552, 

(172  ;    IIiiiin  .  .775  ;   Moses.  I 

Ridge,  Benjamin,  I 

•-.  Declaration  of,  50,  56,733-5. 
Riots,  605. 620,  627,650,659. 
Ripley,  William,  622. 
Ri\     »ton,  J  ames,  26. 
Rivingtou's  Gazetteer 
Robbius,  John.  665,  666,  679  ;   EliphaJet, 

Rnherson,  Col.  85. 

Robinson,   Bradbury,   675  ;    James, 
Lemuel,  7.  17.  29,  50,  273,  296,  303 

39,    (42,  352,   166,  167, 
171.   17.;.    19  ill,  515, 

516,  563,  605;  Timothy,  1 1,  275. 

Rochester,  11.  80,  278,  U2,  i.    .    21. 
k.John, 

I '  1       •  ir.  7  |H 

Rog<  rs,  I',  liel,  .Ir  610  ;  Jacob,  591  ;  Wil- 
liam, 211. 

R ans,  Bernard,  264,  696,700,  7m.  ' 

Ki'uv elo,  Monsieur, 

Ropes,  Jonathan .  Jr.  8,  77. 

Rose,  Prince,  - 

Ros  -.  <  ieorge,  7  In. 

Rosseter,  < ;ol.  •'» 1 1. 

Round,  Nathan,  5* 

Rowe,  10. 

Rowe,  John,  340,  134. 


774 


INDEX. 


Rowley,  8,  78,  86,  274,  457.  615. 
Roxbury,  7,  74,  77,  108,  116,  135,  146,  1  17. 

17:3,  256.  257.  27.1,  305.  322.  366,  375, 

457,510,513  537,540.541,1.71*. 
Royal,  Elizabeth,  57.5 ;  I-aac.  36. 
Royalists,  68,  636,  638,  641.  612.  647. 
Royalists,  14,  82,  177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 

469,  643 
Ruddock.  John,  572. 
Rubles.  John,  31.5;  Nathaniel,  254  ;  Tim- 

othv,  36,  61,  68,  113,  634.  639,  640,  647. 
Rum,  511. 
Russell.  F.phraim.432;  James,  36.61,  236, 

250.  251,  260.  286,  442.  451  ;  Ja>on,678  ; 

Jeremiah.  587  -,    Peter.  615 ;  Philip,  667  ; 

Seih  678  ;  Thomas,  363. 
Rudierford,  John,  546 
RuUedge.  Edward.  740;  John,  740,  741. 
Rutland.  13,  82.  177,  276,  336,  351,  429, 

431.408.497,643. 
Rutland  District,  13,  459,  628 
Sabbath,  320,  333,  342,  349,  368,  392,  569. 
Saco,  12. 
Sadler,  Abiel,  14,  82,  277,  352,  452,  453, 

579. 
Safety.  Committee  of   32,  33,  35,  42,  48, 

88.  89.  96,  97,  100,  143,  147,  148,  150, 

164,   185,  218,  225,  235,  236,  238,  240, 

241,  242,  301,  406,  419,  424,  427,  470, 

490,  498,  505,  514,  538,  550,  551,  555, 

561,  5156.  579,  580,  698,  7  0,  701,  703, 

70S,  711,  712,  724,  748,  751,  752,  753. 
Sale,  John,  273 
Salem,  3,  4,  7,  8.  31,  43,  46",  52,  77,  152, 

158,  222,  223,  274,  285,  305,  306,  411, 

412,  421,  457,  477,  486,  520,  535,  615, 

613,  679. 
Salisbury,  8,  78,  274,  41 1 ,  412,  457,  615. 
Salt,  64,  490  495. 
Saltpetre,  63,  9S,  100,  291.  354,  417,418, 

421. 
Samson,  Elizabeth,  691. 
Sandf'ord.  12,  158,458. 
Sandisfield,  15,  83,  177.  276.  459. 
Sandwich,  12,  81,  223,  278,  392,  434,  437, 

458. 
Sanderson,  Elijah.  662  ;    Samuel,  668. 
Sanger,    David.    584,  586,  587,  588,  597, 

610;    Richard,  78,  610;   Samuel,  474, 

587. 
Sargent,   Nathaniel   Peaslee,  78.  139,152; 

Col.  547 
Satterlee,  William,  466,  718. 
Savage,  Samuel  P.  9. 
Saunders,  Mr.  206. 
Sawver,  Aaron,  620,647;  Ebenezer,  141, 

228,231  ;  Ephraim,  628;  John,  86.  91; 

Doct.  197,  198,  199,  204,208,221,226, 

255,  286,  290,  294,  299,  318,  362,  373, 

383,  396,  411,  412. 
Sawlell,  Josiah,  610  ;  Obediah,  610. 
Saver,   Ebenezer.   12,  62,  65,  81,  85,  91, 

255,  280,  291,  310,  314,  318,  321,  325, 
326,  363,  368. 
Scammons,  Col.  James,  270,  291,  557,  563, 

582,  590. 
Scarborough,  15.  83,  279.  413,  459,  655. 
Schuvler,  Gen    Philip.  726 
Sciiualc,  II,  80,  93,  98,  103,  104,  278,  458, 

621. 
Scollav,  John,  476,  477.  478,  481. 
Scott.  Benjamin,  Jr.  531;  Samuel,  435. 


Sea  Coasts,  313,  317,  355,  402,  106,408, 
411,  412,  425,  426,  431,  448,  554. 

Seaport  Towns,  291,  293,  294,  488,  492, 
521. 

Seaver,  Elijah,  679. 

Secretary  ot  Colony,  22,  55. 

of  Provincial  Congress,  16.  84,  149, 

150,  161,  214,  273,  289,  320,  357,  161, 
464,  467,  468. 

Sedgwick,  Theodore,  652,  655. 

Selectmen.  34.  99. 

Serjeant.  John,  615;  Paul  Dudley,  374, 
522,591;  Wimhrop,  332 ;   Col.  540.  565. 

Sessions,  Darius,  133,  157,  169. 

Sever,  Joseph,  565;  Shubael,  565;  Wil- 
liam, 36,  37,  40.  51,  273.290,294.295. 
305,  308,  309,  317,  324,  330,  332.  338, 
350. 

Sewall,  Hummer,  141.452,436;  Jonathan, 
346.  588  ;  Professor,  298,  418. 

Sharon,  7. 

Shaw.  Elijah,  541;  Solomon,  544;  Wil- 
liam, 435. 

Shawamei,  12,  453. 

Sheep,  495.  496.  659,  737. 

Sheffield,  15,  83,  177,276.459. 

Shelburne,  10,  79,  177,  276,  337,  458. 

Shepherd,  David,  295. 

Sheppard,  Alexander,  432,  4  43.  418,453, 
517,712. 

Sherburne,  9.  78,  176,  275,  457. 

Sherburne,  (Nantucket,)  13,  81,  279,  458. 

Sherman,  John,  82  ;    Roger.  739. 

Shewslmry,  14,  82,  177,  256,  277,  336,  351, 
429.  431",  459,  497,  628,  643. 

Shillaber,  Robert,  413,  421;  William,  274, 
406,  463.  464,  466,487,  6 15. 

Shirley,  9,  79.337,  352,  457. 

Shirre'tr,  William.  309,  320. 

Shovels,  393,  471',  474,  489,  506,  574. 

Shutesburv,  10,  11,  80,  177,276,337,450, 
458. 

Sibley,  John.  399. 

Sick  and  Wounded,  436,  437,  445,  455,527. 

Simmins,  J   5  16 

Simmons,  Jonas,  578  ;  Joshua,  621. 

Simonds.  Joseph.  667. 

Simpson,  Jonathan,  36. 

Sinclair,  Nathaniel,  435. 

Singletarv,  Amos,  82,  276,  292,  326,407, 
414,416,420,421,428,628. 

Skeenborough,  529,  695,  696,  700,701,  704, 
717. 

Skene,  Majoi  Philip,  696,  700,  717.  725, 
726. 

Skinner.  Thomas,  500. 

Slave  Trade.  736. 

Slaves,  29.  302.  553,  736. 

Slead,  Phihp,  278,  280,  283,  352. 

Small  Pox,  293.  294,  406,  423.  499,  570, 
582.  .V  6. 

Smith,  Braddyl,  9,  72,78,  206.  275,  299, 
333,  349,  :m.  405,  450.  474  ;  Calvin,  248  ; 
Capt  315.  316;  Col.  (British  army,)  154. 
155.  661,  662,  679.  630,  681,  682;  Eb- 
enezer, 206,294 ;  Hezekiah,  276  ;  Isaac. 
292;  John,  528,  628;  John,  667;  Jona- 
than, 141;  Jonathan,  Jr.  692;  Joseph. 
558.  587;  Josiah,  9,  610;  Phineas,  10, 
173,  275,  667;  Parsons,  587;  Ranford, 
13,  23,62,  141;  Richard,  740;  Samuel. 
8,  78,  G15;  Capt.  Samuel,  8,  78,  173, 


INDIA 


lid 


615  ;  S  imuel,  II"  ;  Tboin  Tim- 

..  in .  669. 

I 

•  ;.  187,  i 

."7,   HO,    III.    H3, 
II  I.    II',.    117.    Hi 
171,    172     185.    i 

Edmund,  III    187,  535. 

-  ihampton,  10,  79,  177,  8  '■• 

3 

S(  u  h  trough,    I  1        !,  177, 
131,  169,  628,  '.I-. 

-  ,  Brimfield,  10,  80,  177  I 

158 

-  ili  Carolina,  7.; ;.  7  in. 

-  h  1 1. nil. -v.  Hi,  79    |77,  275,  336        I 
l-".'.  158. 

-  ithwick,  l".  177.  337,351,  158,619. 
Suuthwick    I  i( 

Spades,   -  .7  1. 

S    ■■;'•  'i  l.  I>  i   iel,  6  5  ;  Isaac,  1 19. 

a  ..     Nathan,  628,  6 18  ;    Nathaniel, 

609 
Spaulding,  Sii n,  9,  7::.   I  10,   -'7 ; 

291,  353,    II-,.   152,    162,   163,  582,  591, 

-  ir,  David,  II,  276,  181. 

.',397, 
136,  166,  169 

-  cer,    IS    82,   177.   J77.  336,351,   129, 
i  II  643. 

Spirituous  Liquors,  340,  161 .  I" 
64  I 

Spo« r,  Walter,  36,  .',7.    10,  18,  :7  ! 

■I.   I  '7.  3  15,  313,  317, 

: 

1,724. 
Sprague,  J,,lm.  638  ;  Samuel,  9,  ■  ! 

101,  17:'.     il   610 
Spring,  Samuel,  675 ;  Doet  357,361. 
Spiing6cld,  10,79,  r.7.  r  :..::>.  :::>,3X, 

100,  129,  158. 
Sproat,  Ebene;  er,  11,621. 
fej    nley,  Amos,  575 ;  George,  575. 
Stanwood,  Samuel,  136,  535,  655. 
Stark,  Col.  544,  547. 
Slaikwealher,  Ephraim,  278,  II  I 

\     j  ih,  II,   III;  John,  278,  333; 
.1   -i. ih.  134;  Mary,  627  j  Phiueas,  667. 
J    iepb,  349, 
Stedman,  Ebenezer,    105,  505,  508,  510, 

il3 
Steel,  Manufacture 
Steel,  John,  590;  Thomas, 637,  I 

ns,  John,  135 ;  Josiab,  III;  Samuel, 
Jr.  610;  Wil 
St.  George's,  135,  159 

.  Jonathan,  565 ;    William,  9,  67, 
:    109,  161,  192,  221,  274,  IH  I,  121, 
152,  663.  665,  666 
Stillman.U  135 

St  John  8, 267.     See  Crown  Point. 

Island  of,  313. 

St    Luke  La  Corne,  707,  71 

Stockbridge,   15,  83,    177,      ■  ■■.   311,    169, 

Si  •    Indians. 
Stockings,  >i I. 

Stone, Benjamin,  I-'  Ebenezer, 610 ; 

Gregory,  671  ;  Isaac,  I        I    I,  199, 


II      r 

i 

■ 

J        IN.    v 

.1     d,  703;  Jom  160,   161, 

J       -.     . 
',i"  J  J      Bh,9, 

i  ;••   i.  3   ;  ■    II  9   179 
i 

i  .  I,  392,   110,  119, 

120,   123,    ll...    150,    164,   U  3,   165,   170, 

■ 
610    611  ;    Samuel,  9  ;    Setb, 

Stoneham,  V 
ore  I!  181,  173. 

-  e  Keep  rs,  10 

-  igbion,  7.  77,  i  116. 

57, 616, 617. 
\ .  John,  I 
Storei .  John, ' 
Stow, 9,  7".  r  |     167, 

511,513,  516,511 
Slow  .  Jonathan,  9,  610 
Straw  :il. 

Sillily,  i .  Samuel, 
Stioui .  <  leoige,  i 
Smihridge,  ll   82,  177,  m, 336,  351,  189, 

Styles,  Ely,  500,  596. 

ury.  9,  7      171      216,  &6,   274,   157. 
il6,  51' 

k  (  ouiity,  7.  23,  ii.  62,  7:.  77,  i  10 
150,    176  157. 

; 
an,  James,  1-'.  51,  53,  56,  62,  6 
7.'.  in    148, 

I  19,    153,    217,  21 
537,  240,  27 

111, 

I', I.   162,   16  0;  John,  " 

Sulphur,  • 

Sumner,  James,  John,  111;  Nathan- 

iel. I 

Sunderland,  10  51,  150. 

Supervisors  ol  the  Camp,  57  1 .  577. 

Supplies,  Committee  ol,  .'■.',.  35,  38,  ::;;.  91, 
96,  :'7.  150,  ll  ■   i    ■   -"7    218,  J- 1    22 

I,   ll.'.   146,   162,   166,  17". 
601,    >"/ 

Supplies  ii.i  the  Army, 

Surg s,    203,   290,  321.  323,   341, 

...  i  i.   116,   184,   137,  449, 

464,   17".    172,   176,   188,  506,  521, 
544,  7lv. 

Sutpecled  Persons, 

Suttlers,  126 

Sull 13,  82,   17"  336,  351, 

131    168,  I  643. 

Swanzev,  I     B1.5  686. 

Swart,  i>nk.  7 1 1 

Swill.Job,  '■    77;  Hoses,  18,  I  11.  .'J.;.  27S. 

Sylvester,  \\  illiam.   19  k 

S\  monds,  Joshua,  610. 

S\  rnj.s  57,  736. 

Tar, 

Tarring  an.i  Feathering,  131. 

T uon,    12,  81,   189,  177.  .7::.   168. 

687. 

Taxes,  19,  38.  .  16,  66,  B6,98,  101, 

743 

Taylor,  Daniel,  9,    ITS,  510,  C10;   Ezra, 


776 


INDEX. 


53%  637;  Gillam,  432  ;  Docl.  John,  82, 
85,93,  139,  148.  149,  153,  157,  160.  163, 
169,  170.  172,  173,  178,  179,  184,185, 
186,  189,  191.  192,  195,  197,  198,203, 
205,  206,  211,  212.  Jiu.  229,  232,  233, 
236,  238,  261,  J77,  280,  281,  282,  286, 
299,  305.  30-;,  313.  318,  321,  32.5,  327. 
330,  333,  340,  360,  3(51,  362,  363,  363, 
375,  380,  383,  399,  401,  414.  417,  419, 
420,  427,  436.  112.  146,  413,  149,  152, 
456,  460.  461,  162,  463,  471,  477.479, 
482,  I  13,  188,  489,  ISO,  501,  628;  John, 
10;  Jonathan, 14  ;  Mr.  326;  Mr.  513, 
514,  515,  Phinehas,  610;  Samuel,  80; 
William,  531,  605. 

Teas,  India,  25.  Ih,  101,102,  7.37. 

Temple,  John,  9,  78,  274,  452;  Joseph, 
500;  Robert,  559,  560. 

Templeton,  1 1.  82,  177.  277,  336,  351,  429, 
15:i.643. 

Tender,  41,416. 

Ten  Eyek,5Barcnt  538. 

Tents,  509,  510.  o()h. 

Tewksburv,  9,  79,  177,  275,  352,  453. 

Thanksgiving,  Dav  of,  24,  27,  28. 

Thatcher's  Island,  394,  386,  442. 

Thatcher,  Peter,  594;  Samuel,  271,  283 
292,  293.  331.  361,  397,  399,  4U3,  445 
552,  454,  609. 

Thaver,  Alexander,  277,315;  Ebenezer 
7.  19,20.31.67,531,605. 

Thaxier,  Mr.  367. 

Thomas,  Anthony,  621  ;  Ebenezer,  621 
Edward,  278  ;  Isaiah,  201,  223,  249,  527 
542.  618.  661  ;  Col.  John,  11,22,  23,  51 
62,  65,  67,  80,  85,  87,  90,  93,  96,  133 
225,  239,  25  !,  270,  280,  282,  367,  376 
404,  408,  436,  437,  455.  169.  482,  526 
527,  531,  532,  536.  544,  553,  563,  567 
574,  587,  621,  622;  Nathaniel  Ray,  36 
61.  113;  Nehemiah,  11;  Waterman 
432;  William,  621. 

Thompson,  Barnabas,  621  ;  Benjamin, 247 
Capt.  373;  Charles,  314,  351,359,706 
Ebenezer,  278,  479  ;  Samuel,  15,  19,  20 
25,  62,72,  83,  111,  139,  141,  211,  279 
285,  286.  290,  297,  300,  301,  318,  326 
327,  332,  337,  355,  370,  380,  392.  102 
412,  415,  421,  655.  656;  Thomas.  244 
William,  7,  19,  20,  601.  605;  William 
610;  Col,  217.  21  !.  219,  237,397. 

Thomson.  Daniel,  678. 

Thornton,  Matthew,  308. 

Thurston.  Daniel.  8,  78,  198,  199,  201,  244, 
256.274,  355,  179,615. 

Ticondoroga,  233,  231,  335,236,239.250, 
258,  263-70,  281,  287.  288,  290,  293,  321, 
322,  324,  325.  327,  332,  372,  406,  460, 
461,  462,  465,  490,  495,  529,  534,  695, 
726,  727. 

Tidd,  Benjamin,  6663  John,  679;  Samuel, 
667;  William.  667. 

Tilghman,  Matthew,  740. 

Tinkham,  Joseph,  210,  211,  216. 

Tin  Plate,  63. 

Tisbury,  13.  81,279.  458. 

Tilcomb,  Jonathan,  343 

Tobev,  Samuel,  Jr.  279,  291. 

Toby",  John,  407  410. 

Tolland,  10. 

Tolman,  Doct.679;  Joseph, 621  ;  William, 
148. 


Tomson,  Ebenezer,  80. 

Topsiield,  8,  78,  274,  457,  615. 

Topsham.  15,  83.  220,  222,  279,  459. 

Tor  rev,  John,  514,  621,622. 

Towns  and  Districts,  38.  39,  45,  46.  58,  67, 
71,73,  98,  99,  109,  114,  116,  139,  176, 
184,  209,  210,  215,  256,  257,  336,  358, 
359,  364,  397.  420,  457,  462,  478,  479, 
518,  526.  570,  593,  756. 

Townshend,  9,  79,  176,256,  275,  337,  352, 
374,  376,  457. 

Townshend,  Daniel,  679. 

Tracy,  Elisha,  80. 

Train,  141,  142,  198,  200,  212,  213,  218, 
221).  232.  292,  334,  341,  373,  378,  381, 
383,  395,  397    399,  515,  562. 

Tread  well,  Mr.  578. 

Treason,  125,  126. 

Treachery  in  the  Annv,  363.  397. 

Treasury,  113,  151,  160,  168,  169,  185. 

Treasuries,  51. 

Trescott,  Lemuel,  577. 

Trevet,  Samuel  Russell,  531. 

Trickey,  Zebulon,  216. 

Troll,  Thomas,  655. 

Trumbull,  Col.  207;  Gov.  Jonathan,  181, 
18.5,  196,  270,  287,  298,  325.  372,  387, 
395,  404,  106,  445,  446.  447,  487.  679- 
704,  706,  709,  722,  725,  741  ;  Joseph, 
149  240,  283. 

Truro,  12,81,278,297,458. 

Tucker,  Benjamin,  621  ;  John,  548  ;  Jona- 
than, 13,82,628 

Tuckcrman,  Abraham,  132  ;  Lieut.  301. 

Tufts,  Simon,  221,  676. 

Turner,  John,  11,  278,  621  ;  Seth,  411  ; 
William,  621. 

Twining-,  Thomas,  368. 

Tyler,  Nathan,  628,  637,  640. 

Tyng,  James,  9,  79,  275,  305,  460,  461  ; 
"John,  9,  79,  97,275;  William,  219,  655, 
656. 

Tvi  iugbam,  15.  83,  177,  276,  459. 

Upham,  Joshua,  637.  638;  Phinehas,  13, 
19,  20,  26.  628  ;  Thomas,  610. 

Upton,  14,  82,  177,  277,  336,  351,  429,  459, 
643. 

Uran,  Thomas,  572. 

Uxbridge,  14.  82,  177,  277,  336,  351,  429, 
431,  4  59,  643. 

Vance,  William,  573. 

Vassal,  John,  519.  557.  558,  576,.  537,  593  ; 
Madam.  544,  587;   William,  36. 

Vassalborough,  15,  83,  459. 

Vessels.  Small  Armed,  308,  310,  317,  318, 
321,327.310,  357,. U;.  361.  169 

Vice  President  of  Provincial  Congress, 
301. 

Viarl,  .Monsieur,  59  I. 

\  lies.  Joel,  667. 

Vinal,  Gideon,  11;  Israel,  Jr.  621;  Wil- 
liam, 449. 

Vincent,  George,  375,  377. 

Vinton, Capt.  III. 

Virginia,  740,746,747. 

Vombavi,  Henries.  1  16,  '^'■'~'. 

Vose.  Daniel.  273,  306,326.  101.  115.  I  hi. 
I?.'.  184,601. 

Voting,  651 . 

Wadsworlh,  Jonathan,  15;  Pelcg,  621 5 
Wade,  621. 

Wagon  Master,  512,  549. 


INDEX 


w     ■••  J 

w  I  .1 

w 

u    .   .  10 

w  \  Jr.  106, 

Walker,  » 

J  Mr 

717  j  S  I  i 

tin  Ij  Col.  'J 

I 
/.  "I 

\\  I).  .1 

W  ,  77,  1 

\    II 

W  J  .' 

\\  irtem       I 

I".  |  I, 

- 

I,   107,   H9,   ; 
511, 

I! 

ah,  I  ;  Jonathan,   l  I. 

.1     i  -   muel, 

l     pi.  Samu 
W       ■      i  I        L  171 

w  .11.11: 

W  irl  Ice  I  np  emi    Is,  97, 

210  70J 

W     ner,  Jonathan,    71 
U    rren,  I  I 

Warn        I  ;      .     Elijah, 

- 

I    ' 
I         185,  190,  191,  1 

16,  217, 

I 
340  r 

!.    111.    i: 

'      'II      >]  John 

D.  51        .1  ] 

117,  132,  n;    i    •  i 

I 

w 
10     II 

I  154. 

ill 
I 

Watertov 

98 


u 


u . 
w. 
u. 


w 


s 

.1 
ber,  J 

J 


l 


\\  i 

u  Hi,  4 

v,  I  I 

w. 

VVi      ■      10 

\\ . 

\\  •   •         .11 

U  .  Mr 

West.  B        U 

\\  ■  I  I  ■  . 

W.    lorn,  It,  82,  11 

Weslfi         I 

\\. 

W  pton,  10. 

West  1 

u. 

w . 
W(     - 

West  Si 

M 
W 

W  R 

\'  \  .  . 

\\      lelcy,  10 

I  I        \\ 

Wheeler,  I 

I  I. 

P< 

I 
Wheeloi  k,  Mr.  147,  111. 
\\  I  ' 

W 

\\  \       !  : 

1 
\\  I'. 

i 
I  II   I II. 

I      I 
J  J 

615 ;  S 
v. 


778 


INDEX. 


Whithead,  John,  671. 

Whiting,  Jeremiah.  277;  William,  15,72, 
83,  198.  201,  204,  223.  276,280,281,290, 
297,  04,  320.  321,  323,  355,  361, 

374,  375,  381,  392,  400,  403,  417,  418, 
419,  421,  423,  489. 

Whitman,  Charles,  610. 

Whitney,  Daniel,  275.  358;  Lieut.  577; 
Oliver.  82,  204,  220,  686;  Samuel,  9; 
Col.  246,  516,  558,  562,  563. 

Whittemore,  Jacob,  206;  Mrs.  505,  506, 
507,  508;  Samuel,  78,  156,  159,  161, 
236,  240,  251,  254,  274,  284,  305,  317, 
371,  371'.  152,  161,  462,  561.  615,  67S; 
Capt.  Samuel,  609. 

Whitten,  Phineas,  435. 

Whittaker.  Richard,  575. 

\Y  hitlier,  Ebenezer,  435. 

Whitton,  Elias,  370. 

Wickes.  Thomas,  157. 

Wier,  Eleazer,  586. 

Wilhraham,  10,  79,  177,  275,  336,  351,  429, 
458. 

Wilder,  David,  623;  Joseph,  637,  638; 
Samuel,  637. 

Wiley,  John,  364.  373.  397.  399,  572. 

Willard,  Abel,  637,638  ;  Abijah,  36  ;  Capt. 
649;  Joshua,  637;  Levi,  449;  Thomas 
Kice,  664 

William,  Henry,  267-9. 

Williams,  George,  278,  353;  Israel,  36; 
John,  692;  John  Chandler,  529,  555, 
578;  Joseph,  254;  Lemuel,  183;  Leon- 
ard, 86;  Capt  Samuel,  27-1  ;  Col.  Sam- 
uel, 11,  80,  276,  281,  467,  486;  Simeon, 
278;  Thomas.  15,  19,  20,  27,  320,  573, 
594,652;  Hon.  William,  105,  149,  239, 
287,  288,  707,  709 

Williamsburg,  10,79,  177,  276,  280,  318, 
337,458. 

Williamstown,  15,  83.  177,  276,  459,  717. 

Willing,  Benjamin,  586. 

Willingion,  Enoch, 667. 

Wilmington,  9,  79,  177,  275,  352,  458. 

Wilson,  Ephraim,  637;  Jonathan,  678; 
Mr.  203,741. 

Wincheudon,  14,  82,  177,  336,  351,  429, 
459,643. 

Winchester,  Daniel,  10. 

Windham,  83,  459,  655. 

Wines,  57,  736. 

Wing,  Simeon,  434. 

Winn,  Timothy,  553. 

Winship,  Ebenezer,  341,  562;  Jason,  678; 
John,  668,  G'J2;  Jonathan,  490;  Lydia, 
687;  Margaret,  692;  Simon,  664,  665; 
Thomas,  667.  679. 

Winslow,  15,83,459. 

VVinslow,  Benjamin,  436  ;  Edward,  Jr. 
625  ;  Isaac,  36;  Joshua,  485,  487. 

Winsor,  15. 


Winthrop,  15,  83,  459. 

Winthrop,  James,  223, 455, 474,  592  ;  John, 
8,  27,  36,  53,  56 ;  Hon.  Mr.  334,  382. 

Wiscasset,  15. 

Wisner,  Henry,  740. 

Wiswall,  Noah,  679  ;  Parson,  218  ;  Thom- 
as, 276,  415. 

Witcher,  E.  412. 

Witham,  Daniel,  615. 

Witherell,  Charles,  610. 

Withington,  Ebenezer,  77,  240  ;  John,  7  ; 
Thomas,  301. 

Wohurn,  8,  78,  135,  191,  247,  274,  457, 
528.  566,  678. 

Wolcot,  Erasius,  239;  Oliver,  180,  532. 

Wood  Creek,  717. 

Wood,  Aaron,  8;  Alpheus,  610;  Ebene- 
zer, 621  ;  Ephraim,  Jr.  9.  610;  James, 
14.  82  ;  John.  223,  436,  552  ;  Capt.  John, 
248;  Jonathan,  628;  Joseph,  615;  Na- 
than. 14,  82.  277.  325. 

Woodbridge,  Benjamin  Ruggles.  327,  338, 
339,  370,  445,  583,  585 ;  Enoch,  432 ; 
Jerathmiel,  276,  427,  446,  471,  474,  476, 
485,  488.  499,  563,  573 ;  Jahliel,  448, 
453;  Timolhv,  36. 

Woodbury,  Andrew,  8,  62,411,  615;  Pe- 
ter, 655  ;  Samuel,  679 

Woods,  Henry,  610  ;  James,  277. 

Woodstock,  14,  82,  222. 

Woodward,  Richard,  601,  605. 

Wool,  496. 

Woolcombers'  Combs.  64. 

Woolson,  Ephraim,  587. 

Woolwich.  15,  83,  139.  279,  360,  459. 

Wooster,  Gen.  372,  373. 

Worcester,  13,  41.  50,  82,  159,  163,  170, 
177,  212,  214,  222,  223,  256,  276,  307, 
336,  351,  398,  414,  422,  429,  458,  500, 
505,  507,  510,  513,  516,  517,  518,  522, 
525,  527,  529,  594,  627,  628,  633,  634, 
636,  6-13. 

Worcester  County,  7,  10,  13,  23,  50,  62, 
67,  74.  82.  140.  150,  160,  177,  256,  276, 
290,  305,  313,  336,  337,  351,  352,  397, 
407,  420,  421,  422,  423,  428.  429,  430, 
431,  458,  459,  479,  566,   627-652,  755. 

Worthington,  11,  80,  177,  276,  337,458. 

Worthington,  J<  hn,  36. 

Wrentham,  7,  77,  176,  222,  256,  273,  337, 
352  457. 

Wright.  Phineas,  1 1 .  275 ;  Zaccheus,  9, 6 10. 

Wyer,  William,  610. 

Wyman,  Jabish,  678;  James,  667;  Na- 
thaniel. 679  ;  Boss,  640;  Samuel,  8,  78, 
191.474.610;  Capt.  578. 

Yarmouth.  12,81,27."..  158. 

York.  12,81,  158,159,279,411,412.458. 

York  County,  12,  141,  411,  412,  436,  459. 
755. 

Yountr,  William.  628,  631,  651. 


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